Dementia Care
Therapeutic Activity
If you have heard of, or been involved in music therapy, reminiscence therapy or exercise therapy you will already know they can make a massive difference to dementia sufferers. Therapeutic activities are extremely important as they provide mental stimulation and an outlet to express intense feelings.
And extensive research has shown that they can slow down the progression of certain types of dementia.
Residents who have taken part in our therapy sessions often seem less agitated, more cooperative and more communicative.
And currently we are working very hard to deliver them across all of our homes.
Back to top
Exercise Therapy
Exercise therapy is an important activity for our residents' wellbeing. It has been proven to slow mental decline, improve flexibility and strength, and reduce the risk of falls. Ordinary everyday tasks such as dressing, feeding and bathing become easier and thus help residents to remain independent. It is a positive experience that lifts mood, eases stress and adds calm.
All our therapists are specialists in the area of exercise for the elderly and we insist on professional qualifications. The sessions are gentle, non-strenuous and mostly chair-based so that everyone can participate.
Back to top
Reminiscence Therapy
All of our residents have led interesting lives and have stories to tell, and reminiscence therapy allows them to relive and share events from their past. It is a process which focuses on personal experience rather than on chronological or historical accuracy and is a pleasurable activity that increases self worth and a sense of belonging. The social interaction of sharing stories promotes togetherness, whilst still emphasising the individual identity and unique past of each resident and in those with dementia, particularly, reminiscence therapy eases confusion and meets important psychological and emotional needs.
The reminiscence rooms in our homes are furnished with a variety of objects that are of significance to our residents. These prompt memories and fuel discussion. We encourage relatives and other visitors to use the reminiscence rooms and talk about the old days and we welcome any personal memorabilia that a resident would like to bring to the home. Currently we are recruiting an army of volunteers to help with this work and to put together individual life histories for our residents. If you'd like to help out, please go to our volunteer section.
Back to top
Music Therapy
Music therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. It promotes well-being, alleviates pain, acts as a memory prompt and aids communication. At orchard we use only qualified musicians who have undergone a post graduate training in music therapy. These highly skilled individuals understand how to engage with our residents and deal with complex emotional responses, engaging them in various musical experiences including both listening and active music making.
As a non-verbal channel of communication music is important, particularly for those with dementia who are often confused and perhaps struggle to make themselves understood in other ways. . For example, one of our gentlemen in Boroughbridge had not spoken for many years, but astounded everyone when during a music therapy session he said loudly and clearly "well that was truly wonderful. I think we would all say so."
Music alleviates stress, reduces anxiety and is a soothing, calming, mood enhancing therapy. Anyone can take part; you don't need any kind of special musical ability. Our therapists work in groups and with individuals. In one home we have even started a choir for staff and residents to promote the enjoyment of making music throughout the home.
Music therapists are thin on the ground however, and we are always looking to recruit more. If you know anyone who might be interested in working for us we would love to hear from them.
Back to top
If you have heard of, or been involved in music therapy, reminiscence therapy or exercise therapy you will already know they can make a massive difference to dementia sufferers. Therapeutic activities are extremely important as they provide mental stimulation and an outlet to express intense feelings.
And extensive research has shown that they can slow down the progression of certain types of dementia.
Residents who have taken part in our therapy sessions often seem less agitated, more cooperative and more communicative.
And currently we are working very hard to deliver them across all of our homes.
Back to top
Exercise Therapy
Exercise therapy is an important activity for our residents' wellbeing. It has been proven to slow mental decline, improve flexibility and strength, and reduce the risk of falls. Ordinary everyday tasks such as dressing, feeding and bathing become easier and thus help residents to remain independent. It is a positive experience that lifts mood, eases stress and adds calm.
All our therapists are specialists in the area of exercise for the elderly and we insist on professional qualifications. The sessions are gentle, non-strenuous and mostly chair-based so that everyone can participate.
Back to top
Reminiscence Therapy
All of our residents have led interesting lives and have stories to tell, and reminiscence therapy allows them to relive and share events from their past. It is a process which focuses on personal experience rather than on chronological or historical accuracy and is a pleasurable activity that increases self worth and a sense of belonging. The social interaction of sharing stories promotes togetherness, whilst still emphasising the individual identity and unique past of each resident and in those with dementia, particularly, reminiscence therapy eases confusion and meets important psychological and emotional needs.
The reminiscence rooms in our homes are furnished with a variety of objects that are of significance to our residents. These prompt memories and fuel discussion. We encourage relatives and other visitors to use the reminiscence rooms and talk about the old days and we welcome any personal memorabilia that a resident would like to bring to the home. Currently we are recruiting an army of volunteers to help with this work and to put together individual life histories for our residents. If you'd like to help out, please go to our volunteer section.
Back to top
Music Therapy
Music therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. It promotes well-being, alleviates pain, acts as a memory prompt and aids communication. At orchard we use only qualified musicians who have undergone a post graduate training in music therapy. These highly skilled individuals understand how to engage with our residents and deal with complex emotional responses, engaging them in various musical experiences including both listening and active music making.
As a non-verbal channel of communication music is important, particularly for those with dementia who are often confused and perhaps struggle to make themselves understood in other ways. . For example, one of our gentlemen in Boroughbridge had not spoken for many years, but astounded everyone when during a music therapy session he said loudly and clearly "well that was truly wonderful. I think we would all say so."
Music alleviates stress, reduces anxiety and is a soothing, calming, mood enhancing therapy. Anyone can take part; you don't need any kind of special musical ability. Our therapists work in groups and with individuals. In one home we have even started a choir for staff and residents to promote the enjoyment of making music throughout the home.
Music therapists are thin on the ground however, and we are always looking to recruit more. If you know anyone who might be interested in working for us we would love to hear from them.
Back to top
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
