Making a Difference with Therapeutic Activities (Dementia Action Week: 19th – 25th May 2025)

mhmadmin
3 days ago
4 min read

Credit: Gabe Mandel Service Manager

Dementia Action Week (19th – 25th May 2025) is a vital opportunity to shine a spotlight on the importance of compassionate, person-centred care for individuals living with dementia. At Mental Health Matters Wales (MHM Wales), our Therapeutic Activities project, funded by Cardiff and Vale Regional Partnership Board, is dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of individuals living with dementia during their hospital stays.

Hospital environments can be unfamiliar and distressing for individuals with dementia, leading to feelings of confusion, isolation, and a risk of deconditioning. Our Therapeutic Activities programme is designed to prevent this by keeping patients physically, mentally, and emotionally engaged.

Understanding Deconditioning

Deconditioning is a decline in physical and cognitive abilities due to inactivity. For patients in hospital, especially those living with dementia, it can happen quickly. Time spent in bed or sitting for extended periods can lead to:

Muscle Weakness: Reduced strength and mobility.
Cognitive Decline: Memory loss, confusion, and reduced mental alertness.
Emotional Distress: Anxiety, isolation, and depression.

Our Therapeutic Activities aim to prevent deconditioning by encouraging gentle movement, social interaction, and cognitive stimulation.

Our Approach – Gentle, Meaningful Activities

At MHM Wales, we believe in a person-centred approach. Our Therapeutic Activities are not rigid exercise routines – they are creative, engaging, and designed to make patients feel valued.

🌿 Physical Activities

Seated Exercise Sessions: Gentle stretching and movement to maintain muscle strength.
Supported Walks: Short walks around the ward to encourage mobility and social connection.
Creative Movement with Rubicon Dance: Music and dance sessions to keep patients active in a joyful way.

🌸 Cognitive Stimulation

Art Therapy: Guided painting, drawing, and crafts to inspire creativity.
Reminiscence Therapy: Using familiar objects, photos, and stories to stimulate memories.
Music for the Mind: Singing, listening to favourite songs, and group music sessions.

💬 Emotional Wellbeing

One-to-One Befriending: Personalised support, providing comfort and companionship.
Group Sessions: Opportunities for social interaction, reducing loneliness.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Simple techniques to promote calm and reduce anxiety.

Real Stories – The Impact of Therapeutic Activities

Our Therapeutic Activities have transformed hospital stays for individuals living with dementia:

“The music sessions bring Mum to life. She sings along and smiles – it’s like I get a glimpse of who she used to be.” – Sarah, Daughter of a Patient.

“I was worried about Dad losing his strength, but the gentle exercises keep him moving. It’s reassuring to know he is staying active.” – John, Family Member.

“It’s not just the patients – the whole ward feels brighter when the MHM Wales team is here.” – Clinical Staff Member.

Our Impact – Feedback from Patients and Staff

We regularly gather feedback to ensure our Therapeutic Activities are making a difference.

✅ Patient Feedback (Last Quarter):

🌟 90% of patients were satisfied with their experience.
💚 78.6% reported feeling emotionally better after engaging with our activities.
🌱 64.3% felt less lonely, and 66.7% felt more independent.
🔹 57.1% felt less dependent on clinical staff for emotional support.

✅ Staff Feedback (End of 2024):

🌟 79% of staff strongly agree that patients receive excellent support.
💚 89% believe our sessions reduce isolation and support cognitive stimulation.
🌱 79% feel our activities make their jobs easier, reducing pressure on clinical staff.
🔹 100% agree that our activities help prevent deconditioning.

Why Therapeutic Activities Matter During Dementia Action Week

Dementia Action Week is about raising awareness, challenging stigma, and promoting better support for those living with dementia. Our Therapeutic Activities align perfectly with this mission by:

Reducing Isolation: Providing social connection and meaningful engagement.
Promoting Wellbeing: Enhancing physical, cognitive, and emotional health.
Supporting Carers: Easing pressure on families and healthcare staff.
Respecting Dignity: Ensuring that individuals feel valued and understood.

A Person-Centred Approach

Everything we do is tailored to the individual. Our team takes the time to get to know each patient – their interests, hobbies, and what makes them smile. This person-centred approach means that every activity is meaningful and enjoyable.

🌸 Gardening Club: Weekly sessions for patients who love nature.
🎶 Music with Rubicon Dance: Uplifting dance and movement sessions.
🎨 Creative Crafts: Art therapy to inspire self-expression.

Supporting the Whole Ward

We are not just visitors – we are part of the ward community. Our Therapeutic Activities are fully integrated into everyday care, supporting both patients and staff:

🌿 Collaborative Working: We work alongside ward staff to provide holistic support.
🌱 Reducing Pressure on Staff: Our activities help maintain patient wellbeing, making it easier for clinical teams.
💬 Emotional Support for Carers: Our team provides comfort and reassurance to families.

Join Us for Dementia Action Week

This Dementia Action Week, we invite you to support our Therapeutic Activities project:

💚 Get Involved:

Donate: Your support ensures that we can continue providing these essential activities.
Volunteer: Help us bring joy, creativity, and movement to patients.
Share Our Story: Spread the word about the importance of therapeutic activities in dementia care.