Treasuring the moment for what it was

As we age, we all like to reminisce about the good old days. It?s no different for residents of aged care facilities who have dementia. Except those with advanced stages of dementia find it difficult to communicate.

At The Birches, an aged care facility in Hamilton Victoria, carers have focused on discovering the past interests and hobbies of residents with dementia who can’t communicate, and helping them reminisce about their past lives.

Julianne Gould, Diversional Therapist from the home, will present the results of the therapy at a Better Practice aged care event, organised by The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency Ltd, to be held on 25 and 26 August at Sofitel Melbourne.

Ms Gould said that individual profiles are built of residents with dementia, and therapy focuses on areas of their past that would bring them positive memories. Options are unlimited, including photos, aromas, visits, animals and music.

“One resident who had a passion for the horse races is regularly taken to the races and a resident who once worked in a bakery visits the local bakery and helps bake the bread,” Ms Gould said.

“We focus on their remaining functional abilities, not their disabilities.”

Smells and tastes can bring back positive memories to residents and animals are also popular, particularly for those with advanced dementia. “It’s not unusual to see a resident’s face light up as soon as they see an animal. Even for those who normally don’t react.”

The Better Practice events promote the positive aspects of the residential aged care industry in Australia, to share ideas for improvement among staff of aged care facilities and celebrate the excellent work of so many staff within the industry.

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A full program of speakers and more information on the Agency is available on the Agency’s website – www.accreditation.org.au

For further information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Liz Blieschke, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, (02) 8831 1033, 0438 446 466
Lisa Smith, Corporate Affairs Officer, (02) 8831 1016

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