What is your name and role in the Sisters Hospitallers?
My name is Maria and I am an Activities Coordinator at St Augustine’s (Addlestone)
How important are recreational and social activities for older adults in the centres?
They are very important, health is everything as we know and mental health is a key part of health that can not be forgotten. Recreational and social activities can alleviate boredom, improve mental health and help residents cope with symptoms of dementia. If you include activities that keep them moving, keep them thinking and keep them smiling their health can sometimes remain better for longer and it can slow down decline.
Can you describe some of the activities that are most popular with residents?
The most popular activity I run is a film-themed day (of films they would remember from when they were younger) every two weeks where the whole room is decorated, we have themed music playing and themed costumes for the residents to wear and get involved in. I then run themed games and competitions. I find engagement soars on this day all over the board all the way from low to high support needs, everyone gets involved.
How do you plan and select activities for older adults?
I look at what their needs and abilities are. For some sensory-based activities are appropriate, for some memory-based activities such as name that tune get them interested and involved, many physical game competitions are what get them involved and can liven them up. No two groups of residents are the same so I aim to do three activities a day plus 1:1’s to ensure maximum engagement.
How does the hospitaller charism of the congregation influence the design and implementation of daily activities for older adults in the centres?
The sisters are always willing to give ideas and help out, they can help engage more residents at a time and are never afraid of “looking silly” as that is often what you need to get residents engaged.
What impact have you observed on the mental and physical health of residents as a result of these activities?
They appear brighter and happier when I walk into the room as they are keen to know what activities I am running next. I have noticed from the physical activities that they have improved in confidence and in strength in these games. They are always asking what the next film day and look forward.
Can you share a success story where an activity has had a significant impact on a resident?
In my 1:1’s with a particular resident who I go in and talk with every day I am on shift I have noticed that when I first went in I might get one yes or no answer in an entire conversation but now after a few months she is able to talk to me in full sentences throughout our conversation. It has been so wonderful to see her confidence and vocabulary increase.
What challenges do you face at the centre and what tools or resources do you use to overcome them?
Challenges I can face can be reluctance to engage in some activities, so I set up activities in the middle of the space where everyone can see and get as many as possible to join in (even if that’s only 3). I start the activity with them and as others see the enjoyment I see them watching, after a few minutes I invite them to the activity again, often times their answer will change to that they would like to join in, I can get many more residents to participate using this method.
What recommendations would you give to other facilities looking to improve their activity programmes for older adults?
No two facilities are the same, every group of residents is different, trial and error activities, adapt them to their needs, don’t be afraid for the activities to look a bit silly and don’t be afraid to make yourself look silly. Give them something to look forward to and break up their time so they don’t feel trapped in an endless loop of the same thing. Mix things up. Scour the internet for new and interesting ideas. And talk to your residents, they know what they enjoy already if you listen to them, also talk to their families, they know what this person enjoys/used to enjoy even if they don’t remember themselves.