Winner of 3rd award in Erosh Innovation & Good Practice Awards 2014 sponsored by:
What is it?
“Activities R Us” is a banner for project work carried out by the A2Dominion Activities team in an extra-care setting to promote and enhance social interaction and inclusion of older people. Activities and opportunities are shaped with the help of clients are person centred and sit outside the stereotypical norm for older people.
Activities include:
- Trialling Samsung Breezies to promote digital inclusion for older people.
- Rhythm drumming with Readipop – for hand and eye coordination.
- Singing for fun – reducing anxiety levels for dementia sufferers.
- “FUNDAY” – bringing together older people from the community and A2D sheltered schemes. Activity sessions were followed by an interactive war time themed event.
- Summer Games – a sports event involving everyone regardless of ability e.g. discus – paper plates; javelin – plastic darts; volleyball – inflatable ball.
- Horticultural therapy sessions
- Movement to music
- Themed reminiscence events
What were its aims?
The project provides a range of innovative social activities for older people living in A2Dominion accommodation as well as in the wider community aimed at empowering older people, promoting independence, overcoming social isolation and loneliness, and improving choice, health and well-being.
Other key aims include:
- Providing activities in a safe and stimulating environment using the extra care facilities
- Reaching older people living in the surrounding community
- Providing activities suitable for people with a wide variety of needs, particularly those suffering with dementia to help maintain and improve their physical, mental and emotional well-being.
- Developing links with the wider community and with local colleges by enlisting volunteers to help with the activities.
- Providing respite for carers who need a regular break and can be reassured that their family member is in a safe environment and looked after by qualified staff.
What were the outcomes?
- A reduction in social isolation and loneliness
- Developing new relationships and friendships
- Improved nutrition
- Maintaining and improving emotional, physical and mental well-being
- Prolonging independence
- Work experience opportunities for social care students at local colleges
Why we like it
This project encompasses a wide range of interactive, person centred activities, involving older people from different schemes and the wider community, which promote empowerment and independence and address a variety of issues including digital exclusion, social isolation and loneliness as well as improving health and well-being. It makes good use of scheme facilities providing the community with alternatives to day centres some of which have been closed. The activities also provide respite opportunities for carers. Activities are offered which suit people with different needs and particularly those with early and middle stages of dementia. There is partnership working with Age UK and the Floating Support Service and volunteers are involved including students from local colleges undertaking work experience.
Why the customer liked it
Quotes to follow.
Find out more
Contact:
Sheila Osborn, Activities Manager.
T: 01189 507914 / E: sheila.osborn@a2dominion.co.uk
Your own good practice to share?
Complete our Good Practice Example Form and email it to Rebecca Mollart, Chief Executive, erosh, ceo@erosh.co.uk.
Go back