Helping With Dementia

AN activities coordinator at a care home in Westcliff for people with dementia has described how helping residents to stay active is essential to their health and wellbeing.

 The Reverend Sandie Woolford has worked at Clifton Lodge in Balmoral Road for 11 years,  and organise a regular programme of activities to meet the social, spiritual, emotional and physical needs of residents.

 She has a background in holistic therapies, counselling and psychology and is also an ordained minister.

 Her activities include bingo, painting, music and performances from local musicians and dancing, games, exercise, pet therapy visits, meditation and tea parties.

 To mark World Alzheimer’s Month this September, she is highlighting the importance of music and movement to wellbeing.

 Rev Woolford said: “Remaining active within a care home is not just for wellbeing. It helps people to stay moving, as most find their movement declines during the different phases of dementia.

 “This is why we are now incorporating music and movement into our activities at Clifton Lodge.

 “For our residents who can, we are working towards helping move to music to help with dexterity and cognition.

 “This is something we all take for granted, but it is not until we lose the ability that we can realise the struggles of others.”

  Rev Woolford, who has also cared for relatives and people in the community, has written a book called Day By Day: The Quality of an Active Life in a Nursing Home, based on her experiences and knowledge.

Picture: Rev. Sandie Woolford at Clifton Lodge. Pic NHS

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