5 Dementia-Friendly Activities in the Ascot Area
Welcome back to the blog! Today, we will be sharing our free guide to dementia-friendly activities in Ascot.
The Importance of Dementia-Friendly Activities in Ascot
Accordingto the Alzheimer’s Society, 982,000 people in the UK are currently living with dementia, a number projected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040. Having a safe space and access to a range of dementia-friendly activities in Ascot is critical for local residents because they support the person with dementia and their primary carer.
One of the most significant benefits of dementia-friendly activities is their positive effect on mental, physical and emotional health.
Participating in a range of activities supports a better cognitive function for those with dementia, particularly if they fall into the mild or medium spectrum (Woods B et al., 2023). It can also encourage memory recall and promote problem-solving, contributing to a sense of achievement and confidence. Cognitive stimulation can also boost moods, a sense of self and reduce feelings of isolation (Roland KP et al., 2015).
Gentle exercise has physical benefits for those with dementia, such as improved muscle mass and cardiovascular health, motor skills, coordination, and balance, reducing their risk of falls. When physically fit, we also respond better to common dementia-related symptoms like restlessness or irritability (Ahlskog JE, et al., 2011.).
Finally, dementia-friendly activities will benefit our emotional health. When we are engaged in activities together, we feel connected. This is great for both the person with dementia and their carer, which can have a lasting effect on how we view our relationship, the concept of ageing and our health journeys.
Let’s take a look at some of what is on offer in our area.
5 Ascot Dementia-Friendly Activities
Ascot Day Centre
The Chandler Centre, Bagshot Road, Ascot SL5 9PD
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 am to 3 pm
They host several activities, from exercise to games.
Dementia Cafe
St John the Baptist, Windlesham, GU20 6BL
Every other Thursday, 2 pm to 4 pm
Dormy House Dementia Cafe
Open for organised events by Dormy House Care Home
Signature Community Dementia Cafe
The Royal Foresters, Ascot, SL5 8DR
Second Tuesday of every month, 11 am to 12:30 pm
Singing for Pleasure
King Edwards Hall, King Edwards Road, Ascot, SL5 8PD
Fridays, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
Do You Need to Take Anything with You?
While there shouldn’t be a need to take anything specific with you to any one of these places, there are situations where having a few things easily accessible helps.
- Spare clothing and incontinence products
- Wet wipes and tissues
- A light blanket or a shawl to comfort or for warmth
- Medications your loved one may need during the day
- Medical ID and emergency contacts as a just-in-case
- Snacks and water, particularly if your loved one has eating and drinking preferences
- A familiar item from home or memory photos on your phone to calm or redirect in moments of stress
- Noise-cancelling headphones if your loved one prefers a quieter environment
- A phone charger and power bank, again as a just-in-case
- Notebook and pen for moments when you need to note down new contacts or information
How to Handle Challenging Dementia Behaviours While Out and About
As with any long-term degenerative condition, there will be moments when Mum or Dad might exhibit challenging behaviours. Dementia sufferers can be particularly prone to these occurrences. And this can result from reduced communication skills, upset, feeling unwell or stress. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy time away from the house; social activities can benefit both of you.
Firstly, try not to panic. We know that is easier said than done, but having a calmer demeanour, even in the most difficult of situations, can be helpful to keep you focused and to calm the person exhibiting distress or discomfort. Use a soft tone and open body language (remember non-verbal cues often speak louder than words) and try to ascertain and work through the issue.
Work on concentrating their focus on you. Use redirects if needed and validate their feelings as they try to communicate the problem. Sitting beside them quietly can sometimes offer all the reassurance they need to shift from challenging behaviour.
If they are time-shifting quickly (zooming back and forth from the past), go with it. Let them explore their feelings and gently redirect them. For example, say things like, “Shall we go have a cup of tea?” instead of “That person is not here anymore.” Often, by the time you have got yourself ready for a nice cup of tea, the moment has changed, and Mum and Dad may be back in the present again.
Most of all, be gentle with yourself. Work through the moment by taking deep breaths and working towards feeling calm.
How Home Instead Ascot, Camberley and Wokingham Supports Dementia Clients
The Home Instead Ascot, Camberley and Wokingham franchise covers several areas under our Ascot care hub, including:
– Ascot
– Bisley
– Chobham
– Sunningdale
– Sunninghill
– West End (Surrey)
– Windlesham
One of our most in-demand services is our companionship-led dementia home care, which provides a calming and reassuring home environment for our clients and their families.
We can help you with:
- Personal hygiene and grooming
- Meal preparation and physical activity
- Monitoring medication schedules
- Light housekeeping tasks
- Overnight assistance
- Engaging in activities for mental stimulation
- Promoting social interactions and enriching life experiences (including days or afternoons out)
Can we help you with dementia home care? Contact 01276 903106 today!
