Activities
Ensuring each of our residents feel valued and content is at the forefront of all minds here at Meddyg Care. We make sure that each interaction with a resident counts even if it’s as simple as encouraging conversation, and we’re always there if a resident feels like they need a lengthy chat.
With each interaction, we take note of their mood, and draw upon the personal connection that we develop with each of our residents and every ounce of knowledge we learn from them as a result to bring their mood back up if they’re feeling low.
Engagement & Fun
Our varied and engaging activity line-up helps to boost morale and a general sense of wellbeing. All of our activities are tailored to benefit those who are living with dementia, as they often encourage mental stimulation, aspects of therapeutic sensory stimulation and are simply formatted for maximum fun.
Familiarity & Stimulation
We at Meddyg Care work hard to create a comfortable and visually stimulating home for your loved ones that will assist with developing familiarity in a new space and reducing confusion, but we also recognise the great importance of enriching the day-to-day lives of our residents with varied and engaging activities that everyone can enjoy.
A few Activities we may choose from
Arts and Crafts
Flower Arranging
Word Games
Theme Days
Sing-a-longs
Afternoon Tea
Baking
Bowling
Textiles
Sensory Stimulation
Activities such as these focus on using a range of materials and activities that can help awaken your loved one’s senses in a fun and natural way. This technique has benefits for all, however, it can be especially beneficial for people who have a memory-related condition, such as dementia, or people regaining their abilities after a stroke. We use sensory stimulation to introduce more variety to your loved one’s day and help them make use of all their faculties. In many cases, this can also help transport them back to cherished past memories.
Nostalgia
Utilising nostalgia in this way can be especially potent when paired with a simple activity. With conditions such as dementia, it can often be easier for your loved one to recall actions and sensations that have been a part of their life for many years, rather than memories which may have been lost due to the progression of their condition. We encourage your loved ones to think about activities that they have enjoyed in the past and help them to engage in these activities as they are able.
Our
Journey’s
The Glaslyn Arms, so named after the estuary that runs alongside Porthmadog, allows residents to enjoy alcohol-free beers, wines, ciders, and spirits while also taking in occasions such as sporting events and pub quizzes in a safe environment within the home.
Some areas of the home, not only serve as a familiarity but also provide a purpose in situ. Having our own salon and barbers, cafes and gardens, means that when we are providing health care we are also enriching the lives and independence of our residents with something that they recognise.
Familiar sights such as corner shops, the post office, the laundrette, barbers and cafes provides a sense of community and grounding throughout the homes. We’ve put a lot of effort into designing rich internal environments which will stimulate the mind and help with connection.
Throughout our homes we have various murals and sets to simulate travel, including a fully kitted train car and digital ‘window’. We may regularly take residents out on a journey, the familiarity of the scenery going by or the feeling of heading towards a destination can help alleviate confusion.
Outdoor spaces are vitally important. We utilise these areas for activities such as drives in our car, which has had the engine removed, gardening, laundry and barbeques, ensuring there are simple guided paths between areas of the home and encouraging able residents to stretch their legs outdoors.
Each bedroom is uniquely different. Families are encouraged to bring personal effects such as bedspreads, photographs and ornaments that will remind residents of their own home. Precious collections are often displayed for residents to view from their beds, to make sure that every moment is filled with the things they enjoy.
Memories
Certain activities can be grounding for an individual diagnosed with dementia and we use sensory tools to tap into these memories. For example:
• If they were a keen baker, they may enjoy the sensation of kneading dough.
• If they were a musician, they may like to hear recordings of their instrument or even play a few notes.
• If they loved gardening, they might welcome the texture and smell of plants or earth.
Combining multiple senses simultaneously can help your loved one get more from their stay with us, for example, if they enjoyed visiting the seaside, we may fill a tray with beach-related items, such as sand, shells and seaweed for them to touch, which we would use in tandem with a recording (audio or visual) of a beach setting, including familiar sights and sounds such as waves lapping, people chatting and seagulls squawking.
Physical Interaction
Physical interaction can play a large role in sensory stimulation activities.
Depending on what they’re comfortable with, a gentle massage or just five minutes spent holding their hand might add to your loved one’s day. We often have visits from local school children to our homes and we have even had a visit from reindeer during our festive activities.
Providing this childlike fun gives our homes a unique environment which can help re-open doors for your loved one.