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Follow on Google News | Silver Cross Pushes The Pram Out For Dementia Patients At Care HomeBy: Peppermint Soda The carriage-style prams were used at Manchester care home, Heathlands Village, where people living with the condition were invited to take part in the reminiscence activity. Heathlands Village – part of social care charity, The Fed – gave residents the chance to care for their own lifelike ‘baby’ doll, with the aim of evoking memories from their own childrearing years. The addition of the vintage Silver Cross prams increased the authenticity of the session. Anecdotal evidence from a number of similar schemes across the UK suggests that doll therapy has been extremely effective in soothing dementia patients, since it promotes their nurturing instincts. In addition, it has been credited with giving residents a sense of purpose and responsibility. Recognised improvements in behaviour include a reduction in wandering, insomnia and aggression. In some cases, nurses and carers have also noticed an increase in patients’ speech and communication. Patsy Pope, dementia specialist and co-founder of training service provider, All About Dementia, said: “For many elderly people, the most cherished period of their lives was when they were caring for their young children. Doll therapy is able to take many women – and men – back to this time. The Silver Cross prams are so distinctive in their style, and therefore have a powerful symbolic significance that can really improve the cognitive functions of dementia patients.” Karen Johnson, clinical director at Heathlands Village, commented: “Over 75 per cent of residents at Heathlands Village are living with dementia and we’re working tirelessly on a daily basis to improve their lives. The positive effects of the reminiscence session were immediate – residents displayed such obvious delight and interest. We would love to make this a regular activity. “If anyone has a Silver Cross pram that they don’t use anymore, we’d be very pleased to take it off their hands. The more prams we have, the more residents can benefit.” Alan Halsall, Silver Cross chairman, added: “Silver Cross has been an intrinsic part of many women’s lives since 1877, so we’re delighted that residents at Heathlands Village were able to benefit from our rich heritage. It’s amazing to think that our prams are able to improve the well-being of people living with dementia.” Earlier this month, Heathlands Village announced plans for a £7million redevelopment scheme, which will establish a centre of excellence in dementia care. It is estimated that the restructuring of the home will be complete by early 2015. There are over 800,000 dementia sufferers in the UK today – and statistics suggest that this number will increase by over a third in the next 15 years. Anyone who wishes to donate a Silver Cross pram can contact Heathlands Village on 0161 772 4800. – Ends – Media Contacts: Aimi McNeill and Melissa Mackenzie at Peppermint Soda Tel: 0161 941 4252 E: aimi.mcneill@ Notes to editors: About Heathlands Village Heathlands (http://static.thefed.org.uk/ The Village benefits from numerous on-site facilities, including a library, hairdressers, boutique and recreational therapy room - all of which significantly help residents and users to enjoy the very best possible quality of life. Regular outings are also offered, including simple trips to local shops, visits to art galleries and excursions further afield to the seaside, stately homes and the Lake District. About The Fed The Fed is a leading social care charity for the Jewish community of north and south Manchester. Every month it looks after 1,000 people – living in the community or at Heathlands Village – from babies with special needs, to older people living with dementia. For more information, visit: http://www.thefed.org.uk/ Follow The Fed on Twitter: @FED_Manchester Like The Fed on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ End
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