20th Jul 2020
Here at Bridgewater Day Care our primary concern is that older members of the community in and around Wigan benefit from companionship and friendship in a safe, secure environment. Our specialist team of staff are trained in the latest techniques in the care of those living with a form of dementia and Alzheimer’s, and this knowledge is reflected in the level of care we provide.
Healthcare experts advise that people with dementia should take part in cognitive stimulation activities, ideally as part of a group structure. There is a broad range of activities available for people with dementia, so it’s usually possible to develop a programme of cognitive stimulation that is tailored towards your loved one’s capabilities and interests.
Activities can be adjusted as the dementia progresses and at Bridgewater Day Care we are able to source the activities needed for each individual client.
In our Day Care Centre, based in Golborne, our clients enjoy a wonderful selection of activities to encourage friendships to form with both Carer’s and peers. There is no pressure for our clients to take part in any activity but we find there is usually something to suit everyone! Clients in our Day Care Centre can choose to take part in some of the following:
☑️ board games, particularly those involving adding or counting
☑️ word games, such as crosswords, word searches or Scrabble
☑️ number games, such as Sudoku
☑️ other games, such as cards, dominoes, darts and chess
☑️ jigsaws
☑️ art
☑️ creative tasks, like knitting
☑️ cooking/baking
☑️ dancing
☑️ reading
☑️ music therapy
☑️ playing musical instruments or sing a longs
☑️ reminiscence work
to name but a few!!
Isolation for people living with dementia can have a massive effect on their mental health, and day services like Bridgewater are a lifeline to our clients and their families.
Even before the coronavirus outbreak, one in five of us claimed to feel lonely often or for some of the time. Loneliness, with a multitude of causes and effects, requires equally broad solutions.
Humans are social creatures, so being forced to self-isolate can really take its toll on our mental health.
If loneliness is affecting your life, there are things you can try that may help on the NHS website. If these don’t make things easier for you, your GP will be able to offer further advice. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone.
The most common signs of loneliness are:
• An overwhelming feeling of isolation
• Feeling tired or low energy
• Falling or staying asleep
• Lack of interest in food
• Feelings of anxiety
• Feeling hopeless or increased feelings of depression
Mental Health UK have developed some useful information and tips to help people manage their health during the coronavirus outbreak.
Details and phone numbers of other organisations and charities who can help are shown below:
• Age UK – information and advice about coronavirus
• The Silver Line – helping provide info, advice and friendship to Older People
• Dementia UK has a video which provides calming techniques which may help a person with dementia as well as their carer. This includes a breathing technique known as the signal breath. The Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline includes providing critical emotional and practical support to carers affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19).
• Campaign to End Loneliness has launched a new report which brings together the research with views and experiences of older people, policy makers, and organisations who work with older people : The Psychology of Loneliness.
• NHS – Every Mind Matters – Simple ideas to maintain mental wellbeing while at home
• The Marmalade Trust are dedicated to encouraging people to understand more about loneliness, one conversation at a time.
• Shout: Confidential 24/7 crisis text support. Text “SHOUT” to 85258 or visit Shout Crisis Text Line
• UK Government – COVID 19 Guidance for the public on mental health and wellbeing
• MIND: Mind has tips and support on its website. Coronavirus and your wellbeing | Mind, the mental health…
• The Mental Health Foundation hosts Mental Health Awareness Week.
• Rethink – Advice for people living with severe mental illness
• COVID-19 – Staying Mentally Well – Simple steps you can take to try to look after your emotional wellbeing
• CALM: The Campaign Against Living Miserably, for people in the UK who are down or have hit a wall for any reason. Call 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight). Free, anonymous webchat with trained staff or visit the CALM website
• Samaritans: Call free on 116 123 or visit the website
• NHS 111: Non-emergency advice is available online (Only call 111 if you cannot get help online). People with hearing problems can use the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) service.
• Simple Self-Soothe Strategies – Introduces you to five simple strategies for relaxation and self-soothing which can be used by adults or children
It is our absolute priority to keep the Bridgewater family safe and well during this time. Bridgewater Day Care has all the required procedures, PPE supplies and hygiene standards in place to protect clients and our care specialists attending our Day Care Centre.
Only clients and staff are allowed at the day care centre at present .
Please contact one of our friendly team to discuss any fears or concerns you have for yourself, your family or loved ones attending the Day Care Centre or to discuss the activities that we provide for our clients : 📞 01942 723115 or email : info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk .