Light projection game makes all the difference to those living with dementia
Staff at MHA Langholme care home in Falmouth were left in awe after seeing first-hand the transformative effect that a motion-activated sensory projection had on residents living with dementia in the home. With the goal of stimulating, engaging and relaxing the mind, this projection technology, which is manufactured in the UK, comes equipped with quizzes, music and themes that have been designed to prompt conversation, spark nostalgia and maintain memory. Its use of therapeutic scenes and sounds which derive from nature have been known to instantly improve a dementia resident’s sense of calm. Through this OM Interactive motion-activated technology, residents can reach out to pop a bubble, grow a flower simply by touching it, and even dip their toes in the water as the tide rolls in – all without leaving the sense of security that their own room provides. This is made possible by the equipment’s portable and height-adjustable properties which are able to project coloured streams of light onto any table, bed or floor. For many mid-to-late stage dementia residents, the ability to speak or recognise loved ones can be a struggle. But with this new activity that all generations can enjoy, including children and their grandparents alike, staff at MHA Langholme care home have ensured that families can connect in a new way. It is one of the few care homes in the South West to offer this technology. Maria Brown, Home Manager at MHA Langholme care home said: “I first noticed the effect one of these projection games could have when a company came to demonstrate it at our Summer Fair last year, after seeing one of our dementia residents, who was visibly distressed at the number of people around her, immediately become immersed in the interactive game. “After that, I remember telling our team that we simply had to have one, whatever it takes.” Administration Manager, Kate Bateson adds “Here at MHA Langholme, we understand the benefits that social interaction has on the day-to-day lives of our residents. The effect this technology has isn’t like anything I have ever seen before – its ability to soothe and engage residents is enough to bring a tear to anyone’s eye.”
Living with Dementia and the benefits of gardening
Gardening can have a profound impact on someone’s quality of life, especially those living with dementia. Gardens provide a familiar environment of relaxation, sensory stimulation and can also help to create a sense of community. With a wide range of benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing, gardening provides an excellent activity for someone living with dementia. Reminiscence Gardens are often perceived as places of happiness and joy, whether from childhood memories of playing, seeing and smelling your favourite flowers, or taking part in gardening as a relaxing hobby in later life, they can often spark brilliant memories. As gardening is a familiar activity for many, taking part in activities designed around the garden will help encourage memories and conversation for someone living with dementia. For those who may not be able to take part in physical gardening, simply setting up a place where they can sit and relax will help spark conversations as they reflect and reminisce. Sensory Stimulation As we get older our senses can diminish and it is important to provide dementia activities which can engage and stimulate a variety of senses. Gardens are an excellent platform for multi-sensory stimulation. The scent of a favourite flower can bring back memories of the past, seeing the colours of the garden partnered with the ability to touch petals and hear wildlife can also help aid relaxation and create a brilliant sensory environment for someone living with dementia. Physical Exercise Gardening can be a very active hobby and has been shown to improve health and wellbeing. The acts of planting, using a trowel, sweeping or simply walking around a garden can have great health benefits. As well as providing a way to exercise, gardening can also help improve hand eye coordination and strength. Socialisation Loneliness often occurs in later life, and can become more prevalent with someone living with dementia if they struggle to communicate. Setting up a place where people can garden together can help bring about a sense of community and encourage socialisation. Relaxation Providing a place where someone can relax will help reduce agitation and aggression, plus improve sleep and increase energy. Gardens have been proven as excellent places for relaxation. Sitting amongst the wildlife, or taking care of the plants can help someone living with dementia as they take part in something which is familiar and known to be relaxing to them. Whether you set up a small garden outside a care home, set up gardening activities indoors during poor weather or perhaps take your loved one to a garden centre where they can be amongst the flowers, the calming effect of gardens can have a resounding positive effect on your loved ones quality of life. Contact Details: Active Minds www.active-minds.org info@active-minds.org +44 (0) 203 488 2001
