Falls can destroy confidence, increase isolation and reduce independence, with about one in 10 older people who experience a fall being afraid that they may fall again. Elaine Everett, founder, Motivation & Co, describes a programme that is helping to address the issue
Mental stimulation therapy involves activities and exercises that are designed to improve memory and communication skills and has been shown to significantly improve quality of life for people with dementia. Exercises are designed to enhance mobility, flexibility and core stability, which in turn help to improve balance, appetite and general wellbeing.
Taking part in games can encourage interaction with others and alongside other benefits enhances hand to eye co-ordination and concentration, while music therapy helps residents to achieve a calm state of mind, lifting mood and promoting wellbeing.
NHS Hertfordshire approached Motivation & Co for help in developing a programme that would support people with dementia who were at risk of falling. The criteria were to identify homes with a high incidence of falls, which led to people with dementia requiring hospitalisation, develop an evaluation and assessment tool and encourage residents to exercise.
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