East Riding Libraries now offer ‘Reminiscence in the Community’, based on their hugely successful Reminiscence Sessions, tailored to specifically benefit residents in care homes and community settings who may be living with varying stages of dementia.
Anyone interested in learning more can come along to the launch event on Thursday, 24 May, from 2pm -4pm in the Treasure House, Beverley.
Care providers can book specially trained East Riding Libraries staff to come into their setting, discuss and get to know their residents, and then deliver person-centred Reminiscence sessions for up to ten people. Libraries staff also spend time sharing techniques and knowledge with care providers, and provide a full evaluation of each session to use with CQC inspections.
Libraries Reminiscence Sessions are social groups held in libraries across the East Riding and specifically developed for older people – including those living with early stage dementia and their carers – to socialise, chat and reminisce about days gone by. East Riding Libraries staff are all Dementia Friends, and have undertaken specific training to deliver these sessions.
The sessions incorporate high quality and carefully curated memory boxes, containing items such as photographs, books and food packaging, so that participants can relive the sights and sounds of days gone by.
‘For people with cognitive difficulties, it is important to tap into all the senses to trigger memories. A picture to look at, an object to touch, a song or a poem to listen to or something to smell or taste can all take someone back in time, often to a very specific memory.’
Social Care Institute for Excellence
Specialist ‘Reminiscence in the Community’ sessions have been devised to support people living with middle to late stage dementia and staff have undergone additional training delivered by dementia expert, Libby Lawrence, who has also worked as a consultant on this project and continues to provide support.
Sessions can be purchased individually; however, a series of sessions generally provides a better opportunity for residents to relax, get to know staff and benefit further from the work. Reduced rates are available for bulk booking.
Councillor Richard Harrap, portfolio holder for adult and carer services, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to launch these new sessions, which I am sure will make a real difference to people living with dementia and their carers.”
Libby Lawrence added: “As a result of this specialised reminiscence work I have witnessed amazing results: more smiling and laughter, less agitation and aggression, more engagement with everyday living, improved nutrition and hydration, more relaxed posture and restful sleep.
“We’ll share our techniques and knowledge with care home staff, so they can deliver reminiscence “on the job” to support the reality of the person with dementia.”
For further information on Reminiscence in the Community and pricing, contact the Libraries Administration Team on (01482) 392702 or email LAMA.admin@eastriding.gov.uk
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