Rebuilding lives with Doll Therapy
A care home in Leeds is helping many of its residents with dementia to take part in daily activities, rebuild their sense of purpose and create opportunities for meaningful conversations with the help of doll therapy. Residents at Paisley Lodge, an Orchard Care Home based in Armley, now benefit from a specialist doll therapy area, thanks to the ongoing support of a partnership with Nestlé Professional, which enhances the 45-bed home’s specialist dementia care. A form of reminiscence therapy, doll therapy is designed to revive memories of parental responsibility in those living with dementia. As many as 60-90% of older people experience the distressing symptoms of Alzheimer’s or dementia, and therapy dolls have been shown to be extremely effective in helping to reduce this. Doll Therapy was first introduced at Paisley Lodge when one of its residents had regressed into childhood and did not recognise that her children had grown up. Her behaviour become erratic and she was hostile to staff and her loved ones when they tried to explain that her children were now adults. Home Manager Pat Woellner knew of the immense benefits that doll therapy can provide and introduced the resident to a life-like baby doll, who she was able to hold and care for. The new sense of responsibility and identity recreated the resident’s memories of being a mum and enabled her to share precious memories with family, staff and fellow residents. She became content and happy with her surroundings. This dramatic change in behaviour and the impact the doll therapy had, not only residents but also staff, has led to the introduction of other baby items in the home, such as a nursery with pushchairs, prams, baby equipment, and even a babysitting service. All too often, people with dementia become isolated in their own world and don’t recognise their loved ones, which is distressing for everyone. Doll therapy can offer a chance for them to regain a sense of purpose, caring for their charges and chatting to fellow residents and staff about their daily routines. It can also provide comfort and safety for residents experiencing grief from a loss of their partner. Pat notes: “One of our residents lost her husband, and the doll helped her to go through the grieving stages.” Caregivers sometimes report that when a loved one is holding a doll they are able to more easily provide care to their family member or resident because of the distraction and comfort the doll provides. Additionally, doll therapy is a non-pharmacologic way to address challenging emotions and behaviours that may develop in dementia. There are no medication side effects or drug interactions with doll therapy, and no cost to the NHS for medication. Pat Woellner, who has worked in the care sector for over 30 years, is passionate about the benefits that doll therapy brings to people living with dementia. “People with dementia are often anxious about their surroundings, the people with whom they interact and their own abilities. This can often result in agitation, poor appetite, loneliness and boredom. We have seen the dramatic changes that this therapy brings to our residents. In one case a lady who had been receiving treatment by specialist mental health services for challenging behaviour was discharged by her consultant after just 3 months because the doll therapy had made such a positive change to her behaviour. It’s not just women that benefit from doll therapy. Two of our male residents have enjoyed looking after them too. Now it’s a regular occurrence to see them pushing prams along the corridors, stopping to chat to staff and fellow residents about their “baby” and reliving their memories of bringing up their own children. I often hold a doll on my hip when doing my walk around the home to check everyone is happy, as it is a great way to start a conversation with residents who may otherwise not wish to engage.” Before Pat introduced doll therapy to the home she invited the families of residents to a meeting, explaining the pros and cons and provided them with information sheets, to gauge their feelings – almost all were supportive to its introduction to their loved ones. All the staff bought into the initiative and went out of their way to ensure they spent time with residents when they had their dolls, listening to them and sharing memories of their own family lives. Pat concluded “We now have 15 dolls in the home that are being used by residents and each doll is unique, to suit various individual’s needs. We have changing stations, pushchairs, feeding equipment and highchairs.” Staff and residents at Paisley Lodge certainly have a much stronger bond since the introduction of doll therapy and this common interest allows them to share opinions and memories about the many skills needed to raise children, and all the stories that accompany them, on a regular basis.
St George’s Day indoor street party at Teesside care home
AN INDOOR street party marked St George’s Day at a Teesside care home. Bunting, Union Jack flags and hats, decorated cakes and a sing-along all helped celebrate the patron saint of England at The Beeches Care Home, on Green Lane, Stockton-on-Tees. Residents took part in an arts and crafts session to create the English flag bunting. They also used icing sugar and other toppings to decorate themed cupcakes. A buffet of sandwiches, crisps and hot drinks was also laid out for the occasion. Singing along to classics from Dame Vera Lynn, Doris Day, The Beatles and ABBA got everyone into a party mood. A group rendition of “Que Sera Sera” had both staff and residents singing at the top of their voices. Resident Sheila Bradley said: “You’ve outdone yourself with this street party. I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been such a lovely afternoon.” Lena Evenden, who also lives at the home, added: “It’s been so nice to sit and have a chat with a cup of tea and also have a sing-along.” And fellow resident Marian Knightly said: “I have enjoyed this afternoon. It’s been a nice change. I would definitely join in again when we hold the next street party.” Jess Roth, activities coordinator at The Beeches Care Home, said: “It was lovely to see all the residents smiling and singing along, as well as chatting to other residents they wouldn’t necessarily see on a day to day basis. “It has been a really enjoyable afternoon seeing everyone so happy. It’s really made my day.” For more stories like the indoor street party click here
Windle Court residents enjoy drone flight experience
Residents at Windle Court care home in South Woodham Ferrers had a high-tech experience when local man, Jason, kindly visited with his camera drone. As Jason flew the drone over South Woodham Ferrers, close to Chelmsford in Essex, residents had the opportunity to wear goggles linked to the drone and were able to take in the amazing views from 100ft above, recognising local landmarks such as the River Crouch, Meadow Croft Garden Centre, an aerial view of their home, Windle court, as well as the surrounding landscape. Activities Coordinator at Windle Court, Nicola Daniels, said, “Everyone was really impressed with the drone flight and cannot wait for another visit and we hope that more of our residents will experience this amazing technology.” Operated by Runwood Homes, Windle Court is a well-established care home in South Woodham Ferrers in Essex providing 24 hour care for older people, including those living with dementia. For more care or recruitment information, call Windle Court on 01245 425980 or email windle.court@runwoodhomes.co.uk Find out more: https://www.runwoodhomes.co.uk/product/34
Et Voilà! Bearsden Care Home Residents Learn French
Residents at a care home in Bearsden are proving it’s never too late to learn a new language by taking up French lessons. Meallmore’s Antonine House care home has teamed up with Glasgow-based social enterprise Lingo Flamingo, who visit once a week to provide interactive language classes. Language learning in later years has been shown to have a number of benefits and it is believed that speaking multiple languages can delay the onset of dementia by up to five years. The classes help to improve residents’ cognitive ability, communication skills and well-being, as well as build their confidence. The course material is designed to be accessible and the classes are very interactive, focusing on speech as well as using props to introduce sensory learning through touch and smell. Through the topics covered, such as food and drink, travel and school, residents are inspired to share their memories and stories. They also enjoy singing French songs together, such as Frère Jacques. Bobby Dougan, care home manager at Antonine House, said: “We run a number of activities in the care home to encourage residents to interact and have fun and there is no doubt that the French language workshops are one of their favourites. “We have had 16 lessons so far and it has been wonderful to see residents become more and more engaged as the weeks have gone by. As well as learning the language, they have also found it really interesting to learn about French culture and customs. “We’re committed to providing exceptional standards of care at Meallmore and this is just one of the ways in which we look to enrich our residents’ lives.” Judith Eck, French Tutor from Lingo Flamingo, said: “One main benefit of language learning for the residents is that it gives them a “mental workout” and re-ignites language that they may have learned in school. “We find even the quietest residents find their voices when we work with numbers or days of the week and can join in. There’s no worry of having ‘forgotten the words’ because everyone is at the same stage. “The group really enjoy the lessons and they participate well. It’s also a great social hour – they love getting together and sharing their stories and memories and it’s a real privilege for us to hear them.” More information about Meallmore Ltd can be found at www.meallmorelodge.co.uk.
Blondie the Shetland pony delights care home residents
Blondie the Shetland pony trotted into a Teesside care home to meet elderly residents. The tiny, all white pony paid a visit to those living at Ingleby Care Home, on Lamb Lane, Ingleby Barwick. The delighted residents greeted Blondie with smiles and even a song – which almost wooed the pony to sleep. Resident Ivy Thomas began singing as soon as she approached, when Blondie rested her head on Ivy’s knee and closed her eyes. Fellow resident John Cliff Magson, who is profoundly deaf and chooses not to participate in many activities, was overcome with the visit. He said: “It was the best thing I’ve ever seen. It brightened up my day. It brightened up my whole week.” Resident Norman Curry said: “I didn’t ever expect to see a horse walking into my room.” Kirsty Walsh, activities coordinator at Ingleby Care Home, said: “It was great to have Blondie in the home – especially as we had to delay the visit from earlier in the year due to heavy snowfall. “It warmed my heart to see how the residents responded. Especially Cliff and Ivy. “We want to say a big thank you to K&L Ponies for bringing Blondie to the home and we look forward to seeing her again.” Ingleby Care Home and Blondie is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net
Care home turns into pizzeria for National Pizza Day
A TEESSIDE care home transformed into a pizzeria for the day as residents baked their own Italian creations. National Pizza Day was celebrated by staff and residents at The Beeches Care Home, on Green Lane, Stockton-on-Tees. Alwyn Behan, 86, Marian Knightly, 83, Jane Monaghan, 72, and Sylvia Smith, 77, were among those who created their own pizzas. The residents chose their favourite toppings, including pepperoni, chicken, ham, and a variety of vegetables, before baking them in the oven. Jane Monaghan said: “Pizza making has gone very well. Only I’ve got tomatoes everywhere. I’ve always been a messy cook. “It brought back memories of pizza-making parties with my grandchildren. My favourite pizza is double cheese with herbs.” Marian Knightly said: “I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s something different to do. My favourite is mushroom and cheese.” Alwyn Behan added: “I’ve enjoyed pizza making. It’s nice doing it myself and putting the different toppings on. My favourite is chicken and vegetables.” Jess Brown, home manager at The Beeches Care Home, said: “National Pizza Day was an opportunity to get messy and make our own pizzas. “The residents loved it. It brought back fond memories for many. And then they all enjoyed a slice with their afternoon tea.” The Beeches Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Mayor serves new year tea party for Peterlee elderly
A MAYORAL afternoon tea was enjoyed by residents from a Peterlee care home. Town Mayor Councillor Scott Meikle invited residents from Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, on Manor Way, to the annual over 60s new year tea party. Hot drinks and snacks were served throughout the event, at Shotton Hall, while the visitors enjoyed entertainment, bingo and a raffle. Dawn Minto, activities coordinator at Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, said: “We have been attending the Mayor’s new year afternoon tea for over 10 years. “It is a highlight of our calendar in January and the residents always look forward to it. “The event was very well organised and everyone had a great time. We’d like to say a big thank you to Mayor Councillor Scott Meikle for the invitation.” Bannatyne Lodge Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Mamma Mia 2 has elderly dancing in cinema aisles
A CINEMA turned into a dance hall for elderly care home residents during a dementia friendly screening of hit musical Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Residents from Waverley Lodge Care Home, in Lemington, leapt out of their seats during one of the film’s climactic hits to strut their stuff in the aisles. The screening specifically for those with dementia was the first of its kind at the Metrocentre, in Gateshead. Michelle Park, activities coordinator at Waverley Lodge Care Home, said: “Our residents were dancing in the aisles to Dancing Queen – they absolutely loved it. “They sang Abba songs on the bus all the way home, entertaining the other passengers, and then continued to sing for their fellow residents while having their supper – so I’d say it was a massive success. “Everything at the cinema was so well organised so everyone felt relaxed and able to express themselves. It was a delight to see so many happy faces.” The special screening included a 15-minute break, no adverts and reduced sound levels. Resident Pat Vasey, said: “What a fantastic trip out, I really enjoyed Mamma Mia 2.” Waverley Lodge Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Sean Hodder – professional vocalist
Described as “A first class showman” in his reviews, Sean Hodder is a consummate professional vocalist who has been performing around Devon for many years. A self tought vocalist Sean has a wealth of experience in singing, from formal choral singing with award winning choir Rejoice, to social club,pub,restaurant entertainer! Sean Hodder is a very positive crowd pleaser, performing at several weekly hotel spots on the English riviera at Torquays Sherwood palm hotel,where he projects a light hearted fun atmospheric evening of covers of all genres,styles and decades,as well as his amusing Elvis cabaret. Sean has an eclectic singing style and can perform a mix of both the old and new. Sean’s voice has the most gorgeous tone which has been described as “spine tingling”. In 1990-1992 Sean studied music at Poole and Bournemouth,receiving certifications in musicianship. He has performed in local theatre and has written his own material,as well as being trained by award winning South west vocal coach,Veronica Layne, who has coached X factor finalists. “I don’t try to be funny as a singer, but it seems to amuse people, the way I come across”! Sean Hodder provides wonderful care home singalong and music for every taste and will perform elvis shows and frank sinatra tributes. Hour shows are reasonably priced and it’s lively and fun or moderate for the kind of audience…Sean has sung in hundreds of homes all across the country. www.sean-hodder-vocalist.co.uk
