Five-minute boosts for elderly

IGHTINGALE HAMMERSON IS one of the first care homes to try out a “toolkit” called Living Well Through Activity in Care Homes, launched by the College of Occupational Therapists.

The home already organises structured activities such as art and cooking classes and has a small pet farm in the garden and a built-in synagogue. And there is always a special programme of events surrounding Jewish festivals. But the residents don’t just have to look at a calendar to find out when they will next get a chance to discuss their favourite recipe.

The new toolkit is full of ideas for all the care home teams, from the activity coordinators and care workers to housekeeping staff and gardeners, on how to engage the residents in daily life.

In piloting the toolkit we have observed the value of five- and 15-minute activities in enriching lives and building relationships between staff and residents. These short encounters can help residents to “live in the moment” and contribute significantly to their quality of life, wellbeing and mood.

In addition, the toolkit encourages them to re-engage in domestic tasks which they used to enjoy before they came into residential care, such as helping with the gardening or cooking. When a resident is encouraged to get involved in cooking their favourite food or tend to indoor plants, their individual needs and interests are taken into account.

Even just sitting with a resident and talking with them about the weather or what they are wearing can offer much more affirmation and empowerment than a hurried hello. Anne Topping is head of therapy at Nightingale Hammerson. The free toolkit can be viewed at www.cot.co.uk/ living-well-care-homes