Tools of the Trade

This morning was spent sharing the presentation of a session about Spirituality and Worship for those living with Dementia.  It was aimed at religious groups and those working in Care Homes in the Sandwell area.  In Church of England Terms, Sandwell is a strange area as parts of it are in the Diocese of Lichfield, and parts are in the Diocese of Birmingham, so today, a dementia enabler, Su, from Lichfield Diocese, with responsibility for the Black Country, and me from Birmingham, shared this presentation.  Most of the participants were from care homes, but there was also a nurse who has responsibility for mental health in the Birmingham area, and a local Methodist Pastoral Worker.  An interesting range of people and we had some interesting and lively discussions.  I was particularly pleased to be able to use a resource from a worker in a Methodist Care Home (MHA Amathea) in Cumbria.  She is working on Biblical Yoga (Amongst other things!) and has just produced a booklet about using movements in the telling of Bible stories so that the listening is not just a passive activity.  We also looked at different ways of sharing stories to include wondering, the senses and creativity too, as well as thinking about prayer and singing.

The tools of the trade include vaseline to keep the its moist, a mouse to control the computer, a powerpoint presentation, notes and a lens cover (off) so I could get some shots of the day.

It is so wonderful to find people are so committed to supporting those living with dementia, and of course, if you get things right for those living with dementia, you get it right for so many other people too.

The "My Little Chat" books are made in craft activities with local school children who find pictures about things that people with dementia might be interested in, and then they stick them into these little booklets and write some ideas for things to talk about under the pictures.  This one was about what you might have done in your leisure time.  A really good idea!