A REVOLUTIONARY project aimed at dementia patients, being piloted at Droitwich Spa Community Hall, has already had very positive effects, according to those trying out the scheme.
Despite only being launched last month, the project’s users who visit the centre three times a week say it has already made a massive difference.
Staff say they’ve already witnessed rising levels of confidence and self-esteem amongst patients.
The ground-breaking approach is based on the Dutch Meeting Centre Model which, having been tried, tested and monitored over the last decade in the Netherlands, has shown to be beneficial to dementia patients.
The UK scheme, being run by the University of Worcester, supported by the Alzheimer’s Society and the EU’s JNPD Programme (Neurodegenerative Disease Research), uses ‘reminiscence activities’ based on music, news and sporting events to trigger memories and help recall life’s poignant moments. Cognitive stimulation sessions, also held, involve music, singing, dancing and holistic therapies.
Alzehimer’s Society group coordinator, Angela Robinson said the idea was to break away from the concept dementia was something people ‘suffered’ from.
She said it encouraged patients and carers to adapt to changing needs as opposed to fighting them.
Dr Shirley Evans, from the University of Worcester, said: “Research from the Netherlands suggests people using this service experience fewer symptoms of depression and a greater sense of well-being.”
Dementia patient Jeff has had several surgical operations including a heart bypass but, he said, he was now taking fewer drugs since visiting the centre.
“This place has done a lot more good than the tablets ever did for me.
“I was having so many painkillers, I was having nightmares.
“Just coming to a place like this is so much better.”
Meeting centre manager Sam Arnold said the project also aimed to remove the social stigma attached to dementia with public information sessions.
He said: “It’s about raising confidence through engagement and social inclusion, things people may lose when they’re living with dementia.
“It’s been very positive and a really good three weeks so far.
“It’s brilliant, it really is brilliant.”
Mid-Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston, who visited the centre last Friday (October 16), said community projects like this were a step in the direction of integrating the NHS with social care.
“From conversations I’ve had, it sounds like it’s working and obviously if it works, we can extend it across the country.”
When asked about the possibility of Government funding for the scheme, he said: “We need to make sure funding doesn’t become an issue.
“I don’t have a crystal ball or a silver wand that guarantees it, but I will do what I can do ensure the funding’s there.”
The pilot will run for a year but the project’s advisory group is already seeking to fund staff, support workers, rent and activities beyond that time.
The next public information meeting will be on November 9.
Visit www.droitwichspameetingcentre.wordpress.com/ for more information about the scheme.
