Dementia Therapy

Therapies for relaxing, exercising and remembering

At Netley Homes we also provide a range of therapeutic activities that research has shown to be beneficial to people living with dementia, for example:

Music therapy

Even when other abilities are severely affected, many people still enjoy singing, dancing and listening to music. In addition to the various professional musicians that visit us to perform in our homes why not try recording a collection of your relative's favourite pieces of music or songs for them to listen to.

Exercise therapy

Exercising together is beneficial to people with dementia and anyone accompanying them. It burns up the adrenalin produced by stress and frustration, and produces endorphins, which can promote feelings of happiness. This will help both parties relax and increase their sense of well-being. Exercise helps develop a healthy appetite, increases energy levels and promotes a better night's sleep. Walking of course is a great form of exercise that provides a change of scene and fresh air. Short walks can make a big difference, even if it is only to post a letter or go to a local coffee shop.

Reminiscence therapy

People living with dementia can often remember the distant past more easily than recent events. If you can find a way to help trigger the more distant, pleasant memories, your relative may become more animated and interested. Not everyone enjoys reminiscing about the past, but the following suggestions might be useful for those who do:

• Talk about the past together, while looking at old family photos or books with pictures, or listening to music.
• Make up a memory or rummage box of objects that the person with dementia might be interested in. Physically handling things may trigger memories more effectively than looking at pictures.
• A visit to a favourite place might also prompt happy memories and provide another opportunity to get out and about.
• Be aware that talking about the past in this way can sometimes trigger strong emotions in the person being cared for, so it's important to be sensitive. You may uncover painful memories as well as happy ones.
• Dementia damages the memory and the thinking and reasoning parts of the brain, but the emotions still remain intact. It is not necessarily a bad thing if your relative becomes emotional, but if they do make sure you allow them time to express their feelings, and acknowledge them.
• Avoid asking very specific questions that require factual responses and could put them on the spot − the main aim is to enjoy the memories rather than to make the person feel tested in some way.