Activities for people who walk with purpose

There are times when most people want to walk about and people living with dementia are no different.

In fact, studies show that 6 out of 10 people living with dementia will do this at some time.

Sometimes the person living with dementia is following an old routine (e.g. going to work or being in the garden); sometimes they are looking for something that they think they have misplaced, or they are trying to find social connection/intellectual stimulus.

Walking with purpose is not a problem in itself but it can increase the risk of falls and at Pine Martin Grange we recently carried out a review to see how we could further reduce the risk of our ladies and gentleman falling.

Although our activities programme is varied and open to every resident, we do have ladies and gentlemen who have varying degrees of ability/attention.

With this in mind we wanted to create a more bespoke programme for those living within our “Forget me Not” dementia community.

Looking at our resident mix within this community we identified some key interests and themes from their care plans – specifically music, dancing, animal contact and art. Looking at the resources available to us, we have devised a programme that encompasses a variety of these themes on very accessible levels.

In our first month we had the following activities – “Curly the Busker” a one-man band/comedian, an old-time music show, and a visit from some very exotic ‘pets’ like chameleons, lizards and large toads.

Our care team have also been inspired and empowered to instigate further activities, and this has led to balloon tennis, quoits and much more. It is all been very stimulating for the residents, and we have much more planned. This includes converting a less used space into a hub – a destination – for those who walk with purpose. This space includes arts/crafts available to pick up and engage with, rummage boxes for the magpies amongst us, along with a variety of independent and led activities.

We are also recruiting a part time dedicated dementia- focused activities co-ordinator, so there’s lots more to come – watch this space!

click here for more details or to contact Pine Martin Grange Care Home