Wigan care village sees residents flourish through dementia sessions led by their own care team
A new programme that helps to spark memories and conversations among dementia sufferers is proving a big success at a Wigan care home
Residents living with dementia at a Wigan residential home are enjoying a new programme of stimulation sessions, with staff reporting high engagement, warm moments of connection and stronger relationships between residents and carers.
Lakeside, the nursing home Standish Care Village, began delivering the sessions in September to a first group of five residents from across the homes with differing levels of dementia and cognitive change.
The programme is part of Millennium Care’s partnership with Ayla, a Cognitive Stimulation Therapy platform, and the group’s wider investment in dementia training and staff development.
Sessions take place in small groups and use themes such as emotions and word association to spark conversation and memories. That suits a person-centred approach, where each resident’s own story and preferences lead the way.
Jayne Taylor, who delivers the sessions, admitted she was unsure at first how they would be received. “I have really enjoyed delivering these sessions, and I find them really rewarding” she said. She has since seen residents looking forward to each one, and one lady regularly asks when the next will be.
Jayne also described a gentleman who shows very repetitive behaviours at other times, but who was completely engaged in the sessions, contributing well, with those behaviours not evident.
In a session on emotions, one lady was asked how she felt and replied: “Calm because I’m comfortable around everyone.”
In a word association session, the same gentleman said a nice scent reminded him of his partner because he “loved her”. Later that day, he was able to recall everything discussed.
The sessions have also helped residents and staff get to know one another better, from stories of residents’ younger years to details of staff members’ lives outside work. Jayne said this has helped to build trust between residents and the team.
Lakeside deputy manager Lisa Hough said: “Jayne and the team have taken this on with real heart. Ayla gives us a lovely way to spend meaningful time with residents, and it’s wonderful to see people so engaged and so at ease. Moments like these are why we do what we do, and we’re incredibly proud of everyone involved.”