Meaningful activites at Hawkhill

Some of the residents at Hawkhill House in Milltimber this week decided they wanted to help out in their home by dusting, folding napkins, setting up the dining room table for their lunch.As a dementia home we realise offering our residents opportunities during their day to participate in spontaneous and planned activity that is meaningful to them and that promotes their health and mental well being is very important. Meaningful activities are an important part of every day life, at Hawkhill House we will do all we can to make sure the residents can continue to do what they enjoyed before they moved here.As a person's dementia develops, it is likely to have an impact on their ability to carry out certain activities, it is important to remain active, including maintaining everyday skills. Meaningful activities should be enjoyable, and may be linked to hobbies or interests that the person enjoyed before the diagnosis of dementia. Activities such as taking a walk, cooking or painting can help preserve dignity and self-esteem. Some of the most beneficial activities can be simple, everyday tasks such as setting the table for a meal or folding clothes. They can help a person with dementia feel connected to normal life and can maximise choice and control. Some activities offer an emotional connection with others and provide a sense of belonging.For some of our ladies they used to enjoy taking pride in their own homes, their days would have been planned around keeping the home tidy, cleaning, cooking and being a mother. As a result they wanted to help with some of these elements at Hawkhill House. Because these activities also had them up on their feet it was great exercise too.[gallery size="medium" ids="15903,15904,15902,15901,15900,15899"]Keeping occupied and stimulated can improve quality of life for the person with dementia, as well as for those around them. Activities can act as an opportunity for fun and playfulness. They can also encourage independence, social inclusion, communication or expression of feelings relieving anxiety. because these activites are done with the carers it also helps build on their relationships.Hawkhill House provides specialist nursing and dementia care in a purpose built environment for up to 43 elderly people.If you would like to find out more about life at Hawkhill House and the care we offer, or to request a meeting with our Home Manager, please contact us on 0808 223 5322 or hawkhill@CaringHomes.org.