Speaking to family members
With these unprecedented circumstances, life in the UK has changed dramatically. During these times Stanfield Nursing Home, and many others across the country, have had to adapt using Government advice to ensure the safety of our residents. As the physical and emotional well-being of our residents is our primary concern, we have developed new ways for people to keep in touch with their loved ones during lockdown.
Not only does technology offer a variety of ways to pass the time and keep engaged, they also provide a way to connect with family and friends. Gadgets like tablets have video messaging apps like FaceTime, Skype and WhatsApp. As one of our nursing home coronavirus activities, we have been using these platforms for our residents to maintain as much face-to-face contact with their loved ones. We also encourage family members to send in photographs, drawings, and messages which is especially important for those experiencing dementia.
These tablets will also give residents access to activity and creative apps designed for people with dementia. Some good examples are listed below:
- Clevermind – has speech recognition, large buttons and fonts, games and quizzes
- Lumosity – has activities and games
- MindMate – has a TV and music section, games and a life story section
- TheColor – do colouring online and save, print or email it to friends and family
- Flower Garden – build a virtual garden by planting seeds and create flower bouquets
- Pocket Pond – feed and catch fish, and customise nature effects.
Activities scheduled as usual
As with all months, our activities coordinator provides a calendar of events happening every day. Though coronavirus and lockdown have limited opportunities from outside the home, we are still proceeding with our in-house coronavirus activities. Our staff continue to ensure these are meaningful and support the interests and preferences of the people we support and care for.
These include reading, listening to music together, using the tablets, social distance knitting, and watching their favourite movies and musicals. We also offer puzzles and board games that keep the mind active and engaged. For physical well-being we have been encouraging residents to participate in yoga and chair exercises where they are able. In all of this we create a routine in which these set times can give structure to passing days.
If listening to music is for you, we have found that BBC Music Memories can help people with dementia reconnect with their most powerful memories – just search for Memory Radio.
Contacting Stanfield Nursing Home
If you are interested in finding out more information about coronavirus in our care home then head to our website today or visit or previous blog update. Alternatively, you can call 01905 420 459 to speak to a member of our helpful and friendly team.