Nature Therapy and Older People
At Nature Therapy we envisage a world that embraces the natural cycles of life.
This includes ageing and all that entails so that older people are awarded respect for their Elder status.
For those with a dementia, they are unable to process sensory information in the same way they did previously.
However this is little understood, so we help foster understanding of the changes that take place in how they sense the world around them.
Being aware of sensory changes means we can continue to communicate respectfully with some-one with dementia long after memory and language become fragile.
Our mission is to build understanding of the distressing impact of sensory deprivation on those with dementia through the delivery of gentle nature based activities.
This includes ageing and all that entails so that older people are awarded respect for their Elder status.
For those with a dementia, they are unable to process sensory information in the same way they did previously.
However this is little understood, so we help foster understanding of the changes that take place in how they sense the world around them.
Being aware of sensory changes means we can continue to communicate respectfully with some-one with dementia long after memory and language become fragile.
Our mission is to build understanding of the distressing impact of sensory deprivation on those with dementia through the delivery of gentle nature based activities.
Pop up Dementia Theatre
When someone develops a dementia, changes occur in how they see hear, smell, feel and taste the world around them. This can lead to sensory deprivation resulting in extreme social isolation for the individual concerned. Sensory enrichment programmes, such as those delivered by Nature Therapy CIC, have been found to reduce agitation, improve self-esteem and feelings of pleasure, improve quality of life and well-being, and reduce social isolation. Studies, including ours, have found a reduction in aggression and reduced use of medication. Our own research has also demonstrated a reduction in compassion fatigue for carers. Thus preventing burn out in carers. The pop up dementia theatre helps build wider community understanding of what sensory changes take place and what can be done to help the individual concerned. . Click on the links below for more detail |
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Most used words: part of our evaluation of the Travelling Dementia Suitcase
In our nature therapy and dementia care research we are observing levels of engagement in the sensory enrichment activities we provide. Drumming is by far the most significant engagement activity.
We have many examples of the gains to be made from drumming circles. One gentleman who mostly slept during previous activities picked up the drum sticks and drummed for the full session. Another lady who declined to join in previous sessions happily drummed away for half an hour.
We have established that one to one gentle rhythmic drumming can help with signs of agitation and distress. One lady kept calling out for help. Within just a few minutes of heartbeat drumming she settled in a chair, placed the drum over her chest and commenced drumming herself. She drummed all the way through the session and then fell asleep still clutching the drum over her chest.
We work with groups of up to 45 people at a time. It is a total delight for all concerned to see people smiling, laughing and singing. Everyone is welcome, family, friends, carers, and children.
If you would like to book a group drumming session for your organisation, then do please contact us direct. We can adjust the drumming session to account for the stage of dementia, to energise or relax, and to help with gentle exercise.
All upcoming drumming sessions are advertised as Events on our Facebook Page
In our nature therapy and dementia care research we are observing levels of engagement in the sensory enrichment activities we provide. Drumming is by far the most significant engagement activity.
We have many examples of the gains to be made from drumming circles. One gentleman who mostly slept during previous activities picked up the drum sticks and drummed for the full session. Another lady who declined to join in previous sessions happily drummed away for half an hour.
We have established that one to one gentle rhythmic drumming can help with signs of agitation and distress. One lady kept calling out for help. Within just a few minutes of heartbeat drumming she settled in a chair, placed the drum over her chest and commenced drumming herself. She drummed all the way through the session and then fell asleep still clutching the drum over her chest.
We work with groups of up to 45 people at a time. It is a total delight for all concerned to see people smiling, laughing and singing. Everyone is welcome, family, friends, carers, and children.
If you would like to book a group drumming session for your organisation, then do please contact us direct. We can adjust the drumming session to account for the stage of dementia, to energise or relax, and to help with gentle exercise.
All upcoming drumming sessions are advertised as Events on our Facebook Page
Volunteers welcome on our
Nature Therapy and Dementia Care programme
If you are interested in volunteering for us please contact us by completing your application form and emailing it to kim@holecottage.plus.com
No prior knowledge or experience required as you will be given help with the following:
12 hour course in Nature Therapy and Dementia Care
Safeguarding vulnerable people training
On line Mental Capacity course
Taking part in the pop up dementia theatre experience
Opportunity to gain a nationally accredited Leadership Award
Certificate in Nature Therapy and Dementia Care
DBS Safeguarding check
Supported practical experience
Understanding the importance of evaluating your contribution
Knowing you are making a real difference to people with a dementia
You will be given support to deliver or co deliver Nature Therapy and Dementia Care to your family, your friends, people you already care for, your organisation, or to schools.
All are welcome.
The aim is to improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their carers or family.
Kindly funded by the Big Lottery Community Fund
Please feel free to download a free copy of the Compassion Tool developed by Dr Kim Brown in her role as a Research Fellow in Compassion at the University of Southampton.
This tool was part of a safeguarding vulnerable people in hospital and care homes initiative
