Mellish House Resident Michael Discovers a Flair for Maths through a Game of Cards

When most people play a game of cards, it’s the camaraderie and friendly competition that’s enjoyable. However, for Mellish House resident Michael, cards also revealed an affinity with numbers.

Engaging in Card Games

Residents and the team at Mellish often play card games together and recently, Michael joined in. Due to his diagnosis, Michael finds it difficult to concentrate and can be easily distracted throughout the day. When he participated in the card games, however, Michael became much more expressive and shared with others the things that make him feel calm and confident. He was met with encouragement all round, and in turn, Michael felt happy that others were engaging with him in a new way.

Success with Numbers Brings out the Best

Building on the positive way that Michael responded during the card games, Hillside’s Wellbeing Coordinator, Chris, decided to put together some new numbers-based games for him. Designed to encourage Michael’s confidence by helping him succeed, the games were created using straightforward arithmetic with clearly set out sums and a ‘tick box’ for correct answers. Michael’s sense of achievement was wonderful to see and his comments, “I’m having a good time” and “I’m the best” were amazing, coming from someone who usually struggles to find their words.

Chris also supplied rewards in the shape of Michael’s favourite chocolates and there was plenty of laughter and joking between the pair throughout what became a real bonding session. Chris added, "Supporting Michael's needs meant that we both learned, had fun and developed a new skill!"

Supporting Michael’s Progress

Since then, Michael has been using more vocabulary than he usually would to express his specific needs and wishes. Chris shared the games and the method behind them with the care team so they could continue to encourage Michael to develop new skills. With more tools to help manage his concentration and continued support as he finds ways of reaching out to others, Michael’s progress has the potential to make a positive impact on all involved.

Discover Mellish House Nursing Home

Mellish House Care Home, situated near Sudbury in Suffolk, provides residential and specialist dementia care in a fresh, bright and comfortable environment. The home offers care that is tailored to individual needs, interests and preferences, and a team who are committed to delivering the very best. If you would like to learn more about the types of care and services available from Caring Homes, please visit our website page. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or would like to learn more.