Group work may improve dementia
While American researchers believe team work stimulates thoughts, conversations and improves memory, Dementia Care Australia (DCA) delves deeper into the theory. “It’s not team work that does it – it is the quality of that atmosphere in which people operate, combined with engaging in social interactions of being in a group who have the same level of cognitive ability,” DCA founder, Jane Verity, tells DPS News.
While American researchers believe team work stimulates thoughts, conversations and improves memory, Dementia Care Australia (DCA) delves deeper into the theory.
“It’s not team work that does it – it is the quality of that atmosphere in which people operate combined with engaging in social interactions of being in a group of people who have the same level of cognitive ability that can soothe the symptoms associated with dementia,” DCA founder, Jane Verity, tells DPS News.
Ms Verity claims DCA’s Spark of Life Club Program, which highlights the importance of group work, shows the environment needs to be a “supportive atmosphere”.
“It is absolutely paramount the group is at the same cognitive functioning levels to awaken social skills. The whole atmosphere of the group needs to be one – where people feel safe and secure emotionally,” she adds.
Ms Verity’s comments come after University of Western Oregon researchers recently suggested partaking in group mental activities could improve the cognitive functioning of people with mild or moderate dementia.
The study claims cognitive stimulation of patients through structured activities in a group setting one or more times a week for at least a month can improve the symptoms of dementia.
The sessions can include a discussion of current events, a show-and-tell, or drawing, among other activities.
Lead researcher of the study, Professor Robert Winningham, says patients in a care home facility could have better dementia outcomes if workers make use of interaction opportunities.
“This is showing people who work in memory care communities in aged care facilities can help improve cognitive function, and they need to be providing these kinds of interventions,” he told Reuters.
Do you work in dementia care and see the benefit in group activities for people living with the cognitive disease? Share your thoughts by commenting in the box below.
