NAPA Activity Providers Autumn 20

Issue 2
Autumn 2020
Living Life
Socially isolated
but not lonely
Easy to navigate features
In this issue
+Articles from across the sector
@napalivinglife facebook.com/NAPAlivinglife www.napa-activities.co.uk

The Activity Providers Magazine
Editors piece
Hello, Welcome to your Autumn issue
of The Activity Providers Magazine.
Gianna
As I write this, I am sitting We really appreciate and value your
feedback, all completed surveys will be
in my garden, enjoying the put into a prize draw, *you will need to
lovely flowers we planted fill in your contact details at the end of
during lockdown. the survey to be eligible*.
+Gianna Burns
I hope you are all keeping safe and
well. We were thrilled when the Editor
NAPA Short Story Competition
guidance from the government came
We were thrilled with the stories
out about visiting in care settings it’s
we received, click here to read the
such a big step for the sector and for
winning story
families to be allowed to reconnect Contact Gianna at:
is great news and much needed. “The Message”, written by Richard communications@napa-activities.co.uk
However, by the time you receive this Clifton from Kimbolton Lodge.
magazine the guidance could have
changed so please do check here for
latest guidance – Click here to read it Cover Image
With thanks to The Heights Care
We have lots of articles from members
Home, Fremantle Trust for the use
across the sector, I have included links
of this wonderful photograph. Photo
for some as they are great and we
shows resident, Mrs Molly Burns
didn’t want you to miss out.
having a socially distanced visit with
I hope you enjoy this issue; please her daughter, Mrs Sonja Bell. Photographic
could you space a few minutes when Consent
you have read the magazine to
We presume that NAPA has consent
complete this survey – Click here
to use the photographs that have
been sent in for use in the magazine.
Ambassadors: NAPA Trustees: Contact NAPA

› Pam Rhodes › Oliver Thomas (Chairman) › Annie Stevenson
National Activity
› Sylvie Silver › Steve Reynolds (Treasurer) › Suzy Cooper
Providers Association
› Jennifer Dudley › Jean Cattanach › Ed Watkinson
› Sue Ascott 1st Floor, Unit 1,
› Julian Van Loxton
Fairview Industrial Estate,
› Gloria Haynes (Vice Chair) › Sue Goldsmith
Raans Road, Amersham HP6 6JY
Telephone:
Special advisers 020 7078 9375
› Victoria Metcalfe Specialist Adviser for Dementia Care Fax:
› Andrew Parsons Specialist Advisor for Legal and Regulatory issues
› Tony Upward Specialist Adviser for IT
01494 726752
Email:
info@napa-activities.co.uk
Copyright © NAPA 2020
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any
means, including photocopying, recording or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written Registered Charity No: 1070674, SC038991
permission of NAPA. Company Limited by Guarantee No: 3482943
Do you want to submit an article for us to consider publishing in the next issue? Design: www.elbow-creative.co.uk
Contribution deadline for issue 3 (2020) – 20th September 2020
Issue 2/2020 // ISSN 2040-32267
The views expressed in Living Life are not necessarily those held by the National Activity Providers Association (NAPA).
NAPA is happy to consider articles for publication, but reserves the right to edit material where necessary.
www.napa-activities.co.uk / Autumn 2020 / 2

Autumn 2020
Welcome to the new look digital version
of your membership magazine.
+Contents
4 Executive Directors piece 21 Innovations in Dementia Care
5 Grow Old Disgracefully Art competition 22 Training at NAPA
6 Exercise goes digital for Care Villages 24 Promoting wellbeing at Runwood Care Homes
7 Homecoming & Care Home enjoys

25 Compassion and meaning in the face of death
virtual meetings
8 Promoting wellbeing during the pandemic 26 Volunteering at Royal Star and Garter Homes
9 Creativity at Hallmark Care Homes 27 Volunteering at Belong
10 Supporting families to visit relatives 28 Wellbeing at Anchor Hanover
11 Wellbeing at Barchester Healthcare 29 Person centred activity at a homecare agency
12 Music for Dementia Radio 30 NAPA’s National Day of Arts in Care Homes
13 Nominate your top tunes & Let’s Talk 31 Only Connect Project
14 Life at Majesticare 32 Arts in Care Homes goes to Canada
15 Husband and Wife reunited after 5 long months 33 Protecting and engaging our residents
16 A leader’s perspective at HC-One 34 Billy’s Dolls in dementia care
17 Thank you NAPA members 35 Palliative care, dementia and engaging activity
18 Intergenerational Music Making 36 Saying Goodbye- A resource for care homes
20 Emotional wellbeing prioritised at Athena

37 NAPA Helpline
Care Homes

Executive Directors Piece

Prioritising engagement – Despite the challenges!
The last few months have been 2020 Is NAPA’s year of Conversation Looking forward:
challenging for us all. We have been and Connection. On Tuesday 11th
+ NAPA National Arts in Care
busy doing all we can to support August we celebrated our first National
Home Day: On the 24th September
our members and have adapted Day; Tea Tuesday. All our members
the second day of Arts in Care
or developed our services to be as and supporters were invited to join
Homes will take place. Our theme
responsive as possible. We are grateful us and either fundraise on behalf of
this year is Creative Communities.
to the loyalty of our members and NAPA or just have fun! Unilever food
Please take part by organising
the generosity of project funders; The solutions and NAPA worked together
an art event on the day and or
Rayne Foundation and the National to provide a range of activities and
sharing posts on social media about
Lottery. We are delighted to have competitions to inspire everyone to
ways care homes have connected
extended the NAPA Helpline and now take part. We have been delighted with
with loved ones or their local
have a freephone number. We have the response and we look forward
communities using the arts during
also set up a national network for care to sharing more Tea Tuesday related
Covid-19. Find out more here.
settings and activity staff to access a news in the Autumn issue of the
support programme, to find out more magazine. We would like to thank Sally
and to register Click here. Knocker of Meaningful Care Matters + NAPA Member Awards: We are
We have built new and exciting for joining me and representatives planning our first ever virtual
partnerships with value aligned from across our network for afternoon awards ceremony. Have you got
organisations nationally and tea on Tea Tuesday, we chatted about your outfit? Have you got your
internationally, including The the importance of conversation and ticket? Register here and join us
University of West London, Careshield, connection. If you missed it at the time on Friday 2nd October at 3pm to
Innovations In Dementia, The National you can watch it here If you found celebrate the shortlisted nominees
Association of Activity Providers in the the session helpful and would like to and winners! Thank you to our main
States and the New Zealand Society donate to the NAPA Helpline appeal sponsor Unilever Food Solutions.
of Diversional Therapists. We have you can do so here.
welcomed many new members to the In this issue, we acknowledge the losses + Training and qualifications:
NAPA Network and new Recognised we have experienced over the last few We have new qualifications and
Suppliers to the NAPA Directory. For an months. Our thoughts are with you all. projects launching in the Autumn
up to date list of suppliers click here We were proud to be involved in the for more information contact us
In May 2020, we launched the Stars In Memory campaign in July and here and watch NAPA News for
NAPA fundraising strategy. The we thank all our members who got the latest updates.
implementation of the strategy has involved in this important collective
been positive. We have run several acknowledgement of loss, we thank + Events and fundraising: We are
successful fundraising campaigns as our partners including NCF, Care hoping to have a Virtual Christmas
part of The NAPA Helpline Appeal; England, My Home life, Dr Amanda Concert, save the date: Friday 11th
including Spottea Together and The Taylor-Beswick of Queens University December 2020 5pm.
NAPA Benefit Concert. We are very Belfast and Dr Denise Turner of London
grateful to all our donors and we thank Met University for collaborating and We have received fantastic feedback
you for your ongoing support. For contributing their time and resources. about the new look magazine, please
those of you who missed the concert, We have worked with leaders in the continue to complete the surveys, we
you can watch selected highlights here. field to collate information to support need to know what you think!
you to say goodbye, we hope you find
In August, we published our first
this information helpful. Find out more
fundraising pack; Get Involved: the Warm regards,
on page 36 .We also agreed that this
NAPA Guide to fundraising. The guide
issue should celebrate the incredible
is kindly sponsored by Unilever Food
work of our colleagues across the
Solutions and is available to all NAPA
NAPA membership and all of the good
members and supporters who wish
practice that has continued.
to fundraise on behalf of NAPA –
pack link here…. If you have any We really believe that the ways
questions regarding fundraising please in which you have prioritised
+ Hilary Woodhead
email us here. engagement and individual wellbeing Executive Director – NAPA
should be shared. We thank all our
contributors and we hope you enjoy
hilary@napa-activities.co.uk
reading about their experiences.

Grow Old Disgracefully Art Prize

for artists over 90 years of age
In this “year of the lockdown” we are giving a prize for the best
artwork entitled “Happy Times” produced by an artist over the age
of 90 at the end of August this year.
The pictures must be 2D (flat), but can be

in any media – pencil, charcoal, crayon,
watercolour, acrylic, oils, collage, digital – or
a mixture of the whole lot if you are feeling
especially disgraceful!
The best 20 entries will be shortlisted and displayed on our
website in the middle of September and the winner will be
announced by the end of September.
To Enter
Just email a photo of your artwork – click here , with the
heading Happy Times. You also need to tell us your name,
your age at the end of August, the size of the picture and
the media you use.
The rules
+ The competition is open to all UK citizens who are over
90 on 31st August 2020
+ Each person may only submit one work of art.
+ We must receive the entries for the competition by 31
August 2020. We will let you know by the middle of
September if your picture has been shortlisted. The final
winner will be announced by the end of September and
will receive £200 and a tree of their choice to be planted
near their home.
+ When taking a photo of your artwork to send to us,
please make sure you use natural lighting. Dark or
unnatural light can result in odd looking images.
+ The winner can select any kind of tree. We will supply a
young sapling and, with the agreement of the winner,
arrange for it to be planted in a suitable place.
+ The Grow Old Disgracefully Trust reserves the right to
cancel the competition at any time, if deemed necessary
or if circumstances arise outside of our control.
+ The competition will be entirely online. You do not need
to send the originals.

Exercise goes digital for care

villages’ older residents
Fitness instructors at care provider Belong have launched a
YouTube channel to keep their clients and the nation’s older
community healthy during the coronavirus lockdown.
The ‘Belong Active’ channel provides a variety of routines, designed to

access to free, online videos, devised improve both physical and emotional Image: Belong residents exercising
specifically to help older people wellbeing. Activities are targeted to using the Belong Active YouTube
continue exercising while isolating at specific muscles, such as arms, hands, channel
home, through a series of standing, legs and hips, aiding recovery from
sitting and even bed-based routines. operations and reducing stiffness and
pain. Building strength, balance and
Anthony Harley, lead exercise
coordination, they also help reduce the
instructor at Belong, launched the
risk of falls at this critical time.
initiative, recording the videos to
support residents at the care villages Aside from these health benefits, daily
in the group operated by Belong, exercise enhances mood, improves
following the temporary closure of sleep and provides stimulating activity,
on-site gym facilities. all of which have been shown to boost
the wellbeing of older people, many
Anthony explains: “We know that
of whom remain socially isolated from
our work with residents in the village
their loved ones.
gyms makes a huge difference to
their quality of life, so it was really Anthony adds: “The videos have
important to find a way to keep this been well-received by residents, who
going, even if we couldn’t access the now have the basics they need to
same equipment. We felt inspired by continue their daily exercise routines,
Joe Wicks’ online P.E. lessons for the no matter where they are. Even short
nation’s schoolchildren and thought, daily sessions can improve mobility + Anthony Harley
‘why not do the same for older people?” and help older people retain their
Lead Exercise Instructor,
independence, so we hope more
The not-for-profit care provider’s
people will take advantage of this Belong Care Villages
Belong Active channel consists of
valuable, free resource.”
Homecoming
Let me come alongside
you now with gentleness
and humility, unhurried
and quiet, after so long.
Not knowing or understanding the
kind of world you created for yourself
while I’ve been away. (Did you notice
that I’ve been away?)
Maybe in time I can win your trust, your
friendship and maybe even your heart.
But if that is absent, I will still come.
And that’s OK. (at least that’s what I tell tune of our own making.
If you let me. my lonely heart). Shy at first, we eye each other from the
I will come because I am “The Keeper Because there was love here. chairs along the wall.
of The Memories”.
And caring and respect. Then one day, a while from now, I
Keeping ‘us’ alive, even though our tentatively hold out my hand, palm
dance was interrupted. Hands-free tenderness.
upturned.
Hard as this might be for me, (and it Eyes that beamed kindness right into
your soul. “Would you like to dance?” I ask,
will be), there are others I can talk to smiling into your eyes.
about me, and the absence of ‘us’. And cake.
You place your hand in mine and
Whether I had been present or not over How fortunate am I, that these women
sparkle back.
these past months, the tangles and and men who came night and day
plaques would have continued their when I could not, stood in the gap “I thought you’d never ask.”
relentless progress. I like to imagine where I used to be.
that my particular presence might have
made a difference to your every day.
Gratitude is too small a word. + Danuta Lipinska
But now I can come back, and together June 2020
But maybe not. we can learn new dance steps to a
Care home enjoys virtual meetings during lockdown

The team at Kepplegate House Care Home in Preesall, However, one of the biggest hits during lockdown has been
Lancashire has been thinking of innovative ways to the virtual meetings held twice weekly with people living
make sure the residents (known as the Kepplegate in care homes in different parts of the country, including
family) are entertained when they are unable to have Devon, West Sussex and the Isle of Wight. During the
the usual visits from their loved ones during the current meetings there have been darts competitions, games of
lockdown. Members of the family have been chatting to Pictionary played and various quizzes and word association
relatives on Skype, loving messages and drawings from games, resulting in a friendly rivalry, but lots of laughter
great grandchildren have been emailed to the home and too! Lined up in the future are a game of Countdown, a
entertainers have sung in the garden for the family to quoits competition and a picture quiz. Sam McAughey,
watch through the windows of the conservatory. Seated who organises the virtual meetings said, “It’s great seeing
exercise sessions and tai chi classes from instructors online everyone smiling and building friendships with people living
have also been enjoyed. miles away during this difficult time”.
Mrs Jessie Meylan enjoys watching Dave Bear entertain Mrs Sandra Hobson having a go in the darts competition
in the garden against West Heanton care home in Devon (on the TV screen)

Promoting wellbeing during

the pandemic
Over the last few months, we’ve all faced changes to our lives.
Changes to our daily routines; access to hobbies and leisure
venues stopped, restricted or moved to a virtual platform; unable
to see family and friends. This shift has the potential to affect our
emotional and physical wellbeing.
For people living at Sunrise and
Gracewell homes, there are a range
of different clubs and leisure activities
scheduled every day, and outside of
these, team members are always looking
for ways to help residents to have
meaningful moments throughout the
day. Since the pandemic, our vision of
supporting people to live with purpose
has still remained, but how we do this
has had to change. The activity team
members across the organisation have
been amazing, and their determination
and creativity is inspirational.
With a reduction in group activity
being offered, we have found that
the opportunity for meaningful
conversations and interactions has
increased, which can have a positive resources and items of interests to each physically active. We have seen virtual
effect on mental wellbeing; talking person being created or purchased. exercise classes, as well as team
about our feelings and emotions can members and residents running their
be very healing. Our homes were Another way to support emotional
own sessions, including yoga, dance
provided with new iPads to give wellbeing has been our introduction
and boxercise. We’ve also held walking
residents more opportunity to video of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, a
competitions, and throughout July,
call their friends and family, which has group programme for people living
we’ll be celebrating the Spirit of the
been vital for many in keeping that with mild to moderate symptoms of
Olympics.
sense of connection with the people dementia. It can also be offered on an
that mean the most to them. To further individual basis, so those who were Ultimately, supporting people to have
that sense of connection and share isolating in their own rooms could still a sense of connection, meaning and
positivity, some of our homes have have access to it. purpose must always be at the heart
produced weekly newsletters filled of what we do, and whilst the last few
with ‘good news’ stories, discussed months have forced a change upon
motivational stories or quotes, started We’ve also explored different us, we have learnt to adapt and seek
pen pal projects with young people ways of maximising the use of new was to achieve this to ensure
in the local community, and offered our gardens, getting involved the emotional and physical wellbeing
regular mindfulness sessions. Team needs of people living at Sunrise and
members and residents have shared
with initiatives such as Gracewell homes are being met.
their skills and talents, from running art Growing for Wellbeing Week.
clubs and worship services, to musical
performances and demonstrations. They say ‘a happy body makes a happy + Asa Johnson
Where people have had to isolate in mind’, and so the continuation of Project Manager,
their own rooms, ‘activity packs’ have our Live with Action programme has
been produced and shared, as well as been key to helping people remain
Activities & Memory Care

Creativity at Hallmark
Care Homes
The words ‘creative’ and ‘resourceful’ are often used to
describe activities and lifestyles teams and, during the
COVID-19 outbreak, huge amounts of both have been
needed to help people stay emotionally and physically well.
Helping people to stay connected with loved ones has
been our main priority and we were loaned some tablets
to help us do that. Supporting residents with Skype, zoom
and facetime calls in real time became the order of the
day, and we introduced RelsApp so that messages, photos
and videos could be exchanged between residents and
family members. We even managed to support some royal
connections via a video link game of Bingo!
To support residents’ wellbeing, a guide was produced

to help them to think about different ways to care for
themselves. The guide included some simple stretching and
physical exercises, along with some tips on mindfulness
and staying positive.
Having something to look forward also featured in
our approach to staying well. Hallmark runs an annual
gardening competition and this year it will be judged via
video conferencing. Everyone’s been busy nurturing their
own plants and working together on plans to produce short
That theme of making connections translated into various videos about their gardens.
projects such as pen pal schemes with lots of cards, poetry The Hallmark Scarf-athon was
and letter-writing. One home connected with grandchildren introduced during the outbreak
of residents by sending them kits to make dream-catchers. as a shared project for residents,
The children sent in photos and videos of their progress families and team members.
which delighted residents, as did the finished articles. Aiming to raise money for the
From individual stone painting and pottery, to corridor Alzheimer’s Society and the
choirs and garden walks, our focus was on one to one, Care Workers Charity, we’ve
and physically distanced engagement. Lifestyles teams challenged each of our homes
introduced individual activity packs to give to residents to make 20 scarves in return
each week relating to their own interests, and ‘things to do’, for donations. Many homes
were provided for anyone to pick up and use. Hospitality have already achieved this with
trollies were re-purposed into ice-cream carts, portable residents teaching our teams the
drinks stations and activity centres. dark arts of casting on and off!
One positive outcome from the outbreak is how much
better everyone has got to know each other through
increased one-to-one time. Activities/lifestyles is not all
about group events and that’s a theme that we will be
taking forward.
+ April Dobson
Head of Relationship Centred Care,
Hallmark Care Homes

Supporting families to visit their relatives

with dementia living in care homes.
David Moore, Grandchildren seeing Will my relative living with

MHA Dementia Lead their Nan at the Homestead dementia still remember me
after all this time?
The coronavirus pandemic has been
a worrying time for all of us but in For many families the worry of a
particular for the friends and families relative living with dementia no longer
of residents with dementia living in recognising them can be overwhelming.
care homes. The essential care that The guidance tries to address this by
many families normally provide has stating that despite the time spent
not been possible due to lockdown apart many people living with dementia
with contact occurring through would remember their relatives and
telephone calls, online calling, mail friends. However, some people living
or window visits. Other MHA care homes have been with dementia may struggle at first and
creating a summer fete feeling by need some extra support. Also, the
During this time care homes across
using gazebos decorated with bunting. guidance advises the need to give the
the country have worked incredibly
Tables have been used to ensure social person time to remember and that it
hard to ensure residents’ emotional may take more than the initial meeting
distancing occurs.
wellbeing as well as their physical for those memories to be reconnected.
safety is supported. However, for It also suggests that even if a resident
many residents living with dementia doesn’t recognise their family member it
the benefits of face to face visits with is important to remember that they will
their family is clear. Because of this still benefit from seeing a friendly face,
MHA has worked with our residents hearing a comforting voice, and enjoying
and their families to come up with another person’s company even if they
flexible and safe ways for visits to are not sure who the other person is.
Aughton Park
happen. For instance, a number of our
care homes have been holding a family How will my relative recognise me
‘drive through.’ This has included if I have to wear a facemask?
at our home the Homestead and at This is another worry the guidance
Fitzwarren House. tries to address. The document advises
Social distancing was maintained visitors to think about:
by families staying in their cars. The Homestead
+ Speaking loud and clear
Fitzwarren House Resident Dorothy + Writing information down for their
Briggs commented “It’s good as relative to read, if they can
it gets people together”. Another Richmond care home where
+ Using hand gestures and signs to
resident, Olive McCue said, “I thought even the family dog came communicate
it went really well and it was very well along to say hello
organised. Every car had their own slot + Always keeping eye contact
and I spoke to my family through the As well as creating these opportunities + Wearing clothing the resident will
car window” for outdoor visits it was recognised that recognise
many families would have a number
+ Keeping their hair in a style that
of worries about seeing their relative
resident is familiar with.
living with dementia after such a long
time. Working with John’s Campaign* The document can be downloaded here
we created guidance which was sent
*John’s Campaign promotes the
to families. The guidance tried to
belief that family carers should not
answer some of the concern’s residents’
just be allowed but should be
families raised. This included:
welcomed, and that a collaboration
between people living with dementia
and all connected with them is crucial
to their health and wellbeing.
For more information click here
Click here to read the full article

Wellbeing at Barchester Healthcare

As with many other care providers, our staff and residents have faced a particularly
challenging time over the last few months and although Government restrictions are now
easing for some, our resident’s safety and emotional wellbeing continues to be a top priority
through navigating the road ahead.
Throughout the pandemic we have + Skype and zoom calls to different Information within these packs includes:
encouraged our teams to continue to faith and religious groups to enable
+ Use of pictorial communication
plan events and activities that support services to still be conducted or to
aids to explain why staff are wearing
mental, physical and social wellbeing provide support.
PPE and why testing for COVOD-19
for all our residents. Even though our + Setting up pen-pal schemes is important.
procedures have changed and a lot of
+ Virtual quizzes via Skype + Wipe clean face and name badges
our delivery has been through virtual
means, the aims and the outcomes + Contacting local schools to provide for staff.
have remained the same which is pictures//letter writing schemes. + Activities promoting hand hygiene.
full life enrichment for those in our Fortunately, we have been inundated + Doorway activities.
care settings. with community support during this + Empathy dolls/robotic pets to aid
As a leading providing of quality time with gifts and donations as well as physical contact.
Dementia Care, Barchester Healthcare the list above which has been fantastic
+ None cook – cooking – to aid
has adapted how we are supporting for keeping morale high for our
nutritional intake.
those residents living with dementia residents as well as our care teams.
+ Smoothie making to aid hydration.
during these unprecedented times. Support for mental and physical
Now more than ever, with the + Outdoor/indoor garden picnics/
stimulation has increased through
increased risk of residents feeling walks.
weekly Life Enrichment Newsletters
isolated, concerned and being unable and activity packs which offer Although the situation has meant a
to physically spend time with their guidance on how to continue with different rhythm of life for everyone
loved ones , it is essential that our activities, exercise sessions and event in our settings, we have continued
residents are supported to remain celebrations adapted to the new to provide joy and celebration in our
engaged and occupied in both their procedures that have been put in place. settings. The development of new
emotional and physical well-being. This has included the use of virtual relationships and community links
Maintaining community links is vital entertainment where possible and as well as the use of technology to
now more than ever and some areas the use of outdoor spaces when the support enhance wellbeing has been
we have been supporting homes to weather has been good. We have also incredibly beneficial, we hope to
engage with have included: developed a specific Activity Dementia continue using this support maintain
Resource Pack and Caring for People them once we are through this
+ Frequent skype/telephone calls and Living with Dementia Guidance to difficult time.
letter writing to families and friends support our care homes which takes
into account both Infection Control and
Social Distancing measures,

Music for Dementia and

the birth of M4D Radio
As the spread of COVID came closer to home in February, and lockdown
in the UK became highly likely, our thoughts at Music for Dementia
turned to how people would access their regular music sessions.
At the heart of the Music for Dementia

campaign is our vision of making music
freely available for every person in
dementia as an integral part of their
care plan.
In mid-March, reports from Italy of
people sharing music and singing from
their balconies started to reach us.
It was proof of what we already knew –
the uplifting power of music. Good
for everyone, not only those living
with dementia, and even more
essential in isolation.
We contacted all of the people
providing musical services on our
Musical Map to ask them if they
were planning to offer online virtual process means we were able to shape
performances or events. The list the five stations to what is required
quickly grew as the musical world in a range of settings. m4d Radio is
adapted to the change. It is now some still in development, however, so the
50 strong spanning a large range of feedback from care homes on how we
musical genres and session types. can improve it is very welcome.
Hot on its heels came a Musical Guide The Mix station is ideal for the rhythm
with practical examples of ways to of a care home, catering for a varied
keep music going even with social age group who may want to listen
distancing in place. to music from a range of eras. Four
further stations play era-specific music
At the same time, plans to launch from 1935-40, 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
m4d Radio began as a way of bringing The musical programme is divided into
music directly into the homes of selected segments such as music to
people living with dementia. It was a move to between 11 and 12.30 each
bold ambition, but we could see that it day, and smooth sounds from 3-6pm
could really make a difference. It could and overnight when agitation
lift spirits and offer the gift of music of residents can increase.
when carers and cared for were cut off
from their usual visitors and routines. As a non-commercial venture, with no
advertisements, m4d Radio avoids the
Little did we realise just what a torrid distractions that many radio stations
time care homes would be having over incur. The ‘always there’ nature of the
the coming weeks and what amazing 24/7 service means that activity co- From all of us at Music for
depths of reserve carers would find. ordinators can turn to it as an instant Dementia, we hope m4d radio
source of meaningful music. Available helps your everyday lives. From
The Music for Dementia team created the reaction so far, it’s certainly
via any internet-enabled device including
the station content and website in doing so.
phone, tablet, computer/laptop, smart
just three months from concept to
TV or Alexa, it can be played to a group Please send your feedback to
launch. Involving people living with
or to individuals in their rooms. info@musicfordementia.org.uk
dementia and carers during the

Nominate your top tunes

Does your care home have its own favourite songs to listen to?
You know, the ones that always get everyone smiling, tapping,
singing or even dancing?
M4d radio is compiling a ‘UK Care NAPA News will let you know when the
Homes’ Top 10 Favourite Songs’ list for playlist will be made into an hour-long
everyone to enjoy, and they’d like your programme on the radio station so
help in creating it. you can listen to see which of your
choices have made it to the top of the
The dementia-friendly internet radio
care home hit parade!
station wants to know which songs
or tunes you’d nominate in order to You’ll be able to say, ‘They’re playing
assemble its ‘Top of the Pops-style’ our tune’ and know that you made it
playlist. Think of the ones that always happen.
manage to lift the mood and you’re
Closing date- Sunday 13th September
on the right lines. The top-voted tunes
will be played at a date in the autumn TIP- Why not run an activity or
on the Mix station of m4d Radio, reminiscence session asking everyone
which plays music from 1930s – 1970s. what song they would choose, to
Simply enter your song selection via create your shortlist of 3-5 top tunes?
this Google form to join in with the fun.
There’s also an optional space for you
to say why you’ve chosen the songs.
Welcome to Let’s Talk...!

The Let’s Talk… resource can create quality time,
connections and conversations on a one-to-one basis.
The Let’s Talk... resource has been designed and
created by Occupational Therapists.
The Let’s Talk... resource will provide:-
+ User-friendly activities in an easy-to-follow format with guidance
included on how to get the best out of Let’s Talk… We are Sophie and Sarah and we
+ Guided conversation ideas and activities including pictures and music began our company, Kent Occupational
relating to a chosen theme to help with positive engagement and Therapy in 2011 after working in the
cognitive stimulation. NHS for a number of years as Senior
Occupational Therapists. Our special
+ Opportunity for new, enjoyable and meaningful conversations.
interest is in the work that we do in
+ A document that can be printed off or used on a laptop or tablet. care homes through the running of
YouTube links are provided for the music. our multisensory group programme
+ No further resources are needed. that we have created and which led
+ We regularly update the Let’s Talk... titles. to the publication of The Multisensory
Reminiscence Activity Book in 2017.
Further information can be found on our website, here
Following this we wanted to create a
resource that could be used on a one
The cost of each Let’s Talk... resource is £25. It can be found to one basis. The Let’s Talk… resource
on page 16 of the NAPA catalogue. (Download here) was created

“Life is what we make it, always

has been and always will be”
It’s this quote by Grandma Moses, that drives me every day to
want to create the best days for the people that live and work in
our Majesticare Homes.
At Majesticare we simply love life As current restrictions impacted on our Our residents have still been able
and believe it’s our privilege to make ability to take residents out, we brought to enjoy the talents of our favourite
living in a Care Home Community the outdoors in using innovation and entertainers using our projectors &
as fulfilling, fun and meaningful as newly acquired Virtual Reality headsets. cinema rooms with virtual concerts for
possible. These challenging times are VR has enabled residents to travel to smaller socially distanced groups and
no exception to that rule! far off places, all from the comfort for residents who have been in their
of their own chair. To see residents rooms, they have experienced private
I am in awe of the life, laughter and
who have been unable to leave their performances using tablet devices.
togetherness that’s happening across
bed, “virtually” take a stroll through
our Homes. Our amazing teams Throughout these challenging times,
a National Trust home or along a
have continued, as they stand on the what has brought me so much joy,
beautiful Caribbean beach and then
frontline keeping people safe, to keep is to see our residents and staff
to listen to their reactions, takes your
our residents, families & our teams teams enjoying activities together.
breath away, it’s just wonderful!. It’s
connected, engaged, and supported. The connections that have deepened
sparked many memories for residents
between our happy & engaged staff
We have provided a full range of living with a Dementia that our life
have created a happy and engaged
activities to stimulate the mind, keep history books have grown longer!
environment, Happiness and Creativity
the body active and nurture the soul.
We’ve appreciated the simpler are Majesticare Values after all.
Through advancing technology we
pleasures in life and our vegetable/
have continued to keep residents
fruit gardens are fit to bursting with
connected with relatives, friends and
fabulous produce! We’ve brought
local communities. Whether in small
the inside in, tending to potted + Angela Boxall

group activities in communal spaces
herbs & flowers to keep those green
and gardens, 121 companionship in
fingered residents engaged, we’ve
Majesticare
the comfort of residents’ rooms, we’ve
written poems and enjoyed good
dressed up, danced and sang… we’ve
conversation, remembering times past
even introduced our very own TikTok
& learning new things about everyone.
stars! Every day has been embraced
with that big Majesticare smile we are
known for!

Husband & Wife reunited

after 5 months apart
Opening Worcester care home’s new,
all-weather visiting room.
Gay Smallman, resident at Fernhill
House Care Home in Worcester
and one of the original “Nightingale
Nurses” last saw her husband Robert
back in February just before he flew to
New Zealand to visit his daughters on
what should have been a 3 week trip.
However due to Covid-19 and borders
being closed, the 3-week trip became
5 months!
Arriving at the home, full of love and
excitement to see his beautiful wife,
Rob commented on how very much
he has missed her
“We’ve been married 45 years,

and we’re thick as thieves” “Early on into the pandemic,
Majesticare were quick to recognise
Gay was equally as overwhelmed the potential lasting impact on visiting
describing the feeling of seeing Rob, within our Homes and so we made
albeit safely through a glass partition, the decision to swiftly develop, an all-
as just “heavenly”. weather, safe visiting room within each
of our homes.
Angie Ryan, Home Manager at Fernhill
House, Worcester stated what an It is just wonderful to be able to bring
emotional moment it was for everyone Gay & Robert together at the opening
and one we have been waiting for of our very first visiting room. A
quite a few weeks. When asked about beautifully decorated, private and
how the past few months have been, safe space to ensure families & friends
Angie commented “I am very proud will always be able to stay safely
to state that Fernhill House has connected in person, whatever the
remained Covid free throughout which future may bring”
wholeheartedly down to the hard
work and dedication of the team here
at Fernhill & the guidance & support
provided Majesticare.
Roger Pratap, Chairman at Majesticare
Luxury Care Homes commented on
+ Saskia Binns
the launch of their “Friendship Room”
Fernhill House Care Home’s new,
Head of Communications
indoor visiting room.
Majesticare

Protecting residents, enhancing wellbeing
The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown has had a significant

impact on our Residents for many reasons. They have not been able
to enjoy the regular in-person contact with their loved ones, and
Residents also had to become familiar with social distancing and
this has posed some challenges when it comes to wellbeing.
Our primary focus has been on teams consisting of Residents and has brought happiness and lot of
protecting our Residents, whilst staff, provides an opportunity to get excitement. We are incredibly grateful
enhancing their quality of life. We involved in simple but competitive and for how much he has done and are
have adapted wellbeing activities so engaging games. It is about stimulating thrilled at the difference he has made.”
these could be safely delivered but still our Residents’ Mind, Body and Soul,
HC-One’s focus on Residents’ wellbeing
align with our wellbeing programme and creating a sense of achievement
has been even more important during
and provide physical, mental and for both Residents and staff.”
lockdown. As we gradually move
emotional stimulation.
Technology has also been extremely out of lockdown, we look forward
Our Colleagues have unleashed their valuable during lockdown. All our to harnessing the creativity and
creativity and found new ways to do homes have tablets to support innovation that we have seen across
this. This has also has reinforced the Residents to keep in touch with our homes over recent months and
value of teamwork and embracing the their loved ones. Our Colleagues at building on this to come up with even
‘whole-home’ approach. Our very own Kirkwood Court in Newcastle went one more ways that we can continuously
Stop the Clock, when Colleagues from step further, using their tablets to keep enhance the quality of life of the
all departments stop what they are in contact with their PAT dog Bruce Residents we care for.
doing and engage with Residents, has through regular video calls. Bruce (and
been instrumental during lockdown. his human!) have also sent letters to
At Forthbank in Scotland, Stop the
Residents with photos of him visiting + Roberta Roccella

before lockdown. Our Colleagues said,
Clock runs every day at 3pm and
“It is hard to put into words how much HC-One, Head of
Residents and Colleagues alike
have been enjoying it. The team
of a positive impact Bruce has had on Quality of Life
Residents. Having the calls from Bruce
said: “We find that creating small
Bruce sending a personalised birthday message and Bruce having a video call with one the Residents
gift to one of the Resident at Kirkwood Court. at Kirkwood Court.

Dear NAPA Members,

I would like to say a big thank you to all of the NAPA members
who have renewed their membership.
At this difficult time, I am pleased to We currently have over 1,500 members

say that nearly 90% of our members who have been with us for 5 years or
have already renewed their NAPA more and 140 who have been with
membership, which compared to us for 10 or more years, just over
the same time last year is a huge half of all NAPA members have been
improvement. with us for 5 or more years. This is
fantastic, your commitment to NAPA is
Some of you may have noticed that
wonderful and we will do all we can to
you received a different renewal
continue to provide useful services.
certificate this year, to celebrate your
time as a NAPA Member we decided to We now have NAPA Members in areas
issue special certificates marking your all over the UK and we hope to grow
time as a NAPA member. that presence significantly over the
next two years.
We would like to welcome our new

NAPA Members including some Don’t forget, being a NAPA Member,
new groups: you receive the following benefits:
+ Elysium Healthcare For the full list of membership
benefits, Click here
+ Surrey County Council
For the individual or team directly

We have also had 13 new individual
responsible for activity provision
members since 1st April 2020
+ Quarterly digital magazine and
+ Affinity – Primrose Lodge
activity supplement called ‘Things
+ Brighterkind – Amanda Siviter to Do’ that can be added to your
+ Brighterkind – Leanne-May Walsh resource toolkit of ideas
+ Broadbridge Park + Telephone Helpline managed by
+ Casicare – Thornton Manor Care skilled activity providers which is
available 07.30 – 16.00 Monday –
+ Karen Birtchnell
Centre
+ Claire Humphrey
Thursday. NAPA Membership/
+ Deborah Jane Black
+ Resources section on the Website Finance Manager
with articles, research and useful
+ DKL Healthcare Ltd – The Gables information.
Rest Home
+ NAPA e News every 2 weeks with For further information
+ Hanley Care Homes – Feltwell updates on events and news across please email me
Lodge Residential the care sector.
+ Mulberry Care Ltd – Mulberry House + Closed Facebook group for
membership@napa-
+ Nazareth Lodge – Riverside exchanging ideas and offering activities.co.uk
Nursing Home support.
+ Porthaven Care Homes Ltd – + Entry to the NAPA Member Awards
Upton Mill + One Free RQF qualification in
+ Rykneld view Supporting Activity Provision Level
2 course – Groups that have 50 or
more care settings will receive one
free course per 50 care settings.
*This information was accurate when the
magazine was produced.

Intergenerational Music Making

– Hitting the right note …
+ Charlotte Miller
Director of Intergenerational Music Making
What is Intergenerational of them rely on. Therefore, we felt it

was vital to approach the pandemic
Music Making? imaginatively and creatively. Social
Intergenerational Music Making isolation and loneliness are nothing
(IMM) is one of the UK’s pioneers new to IMM and, now more than
of intergenerational music projects ever, we believe the arts have the
and was born from Charlotte Miller’s transformative power to bring people
passion of working as a music together in ways we could not have
therapist with the elderly and the very foreseen. For the past twelve weeks
young in a variety of different settings. we have been working tirelessly to
Her grandmother, ‘See-See’ had keep connections strong and active
Dementia and she found that music and provide the life line of support that
was the bridge that could connect many of our clients and care homes
them in challenging times. So, IMM rely on. Through the power of music
was created to bring about positive and art, generations have been staying
social change for local communities connected. We have been able to share
and especially those living with a collection of artistic, musical and
This unique programme allows
Dementia. IMM brings together physical videos with three hospitals in
artists who would normally engage
local schools, care homes, colleges, Surrey as well as over 45 care homes.
with patients in a hospital or care
hospitals and universities to create The response has been very positive,
home setting to do so remotely. The
exciting and meaningful music projects and it is apparent that a service such
Care to Create intergenerational
to improve well-being, mental health, as this is vital in the recovery of our
hub encompasses all aspects of art
tackle loneliness and help integrate communities. We have spent the
and creativity for ALL AGES including
local communities. IMM are passionate past three months developing and
mindfulness, music making, music
that everyone should have the embedding our partnerships in order to
therapy 1:1 and group sessions,
chance to live life to the full and our expand our reach and resources within
song writing sessions, physical based
intergenerational projects give older the health, education and social sector.
activities (such as yoga in the arm
people and children the opportunity to
Covid-19 has hindered our ability to offer chair) musical concerts in the garden
do so. Working together they co-create
the lifeline many of our clients and care and an intergenerational phone
music projects that they can feel proud
homes rely on. Therefore, we wanted to support scheme. This initiative collates
of, gaining an increased sense of
continue to encourage our clients to be everything under one umbrella. An
belonging and feelings of wellbeing.
creative and ensure they are nurtured abundance of FREE creative resources,
Due to the current climate IMM have and supported emotionally, mentally videos and artistic interventions for
now moved online in a bid to create and physically. IMM’s intergenerational people to access easily and efficiently
an inclusive, stimulating and creative online hub collates both on & offline from their homes, schools, hospital
space for people of all ages. The Care resources that cater for all generations. beds or workplace. The page is
to Create hub was launched 12 weeks We know that many people are unable centreed around wellbeing and mental
ago, aimed to support and nurture our to access digital technology, or are health interventions, offering 1:1
clients, their carers, NHS staff, care finding it overwhelming to do so, support, music therapy and buddy
homes, families, children and young therefore our intergenerational hub referrals as well linking in with local
people through this challenging and also provides resources for connecting artists and like-minded organisations
isolated time. The creative content offline. This project draws on the digital to enhance this inclusive platform full
encourages community connection, & non-digital, virtual & tangible. Home- of high-quality resources.
intergenerational relationships and based, creative ways to support health
positive wellbeing for all generations. & tackle isolation, loneliness, mental
Since the outbreak IMM have been health & wellbeing for all generations
unable to offer our clients the artistic, whilst creating cohesive creative &
intergenerational interventions many artistic communities. Continued

Intergenerational Music Making – Hitting the right note …
Our vision is that the online hub will

assist in the next phase of Covid-19
looking at recovery, rehabilitation,
support and connections, all
of which will contribute to new
intergenerational communities once
the pandemic is over.
Intergenerational activities are social
engagements and interactions that
bring together the older and younger
generations for a common purpose.
They build on the strengths that
different generations have to offer,
nurture understanding and mutual
respect, and challenge ageism. Both
parties have the opportunity to give as
well as receive, and to feel a sense of
ownership and achievement. IMM have
carried out several pilot projects which
have been evaluated, sustained and
replicated. Our work is meeting local
and national agendas, improving the "Please see the photos of the lovely
mental health and wellbeing of both poems by Isabella, Attia and William.
generations and is proving to be cost They have brightened up our ward and
effective whilst creating community both the patients and staff love them.
music positions and new skills for Thank you very much and hopefully
students plus for care home staff. we will see you soon. "
Through Care to Create we are Tyler Hart at Frimley Hospital
determined to keep connections
strong and active through the power “There’s something about having
of the arts. This multimedia approach children on site which makes residents
aims to strengthen capacity for social Colin receiving art work created by
feel more human and gives them
connection, friendship and compassion children from the local school.
permission to care about others. It
whilst improving the emotional and " I am going to miss our weekly boosts their confidence and feeling of
mental wellbeing of both generations, meetings, I always love seeing the self-worth, when I tell them the children
the young and old. Rooted in this children and singing with them, it are coming their faces light up.”
action we are sharing a message of was the highlight of my week...
creative hope by lifting up the voices FOTE Activity Co-ordinator
In the words of Frank Sinatra.. They
of all those who are using the arts make me feel so young!"
to build creative connections in their Colin, Age 90, Resident at Silvermere “Half the time I don’t know if I’m coming or
communities. Through storytelling, Care Home going but when I’m here with the children
music making, composing, writing and in the music I know I’m supposed to be
sharing a message of hope we are here and I know where I am”
inspiring people to build and maintain "This is great and such a lovely idea!
Annie, care home resident with dementia
strong reciprocal social relationships ……. I have already received some
now and in the future. lovely words and pictures via IMM and
all are enjoying receiving them, please If your care home would like to
keep them coming and thank you" get involved in the Care to Create
“This is a fantastic initiative to support Dr Emma Wilkinson, Consultant campaign & services plus receive
patients, carers and their families Geriatrician at St. Peter’s Hospital the FREE resource pack, then
when they feel most vulnerable. The please drop us an email here.
therapeutic impact of art and poetry is
well known, and we’re delighted to be “The sessions were MIND BLOWING!!! @IMMCaretoCreate
supporting this project across Surrey.” I loved visiting the elderly each week
and especially after the music we sat @IMMusicmaking
Neil Selby, North West Surrey, and talked with them whilst having
Commissioning Manager Frailty some juice and a biscuit.”
and Integrated Care Article written by Charlotte Miller,
Year 7 Student
Director of Intergenerational Music
Making. charlotte@imm-music.com

Emotional wellbeing
prioritised at Athena
Athena Care Homes have prioritised emotional wellbeing alongside physical
wellbeing during the pandemic especially for people living with dementia.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had

a dramatic effect on life in care
settings, and the activities that Athena
provides our residents during this
time. Although challenging, Athena
has been committed to adapting our
services to prioritise our focus on the
emotional and physical wellbeing of
our residents.
The implementation of lockdown
in March 2020 tested everybody’s
emotional wellbeing, with strict rules
being enforced across the country.
For many the highlight of their day
can be a visit or a hug from a friend in contact with their family and friends helps our residents keep in touch with
or a loved one, and that has just not and have adapted quickly to using nature, and encourages outdoor visits,
been possible in recent months. For tablets and laptops with the support of one app uses the images we take in
those residents living with dementia, team members. the care home gardens to identify
Athena knew that such drastic changes the plants and wildlife. This appeals
to their normal routine would be Athena’s communication with friends
to our residents in both sensory
especially distressing and could cause and relatives has strengthened during
and educational aspects whilst also
overwhelming emotional damage. this time and they have become
encouraging daily exercise out in the
even more involved with our activity
Athena was responsive to this issue fresh air.
provision, opening up channels for us
and took swift action to increase our to further enhance our person-centred Athena also recognises that many
Activity workforce which has enabled approach. Video calls have also been residents have a spiritual commitment
Athena to support our residents in useful for keeping friends and family and it has been important to us to
the home with increased flexibility connected who are living in different ensure that we adapted our provision
in our activity provision in order to communities. One resident was unable to cater for this. Our spiritual activities
accommodate 1-2-1 activity, whilst to visit his wife as they were both are now virtual, with recorded services
observing social distancing rules. recovering from COVID-19 but were and personal facetime calls being
Our recruitment campaign was a great able to be comforted with the use of facilitated with the local reverend to
success and our homes attracted facetime as they were able to see each enable our residents maintain their
many applicants with transferrable other and feel reassured. Following the spiritual needs and keep in touch
skills who may have been furloughed success of video calls Athena residents with the wider community as much
or found themselves unemployed will also be branching out to the wider as possible.
due to COVID-19. These candidates world with the ‘Adopt a Grandparent’
Although the journey through the
would have perhaps not considered project in partnership with CHD living.
pandemic has been challenging, it has
working in the care industry before the The introduction of more technology provided us with many positives and
pandemic, but with our support and equipment and applications into our is considered to have enriched our
training they have flourished in their homes has in turn created an interest activity provision with true value.
new career journeys. in using interactive apps in our activity
To counteract the lack of physical visits provision. The most popular with those
living with dementia are the live zoo
residents, have with their loved ones
Athena has ensured those essential tours, and 3D interactive aquarium. + Holly Savage
interactions continue with the use of
technology. Our residents have really
The bright colours and attractive
animals have provided sensory and Activities Coordinator,
enjoyed the use of video calls to keep mental stimulation to help stop Athena Care Homes
boredom setting in. Such technology

What do volunteers need to know about

supporting people with dementia …
from people with dementia!
As an activity worker, you may well be
recruiting and managing volunteers.
That role is likely to be particularly
challenging during this period of
social distancing and uncertainty. And
especially if it involves supporting
people with dementia. The volunteer you set off. Ask where they prefer to sit
may feel nervous and apprehensive, (back or front) – or stick to any current
and, unless they have first-hand Coronavirus guidance – and offer to
experience, will probably have pre- Be consistent and reliable so that they help with the seat belt. Drive more
conceived ideas. feel secure. Remind them beforehand slowly than usual. Check if they feel
that you are coming, as they may have like chat, radio, or silence – and avoid
So we have worked with people with background noise (too much sensory
dementia to bring you their tips about forgotten. Let them know if you’re
going to be late, as even if you are only overload can be very stressful.) Tell
how to do the job well – so that it them when you’re nearly there as they
results in enjoyment and fulfilment on a few minutes away, they will worry
that they’ve got it wrong. Wear your may be worrying – and remind them
both sides. Here we go! why you are here when you arrive, as
name badge if you have one – and
Starting with some general points – it’s introduce yourself anew each time. they may have forgotten. Check you
important for volunteers to understand Show iD so that they feel secure (they are in the right place! Ideally deliver
that the people they are supporting will be alert to scammers). your passenger to a person (not a
might not fit their stereotype of a place) as they may feel disorientated.
person with dementia. As Gail says: “We Another key tip is to smile – a lot! If Show them where the toilets are when
are not necessarily old and may not you are relaxed and smiley, they will you arrive, and remind them how and
‘look like’ we have dementia”. Dementia be too. Get to know them and their when you will take them home. You
comes in all shapes and sizes, and interests a bit if you can – what was could even offer to give them a card
people can be in their forties or fifties… their job, what are they good at, do with the pickup time and place, your
or over a hundred. they love gardening, follow a sport or name and phone contact.
have a favourite TV programme? That’s
Secondly, you need to explain your the way to start a more ‘personalised’ I think all these tips can be summed up
role and how/why you have connected conversation. under a few key principles. Be warm
with them – introduce yourself by and friendly – Slow down – Remind
name and role at very encounter. People with dementia also have some – Reassure. And above all, relate to
Recognise that they may be nervous valuable tips for volunteers who are the person as an individual – not as a
and suspicious in this current climate doing specific tasks. If you are doing ‘person with dementia’.
– so you need to earn their trust and shopping, offer to go through their
shopping list with them to double-check To bring all these tips together,
help them feel secure. we have, working with people with
they have remembered everything. Ring
It is also helpful to agree how you or knock to let them know the deliveries dementia, produced some resources.
will communicate. It may be by are here – step back, and wait ‘til they These include a short guide /checklist
phone, WhatsApp, text, email, Zoom, open the door. Smile! Leave packages in which you can download and share
Skype, FaceTime, letter, postcard, a a way that they can bring them in easily with them here. And there are also
note through the letterbox… or just – maybe on a stool, and not in a heavy four new short videos here – which
a chat from the end of the garden big box left on the ground. Remind have been endorsed by NAPA, the
path. Everyone has a preferred way the person to clean their hands and British Psychological Society and
to communicate – and some people packages to avoid infection. And finally Alzheimer’s Society.
cannot do phones or texts or emails. – check if they have any other needs With many thanks to Ron Coleman,
Always include a photo of yourself if before you leave. Wendy Mitchell and Gail Gregory.
you can, as this will help them link a
name to a face. Another scenario is if the volunteer is
driving a person to an appointment.
Check that they have locked their
house and have their bag etc. when + Philly Hare
Innovations in Dementia

NAPA – Activity Providers

training pathway
NAPA has developed a series of training solutions that will enhance
the skills, knowledge and expertise of activity providers.
Level 2
Award in Supporting Activity
Provision in Social Care
accredited by OCN London
The OCN London Level 2 Award in
Supporting Activity Provision in Social
Induction level Level 1 Care qualification enables those
working, or intending to work, in
Starting Out – The NAPA Award in Developing the health and social care sector to
Induction Course for Activity Emotional Resilience develop their understanding of the
Providers accredited by OCN London potential benefits for individuals of
engaging in both everyday activities
The purpose of this course is to explain This training ‘up-skills’ its participants and programmed activities.
the activity provider role so that to understand emotional wellbeing
everyone can appreciate the important and build resilience for their own This qualification was developed in
contribution activity can make to the mental health. It discusses a range partnership with Skills for Care. It is
life of a care setting – whether through of topics including stigma, signs and increasingly recognised that Activity
planned activities such as facilitating a symptoms of mental ill health, coping Provision can make a significant
group, or less obvious activities, such strategies, engaging with others about contribution to well being and quality
as chatting with residents. This is an mental health, supports, and self-care. of life and the Care Sector reports a
ideal course for a new activity provider, need for specialist training for their
but also a refresher or as part of the Learning outcomes: staff in this area.
induction of all staff so they understand
As a result of completing this Course Content
the importance of activity provision to
programme, participants will achieve:
the individuals in your care. The Award is made up of 4 units:
+ A greater understanding of signs
The course covers: and symptoms of poor emotional + Understand Activity Provision in
wellbeing and the impact of mental Social Care
+ Whole Home Approach
health + Understand the Delivery of Activities
+ Make the role your own in Social Care
+ Skills to build their own emotional
+ Best Practice resilience and support the resilience + Understand the Benefits of
+ Activity Planning of others Engaging in Activities in Social Care
+ Connecting with the community + Increased confidence in being Students then choose one of the
+ Assessment, Goals and Evaluation able to engage about emotional following to complete the qualification*:
wellbeing
+ Further support + Dementia Awareness
+ A reduction of stigma and removal
+ Golden Rules Do’s & Don’t’s + Understand the Context of
of negative viewpoints regarding
mental ill health Supporting Individuals with
Learning Disabilities
This course is free for NAPA member
organisations and their staff (one of This course fee for NAPA members**
your many membership benefits). is just £49.99 per student. For This course fee for NAPA members**
non-members it is £100 per student. is just £400 per student. For non-
If you are a NAPA member please
members it is £1,000 per student.
email info@napa-activities.co.uk and
we will send you the information to get *Please make the option clear on
your staff signed up. For non-members the application form
the cost is £25 per student.
Continued

NAPA – Activity Providers training pathway
Level 3 The qualification was developed

by NAPA with Skills for Care. The
Certificate in Activity outcomes of the qualification respond
Provision in Social Care directly to the need for specialist
training of staff which has been
accredited by OCN London identified by the care sector.
This course develops understanding
of the social benefits of providing The course content – The course is
opportunities for different kinds of made up of 5 units:
activities in the context of care.
+ Coordination of Activity Provision in
This qualification provides a valuable Social Care
insight to learners of ways in which
+ Equality and Diversity in Activity
activity provision can lead the way in
Provision
providing meaningful and purposeful
engagement for people. It will enable + Implement Therapeutic Group
learners to contribute to the planning, Activities
delivery and evaluation of an activity + Community Involvement in Activity
based model of care. Overall it will Provision
further the learner’s understanding + Activity Provision in Dementia Care
of the importance of activity in
person-centred care. It is increasingly
recognised that good quality activity Course Cost – The cost per student is:
provision can make a significant NAPA Members *Rate £700
contribution to the well-being and Non- members *Rate £1,800
quality of life for older people.
Additional courses
Release dates TBC – watch out in the NAPA News
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Award in Dementia Award in Awareness of Award in training &
Awareness – eLearning Dementia accredited by OCN Education accredited by
accredited by OCN London London OCN London
The OCNLR Level 1 Award in Dementia Enables individuals involved in caring The Level 3 Award is intended as an
Awareness aims to provide learners for people with dementia to develop introduction to teaching and training
with knowledge about common types their knowledge and understanding in a variety of contexts. It provides the
of dementia, the signs and symptoms of dementia and in particular those knowledge required by teachers or
of dementia, and good practice in factors that influence interactions and trainers in the further education and
caring for an individual with dementia. communication with individuals who training environment.
have dementia.
For more information about any of our training offers, please email info@napa-activities.co.uk

Promoting emotional wellbeing and

quality of life matters to all of us
Runwood Homes have prioritised our Residents however can feel isolated and lonely, whether or
not they are in the midst of a global pandemic. Sadly, the
resident’s (especially those living with additional loss of loved ones due to Covid 19 will have only
dementia) staff and families emotional added to those feelings
and physical wellbeing during the history We can validate and support those feelings of loneliness
making pandemic. Feelings of isolation, and find new ways to connect with residents.
loneliness, anxiety, stress, depression and Here are some of the ways we have encouraged residents
grief have affected many people. who are lonely, sad, confused and incredibly stressed to
engage with the world around them:
One of our priorities was to promote engagement. As a result, we often

keeping in touch with loved ones. This see residents regain social skills and
was done via assistive technology become more confident in mixing with
including Zoom, Face Time, Skype others. Staff also spent time and care in
or just simply talking on the phone. explaining the need for the use of PPE.
Exchanging and sending heartfelt
cards or letter to families, friends,
residents in different homes and ‘Tools Down at 11’ is a whole team
positive words amongst staff have also approach and promotes maximum
been beneficial. using of our outdoor spaces. Every
day we hold flash meetings with staff
Continuing religious and cultural
to ensure we know how individuals
support on-line (i.e. Sikh Religion
are coping. We are then able to
service)
support people appropriately. Regular
residents’ meetings are carried out
so we hear their voices and act upon
their wishes.
Resident of the day scheme – we
focus on a set resident, in each unit,
supported by all departments.
Buddies – We also buddy up residents
who shares similar interests.
Mental Health First Aiders are meeting
both staff teams and residents to
provide personal support. They in
addition join with the families meetings
on zoom. Homes are planning to hold PAT therapy – Staff are bringing their
a shared remembrance ceremony own pets to the homes i.e. guinea
for everyone to reflect on the loss of pigs to comfort residents or are using
people known personally. executive animal toys which can
provide such comfort to some
The ‘Forget Me Not’ scheme is to ensure animal lovers.
people who stay in their bedrooms or
are cared for in bed are not isolated.
They have the reassurance of staff
popping in and out. A simple check,
a smile and a conversation can make
a huge difference. In addition, we
are able to check residents appear
comfortable and settled. The Forget-
Me-Not scheme is all about meaningful
Compassion and meaning

in the face of death
The two things that Acceptance: “I’m at peace with what assistant if they are okay and having a
happened.” check-in as a standard item on team
unequivocally unite meeting agendas.
Many people, over the years, have
humankind are the fact misconstrued the Kübler-Ross stages
that we are born and at of grief, treating them as sequential
The Death Café approach
some point, we die. stages that everyone must go through
step-by-step. This is not the case at all. You might have heard of the Death Café.
For many of us, we are able to ignore It’s a place where people, often strangers,
Some people might jump straight to
the latter – blithely going about our gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss
acceptance, while others go backwards
lives until we’re forced to confront the death. The concept was developed by
and forwards along the stages. In other
often-harsh reality that comes with Jon Underwood and Sue Barsky Reid
words, there are no rules to grieving.
death and dying. Many of you reading with the aim of increasing awareness
this, however, are working with people In her last book, before her own death of death with a view to helping people
who are nearing their end of life and in 2004, Kübler-Ross said that the five
make the most of their (finite) lives. More
so, you face death and dying every day. stages of grief, “were never meant to than 11,000 death cafes have been held
help tuck messy emotions into neat
Caring for people who are dying across 73 countries, since September
packages. They are responses to loss
makes us face our own fears that 2011. Many people who have attended a
that many people have, but there is
we might have about our mortality. café say that it’s a powerful and uplifting
not a typical response to loss, as there
It might also remind of us of those experience.
is no typical loss. Our grieving is as
loved ones we have lost from our own Why not think about holding your own
individual as our lives.”
lives. We know that with the Covid19 version for staff, residents and family
pandemic that many of those in the The important things to remember are to:
members? The Death Café website
caring professions will also have lost + Acknowledge your pain – only by has a section dedicated for those who
their own loved ones. Not only are you acknowledging it can you work want to run their own cafes. Click here
caring for those at the end of their lives through it.
and supporting their loved ones but + Accept that grief can trigger many
you might also be carrying and trying different and unexpected emotions. Making meaning out of loss
to handle your own grief. This is normal. In an interview with NPR, in the United
Research shows that caring for those + Understand that your grieving States, Theresa Brown, a palliative care
who are at the end of their lives can process will be unique to you. nurse and author of ‘The Shift: One
be tough, particularly when you are + Seek out support from people who nurse, twelve hours and four patients’
helping their loved ones through it care about you. lives’ said,
as well. The dying person might be + The importance of compassion in
"When you're with people who die ...
suffering which can be upsetting the grieving process
and being in their homes and seeing
for them and for those caring for + One way we can make sense of
their families, it's incredible the love
them. Emotions can be heightened, loss for ourselves and others is
that people evoke. And it makes me
exacerbated by tiredness and grief. through compassion. In their book,
realize this is why we're here; this is
‘Awakening compassion at work’,
what we do; this is what we give to
Monica Worline and Jane Dutton
The stages of grief: each other."
outline four stages of compassion:
In 1969, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a Swiss + Noticing that suffering is present – This is such an important thing to
psychiatrist, published her book ‘On in ourselves and in others. remember: Being with someone at
Death and Dying’. Her book was based + Making meaning of the suffering in the end of their life is a privilege. This
on her studies into the feelings of a way that contributes to a desire to can be a powerful and positive way
patients and their loved ones as those alleviate it. to reframe how you see working with
patients came to the end of their lives. + Feeling empathic concern for those who are dying.
In the book, she introduced the five the people suffering, including
stages of grief: ourselves.
Denial: “No! This can’t be happening.” + Taking action to alleviate suffering +Hayley
Anger: “Why is this happening? Who is
In
in some manner.
other words, it’s not enough to
Lewis
to blame?” Organisational
simply notice that someone might Psychologist
Bargaining: “Stop this happening and I
be suffering as a result of their grief.
will do anything.”
We have to take some kind of action.
Depression: “There’s no point in doing Examples of compassionate actions We are delighted that Hayley has
anything. It’s all pointless.” agreed to write a regular column.
include a team manager asking a care
Volunteering at Royal
Star and Garter Homes
As Activities & Volunteers Manager at Royal Star & Garter’s Home in Surbiton,
I know only too well just how vital volunteers are to the running of a varied,
enjoyable and successful activities programme.
In my opinion, volunteers are the
backbone of our activities and they
support and enhance every day for
our residents. They help in so many
ways – they assist on outings, some
paint residents’ nails, others help with
gardening. They run the Poetry Group,
the Star & Garter Singers choir, our
Music Club, and I support them with
whatever they need. In turn, they
provide great support for me in terms
of making things happen.
There are certain skills and areas of relationships with residents. I try conscious that these are people who
expertise that I look for in a volunteer. I very hard to match volunteers with are giving up their time to help, out of
look for people who are keen on doing residents, depending on their life the goodness of their hearts. They are
activities, and show initiative. They need histories. For instance, if there is a giving up time they could spend with
to work well in a team, and individually. volunteer who enjoys travelling, and I their family and loved ones to come
We provide them with training but know there’s a resident who travelled here and help, they are part of what
there are still times when they will need a lot, I will try and pair them together. I we call the ‘Star & Garter family’. I try
to think on their feet. I’m looking for look for common interests to help form to keep in touch with them as often as
my volunteers to be action-takers and special relationships, which can mean possible, and help them understand
good listeners. All these skills are very so much to residents. Through this, I just how important they are, and
important because we have to keep the can learn a lot about a resident, what ensure they are aware of all the good
resident at the heart of everything we they like, their interests and hobbies, work they are doing for our residents.
do. It’s very person-centred. and it helps me shape the activities I treat volunteers in the same way that
programme I put together. So it’s really I want them to treat our residents,
Royal Star & Garter is a charity which
important to the care we provide and to which is extra-specially!
provides loving, compassionate care
the residents’ well-being.
to veterans and their partners living One of the many highlights in our
with dementia, so volunteers need to There’s no better feeling than seeing calendar is the Volunteers’ Awards
have extensive training to deal with a friendship form and blossom Lunch. All volunteers are invited to
this. We provide training on movement between a volunteer and resident. a special meal at the Home, with
and handling, infection control, It means the world to me and it’s certificates and medals handed
safeguarding and modified eating. We beautiful to see. It can really make out to people who have completed
also provide specialist dementia care such a big impact on the resident, either one, five, 10 or 20 years of
training and support. This will include and that positivity and friendship can voluntary work with us. It’s a wonderful
what to expect, what to do in certain spread to others in the Home. afternoon and a chance to make a fuss
scenarios, what behaviours they are I’m blessed to have the team of over a special group of people who
likely to see. And because it can be volunteers I have. I’ve learned a lot give so much. I believe helping others
difficult to deal with at the beginning, we through managing them. Everybody is is the highest expression of the soul
support the volunteers emotionally and different, and I think the best way to and we recognise that this is what our
psychologically. During their first weeks work with people is to embrace who volunteers do for our residents.
as a volunteer, they will shadow me or they are, work with them to see their
an experienced volunteer so they can potential and what they can do. I work
see first-hand the care that is expected. hard to support them in developing
relationships with residents.
+ Raquel Pena
Our volunteers are unique, individual
Aristizabal

people, with their own personalities, As their manager, I have a
differing backgrounds and their own responsibility to the volunteers in the Activities and Volunteers Manager
strengths. In our Home we have Home. I work with individuals and it’s
63 rooms, and a great number of important to take into account how
volunteers to help create one-to-one Click here to read the full article
they are feeling in the Home. I am
NAPA Blog – Volunteering

Bylined to Natalie Ravenscroft, What have you learnt along the way, any
challenges and positive outcomes from
Experience Coordinator at having a robust procedure in place?
Belong Crewe Working with volunteers is invaluable
as they bring a fresh pair of eyes to the
What does volunteering at Belong organisation and activities. Whilst a
look like, what’s involved? colleague can provide a few pointers of
Volunteers can do almost anything! supporting those living with dementia. feedback, volunteers often bring a new
We have a wide and varied choice With the right values, anyone can do perspective and see things from the
of activities to get involved with. it; you just need to have a positive customer’s point of view, which gives
Some opportunities require a regular attitude and be able to show genuine incredibly useful insight that can be
commitment, however small, and we compassion and understanding. used to improve activities provision.
work with people to find something Pleasingly, we’ve found our volunteers
Belong provides induction training
suitable based on the time they can often develop their own self-esteem,
for all its volunteers to enable people
offer – all support is gratefully received. as well. We have a number of retirees
to feel competent carrying out their
Some of the routine events our role, including how to work with working with us, some of whom
volunteers support us with include people who have dementia. Further, are widowed, and they build new
coffee mornings, poetry reading all our volunteers have a nominated friendships with both colleagues and
sessions and musical events – volunteers placement supervisor, whose residents. One volunteer told me that
with a talent for playing instruments responsibility it is to ensure volunteers her contribution gives her a sense of
are particularly welcome for these! In receive the training and assistance purpose and independence, following
general, we aim to align volunteers needed to undertake their role safely the passing of her husband.
with residents with similar interests, and confidently. In terms of challenges, it is important
as this is a great way to help older to be open minded and sensitive when
We aim to make it as easy possible
people to maintain their hobbies, for managing volunteers, as they are not
for people to sign up as volunteers,
example, we’ve had volunteers assisting paid employees and their needs and
but it is important to have a robust
with woodwork and DIY projects, experience are different. Also, you
procedure in place for the induction
photography and of course gardening. can’t guarantee a volunteer will attend
period. Firstly, of course, appropriate
We’ve also run a very successful arts checks need to be carried out for their session, so always plan for the
project at Belong Crewe, working in anyone working with vulnerable adults eventuality, just in case.
conjunction with Liverpool’s Bluecoat so we ask people to complete an On the whole though, we’ve found that
gallery and, on the back of this, we put official application form to provide the creating volunteering opportunities
a call-out for arts volunteers so that we information needed for this. This also is a great way to be part of the wider
could support residents to maintain gives us the opportunity to discuss community and build our reputation
their artistic endeavours. with people from the outset their locally, increasing awareness and
Outside of Belong villages, there’s interests and expectations, as well as advocacy for Belong villages.
opportunity to support on excursions, making a realistic assessment of the For example, we often make a
make shopping trips for our apartment time they are able to commit. difference by offering volunteering
tenants who live independently, or We usually also observe people’s placements for job seekers. This is
fundraise for future activities. interactions with residents in an particularly rewarding as we provide
Above all, our residents enjoy informal activity session; this helps help to those who are at risk of
companionship and everyone can play both Belong and the volunteer to becoming isolated, without their
a role, so any regular help is welcomed ensure they feel confident in our financial support being affected.
by colleagues and residents. setting and provides further insight Many remain volunteers with us
To support our volunteers, there’s into shared values with our colleagues when they do find paid work, which
funding available for their personal and customers. shows how much they appreciate the
transport costs, opportunities for As the on-boarding of volunteers is experience with our residents, and
training, and when they’re with us for quite time-consuming in terms of these interactions enable our villages
a full day, we offer a free meal at our vetting, training and induction, it’s to flourish as hubs within their local
on-site bistro as an extra thank you. important to make sure people are communities.
clear about this from the outset so they
know what they’re getting into.
What do volunteers need to know
in order to support people with Once people get past the initial stages, + Natalie
dementia in activities? we usually know they are committed to Ravenscroft
First of all, you don’t have to have
supporting Belong and our experience is
that volunteers really do make a special
Belong Crewe
qualifications or any prior experience
difference to the lives of our residents.
Emotional and physical

wellbeing of residents
At Anchor Hanover, the The pandemic has led to positive The increased use of Personal
transformation in our care homes Protective Equipment, particularly
wellbeing of our residents is with the development of ‘Virtual’ face masks could have created
at the heart of everything we resources and connections. Our a barrier to communication with
do. Meaningful engagement Service Improvement Team provided residents, especially for those living
is an essential part of living quizzes, sing-alongs, art galleries and with dementia. Our support team
exercise classes that could be accessed developed guidance for colleagues to
well and we recognised virtually by residents with the support enhance their communication through
during the early stages of the of colleagues. appropriate use of body language
pandemic, that we needed to The team also sourced external
and ‘smiling’ eye contact. In some
be innovative, making sure instances, laminated A5 name cards
‘virtual’ resources for residents
were introduced at some of our care
there were lots of practical including trips to famous landmarks,
homes with a friendly portrait picture
zoos, theatre shows and professional
resources readily available of a member of the care team smiling
exercise classes.
and accessible to support our to help ease emotional distress.
residents. My final thought on resident wellness
Anchor Hanover’s bespoke is the impact the pandemic has had on
We adapted swiftly to meet the
challenges that Covid-19 presented, 10-minute exercise sessions sports as a whole. For some residents,
delivered by Diane Moran, sport is a primary source of wellbeing,
developing and accessing new
whether they are participants or
resources and ready-made activities the 1980s fitness icon known spectators. At Anchor Hanover
that were provided centrally for
as ‘the Green Goddess’ also we provided a series of sporting
colleagues to print and distribute to
residents. These activities included; proved very popular with reminiscence materials and activity
resources to help keep residents
word games, puzzles, quizzes, residents. engaged. All our homes have received
colouring pages and reminiscence
adapted sports equipment kits to
newspapers. Providing different Providing these virtual events for help encourage engagement in sports
activities ensured they weren’t too residents at our care homes allowed during the summer and to continue to
generic and that they covered a wide them to maintain their connection to promote physical activity.
range of topics and interests. We the wider community, which is vital.
maximised the use of internal support Wellbeing is about the individual and
teams and sourced resources from With the right technology and support, If we truly know and understand our
external links, including NAPA’s ‘Things residents can continue to enjoy residents there can never be a barrier
to Do’ activity pages, Our Yesterday’s, the benefits of regular and varied to emotional and physical wellness.
Active Minds and Golden Carers. interactions with loved ones. The
Our #BeKindToOneAnother initiative use of iPads and Facebook portals
led by care home managers equally have been a key aspect of supporting + Mark Wren
encouraged local communities to
send letters, pictures and poems to
residents to keep in regular contact
with friends and family.
Service Improvement
residents to lift spirits.
Advisor, Anchor Hanover

Person centred activity at a homecare agency
A Kendal-based homecare that can lead to some social isolation.

The question is, how do we tackle that?
company has put the So, at the beginning of 2019 we set up
provision of person-centred these community groups.”
activities for its clients at the The venues are community centres,
heart of its operation. where health care assistants provide
high afternoon tea, coffee and cakes
Westmorland Homecare is determined
and some sort of activity.
to restart its weekly social gatherings
once it is safe to do so following the On one occasion, prior to the
coronavirus pandemic. lockdown, clients were able to get up
close and personal to a collection of
And it is also committed to helping Dr Joshua Macauley (left) and Dr Chris Moss,
rescued owls, brought to the social directors of Westmorland Homecare (Photograph
clients to continue to enjoy their hobbies
event by The Owl Sanctuary at Barrow. taken before the lockdown restrictions)
and interests or to try out new things.
About 15 of Westmorland Homecare’s
“We believe that every individual
clients, whose ages ranged from 75
should be free to remain in their home
to 90 years old, were able to hold and from Liverpool University, is planning
as long as they wish, should be able to
stroke the owls. As one of the staff to introduce a music therapy project.
be as active and independent as ever
who attended put it: “There were lots He has studied the psychological
before and should continue to have
of smiling faces and fascination as they benefits of music, specifically for
rich and fulfilling lives,” said Dr Chris
met the owls.” people with dementia, including
Moss, joint director of Westmorland
Homecare, which is based in South At another event, clients made Alzheimer’s disease, and those who
Lakeland in Cumbria. envelopes and postcards, which were have had a stroke.
then displayed on the Westmorland This will include creating individual
“We want our clients to thrive and
Homecare float during Kendal’s playlists based on a person’s lifestyle
live life to the full, no matter what
famous Torchlight Carnival procession. and memories when they were aged
age they are. That is our mission
and something we are dedicated to Once a month, pupils from Selside between 15 and 25, as these memories
delivering every day.” Primary School visit one of the social tend to last longest.
events. “Clients can interact with “Research has reported that playing
Westmorland Homecare Limited was
the children, play with them and this music can unlock memories
founded in 2017 by Chris and Doctor
talk to them or make things such as among people with dementia and
Josh Macaulay. Both had experience
Christmas cards,” said Dr Moss. “Our Alzheimer’s that they did not know
of caring for people in their NHS roles
clients love spending time with the were still there,” said Jacob, 21.
as an anaesthetist and an A&E doctor
youngsters.”
but wanted to help people more “It is difficult to describe how powerful
than while they were just in hospital. Staff have been decorating donated it can be. Even if only for a brief
The service is now one of the biggest plant pots and planting them with moment it can help them remember
providers of homecare in Cumbria. sunflower seeds. Once the flowers are loved-ones, family and friends.”
grown, they will be delivered to each of
Westmorland Homecare provides a Another plan is to have staff and
Westmorland Homecare’s clients.
range of services, which enable people clients doing ‘mirror motions’ to music
to live independently in their own Staff carry out social calls to clients played at 60 beats per minute which,
home. They include home care, such and help them with activities, such as said, Jacob could be very calming for
as help with housekeeping and meal going to garden centres and libraries, those with degenerative brain disease
preparation, and personal care, such or baking and accompanying them on like dementia.
as help with dressing, bathing and a walk.
Meanwhile, Westmorland Homecare
getting in and out of bed. Two of the staff’s dogs – Rupert, a Flat- staff are always prepared to go the
But they see providing creative and fun Coated retriever and Digby, a Labrador extra mile. When armed forces veteran
activities for their clients, supported by – are to be trained so they can be Jeff Ashworth told health care assistant
caring and skilled staff, as a vital part used for pet therapy. “Pet therapy is Susie Rogers there seemed little point
of the service they offer. extremely powerful,” said Dr Moss. wearing his medals on VE Day because
“It releases endorphins and increases there would be no-one around to see
“Before the coronavirus lockdown
happiness. them because of the lockdown, she
we held a weekly social event in
Grange-over-Sands, Windermere and “Activities also include simply talking sprang into action.
Ambleside in order to bring people to clients and engaging with them – She organised a special social
out of their own homes and into the perhaps about history or listening to distancing-compliant VE Day tea party
community,” said Dr Moss. their memories.” for Jeff and his wife Jennie – complete
“We believe people are better if they Jacob Curry, a care coordinator who is with bunting, flags and even Spam
can remain in their own homes but about to graduate with a music degree sandwiches!

NAPA National Day of Arts in

Care Homes, 24 September
It's not too long now, before 24 September, the second
National Day of Arts in Care Homes #AICH2020.
Arts in care vouchers

Buy an Arts in care voucher for
a care setting of your choice and
enhance the wellbeing, health and
happiness of residents and staff.
+ Purchase a special present for
someone living in a care setting
This year’s theme, developed in Our Partner Pages have loads of + Thank a care home of your choice
response to the COVID-19 situation, creative on-line resources from for the care provided to a relative
is #‘CreativeCommunities. Please arts organisations, museums and or friend
organise an event on the day and/or galleries to help you devise an event + Provide residents in a care setting
share positive stories about how your or organise an arts related activity with a meaningful, creative
care settings have used the arts to on the day. We have some wonderful activity
connect residents and staff with loved partners on board including The
ones and local communities. Corridor Southbank, The National Archives, The To purchase an arts Voucher email
choirs, window art, online ceramic Poetry Takeaway, Intergenerational artsvoucher@napa-activities.co.uk
sessions, garden concerts, crafting, Music Making and Creative Paths, all NAPA will need the following
mindful colouring, live streamed of whom will be sharing stories and information from you:
concerts and poem pen pals … we resources on 24 September to help
want to hear about them all. This is develop creative activities in care + Value of Voucher – vouchers are
a great chance to share some of the settings. Find out more here available for £10, £20, £25, £50
wonderful things you have been doing and £100. Voucher is valid for 2
Get Involved on 24 September: years
with a wider audience!
Organise an activity and share positive
+ Name of care setting.
Please show us how you have kept stories, celebrate the contribution
your care home connected within of care staff and older people and + Email address of care setting.
your home during social distancing, demonstrate the importance of + Type of arts activity required, if
with family and friends, your local meaningful creative activities. Care known ie would purchaser like
community and the wider online settings must not be forgotten! Please home to try to book a specific
community. Click here to register an use the following hashtags when doing arts activity such as a choir
event and find our ‘Get Involved Pack’. Social Media posts: session, water painting class or
Four registered care settings, chosen cello performance?
#AICH2020 #CreativeCommunities
at random on 24 September will
and tag in @artsincarehomes and @ Show your support for residents
receive £100 Arts in Care vouchers to
NAPAlivinglife the day during Social and care staff!
spend on art activities.
Distancing.
See our HOW TO Guides sections with
tips and ideas on different activities.
We will soon be sharing three new
guides on running choirs, art activities
and a range of different poetry styles
to try with residents: Click here

Only Connect Project

Care settings – would you like to receive regular
letters, messages of support, artwork and/or poems
from a NAPA #OnlyConnectPenPal?
We have over a hundred volunteers of all ages across the

county and beyond, waiting to get in touch with you! Please
Feedback from participating care providers:
sign-up here
Initial contact is via email but then you can decide with your
“Being a pen pal and writing letters has made me
partner if you would prefer to swap messages though the feel useful again”
post. You can also decide if you would like your pen pal to Resident, Sunrise Seniors Living
write messages to individual residents or to the home in
general. Pen pals are sending art, letters, postcards, poems,
activity ideas and video messages. Decide with your partner “A warm thanks to the children for making us all
what works best for you both and what type of mail you smile. We have so much appreciated the lovely
would like to receive and send. art and kind words at this time"
Bromley Care
Please keep us posted. We would love to hear how
you get on

Bringing UK’s Arts in Care Homes

Day to Canada in September 2020
I came across this event last Fall on support purposeful and meaningful
Twitter and loved reading the posts arts-based activities for older adults
highlighting incredible arts-based and their care partners (both formal
activities being carried out in care and informal). It will emphasize
homes. In my role as the Schlegel the importance of innovation and
Innovation Leader in Arts and Aging at collaboration within care teams, and
the Sheridan Centre for Elder Research the benefits of developing activities
– click here, and the Schlegel-UW that are tailored to the individual
Research Institute for Aging (http://the- needs and interests of residents.
ria.ca/), my work is at the intersection
In this time of uncertainty surrounding
of arts, health, and aging. I study the
Covid-19, it is particularly important to
benefits of the arts for individuals
create new opportunities for reaching
across the lifespan and examine how
out and connecting with others. Given
we can make it even easier for people
the stress experienced by frontline
to provide and access arts-based
healthcare workers in retirement and
activities. A lot of my research takes
long-term care settings, we hope that
place within retirement and long-term
coming together to create content for
care homes here in Canada (what the
Arts and Aging Day Canada will allow
UK would refer to as “care homes”),
and I work with residents, their family
them to concentrate on some positive + Kate Dupuis,
members, the staff who care for them,
aspects of their roles. In addition,
with so much focus turning to virtual
Ph.D., C.Psych.
and members of the community who Schlegel Innovation Leader,
communication techniques, Arts and
come into the homes to interact with Centre for Elder Research,
Aging Day Canada will allow us to
the residents (such as young children Sheridan College
connect people across the country
participating in intergenerational music
through social media.
therapy activities).
We know, anecdotally, that a lot of If you would like to find out more
I had never seen such an exciting about Arts and Aging Day Canada,
incredible work around the arts is
social media initiative that served to please follow me on Twitter
currently being done with and by older
support and showcase arts activities @DrKateTO and @artsaging.
adults in our communities. However,
in these settings. I reached out to the
unlike in the UK, Canada doesn’t yet My two research organization
organizers to ask about bringing this
have a strong national network to affiliations, @SheridanElder and
day to Canada, and they encouraged
profile this work. I believe that Arts and @SchlegelUW_RIA, are also great
the idea. We are very excited to be
Aging Day Canada can be the catalyst resources that will help you learn
developing Arts and Aging Day Canada
for a new, national push to profile more about new and breaking
(as we are calling it) to be launched on
and support arts activities for all, in topics in the field of arts, health,
September 24, 2020. This day will be
particular older adults and those who and aging.
an opportunity to both highlight and
care for them.

Protecting & Engaging our Residents
Here’s What is Working When our Activity Department in the community, and in their own
was brainstorming on how to best home. One of the main Activity
in Middleton, WI! support and protect the residents Department’s goals is to ensure that
My name is Colleen Knudson, and in our Memory Care unit amidst no matter what is happening in the
I am the Director of Activities and the procedural changes due to the world, our residents feel safe in their
Volunteer Services at Attic Angel pandemic, we kept repeating the home. We have found that the best
Place in Middleton, WI. I also serve as same ideas. People want to feel safe. way to create feelings of safety is
the National Association of Activity People want to have regular contact through frequent interaction with
Professional’s International Relations with family and friends. People want familiar faces. We continue to focus
Director. Attic Angel Place is an someone to talk to. People want on having the same staff working in
Assisted Living Facility with a Memory routine. People want engagement. the Memory Care unit to build rapport
Care unit. As we have had to adjust to People want purpose. These and strengthen relationship with the
the many changes during CoVID-19, we statements hold true for the majority residents. This is a top priority.
have had to rethink how to protect and of people in our society. Our residents
The staff in the Memory Care unit
engage our residents with the goal of are first and foremost, people, which
know the hobbies, interests, likes,
improved quality of life. means that these statements are true
dislikes and social history of the
for them.
No matter where in the world you residents they are caring for on a daily
reside, you have experienced changes Memory Care residents may be basis. This creates a calm, relaxing and
because of CoVID-19. The decrease forgetful, have a short attention span, friendly atmosphere in the unit. Staff
in socialization, restriction in activity, and sometimes feel confused- so has completed required Alzheimer’s
increased stress and change in daily meeting the above needs is the best and Dementia training before working
routine have been a challenge for way to create overall health and a in this unit, which provides them
everyone- even those who possess positive sense of being. While they with multiple tools for creating a
strong physical and mental health. may be experiencing symptoms of calm and cohesive environment.
As Activity Professionals in Long dementia, their basic needs are the Staff are conscious of how their body
Term Care, our goal has been to same as an individual who does not language, tone and facial expressions
protect those in our facilities. Not have dementia. The challenge then convey messages about how they
only to physically protect, but to became how to provide engagement are currently feeling. This is essential,
also spare them from the additional to meet these basic, but significant, because if a caregiver is showing signs
stress, frustration and loneliness this needs while maintaining strict infection of stress or frustration, the resident
pandemic has caused for so many. control protocol in our closed campus. will easily notice this emotion and
often internalize the same feeling.
The emotional toll of these last few
Staff are provided with opportunities
months is heavy for facility staff as
People Want to Feel Safe. for education, coping techniques
well as residents’ family members.
and stress release. This helps to
With family members unable to visit There is a variety of cognitive abilities
ensure that a positive and relaxing
their loved ones, they are relying solely in our Memory Care unit. Some
atmosphere is maintained in the unit,
on staff to meet their loved one’s residents are aware of the CoVid-19
no matter what is happening in the
hierarchy of needs. This is a massive pandemic and how we have chosen
community and outside world.
responsibility, and it is easy for staff to to close our doors to the community
feel overwhelmed and unsure of how at this time. Other residents have no
to proceed. realization of how things are changing
Click here to read the full article

Billy’s Dolls in dementia care

According to Dementia UK ‘The use It might remind them of a time when There is evidence showing that the
of life-like dolls or soft toy animals they had young children or a pet of use of dolls or soft toy animals can be
can bring great benefits to some their own or simply create pleasant particularly helpful for those who may
people with a diagnosis of dementia, feelings of reminiscence or affection. not be engaging with others, or who
particularly those in later stages. Giving Some family members find that giving are restless, distressed or anxious,
life-like dolls or animals to people with the person they care for a doll or soft improving their well-being and ability
dementia is considered by some as toy animal can help them to connect to communicate.’
a type of therapy; it has therapeutic with the outside world. Some people
For more information and tips from
benefits such as relaxation and with dementia can enjoy the sensation
Dementia UK on the use of dolls or
pleasure and is not merely ‘playing’ of holding something soothing, and
soft or animals in dementia Click here
with a toy’. Some people with dementia it can inspire a renewed sense of
may find that they get enjoyment from purpose, which can lead to increased
holding or simply being with a doll or activity levels and liveliness.
soft toy animal, such as a cat or dog.
Billy’s Dolls in
Dementia Care that evening. To our amazement and A very kind lady, Jenny Brady joined
joy we received three dolls from a little us on our journey with Billy. We all
Background girl called Abbey Watson and one of the continue to feel very humbled and
dolls was Billy. Billy became our mascot. privileged to see first-hand the joy and
My daughter worked in a Nursing Home;
Billy’s Dolls of Comfort was born and comfort dolls can bring to all people
she often shared stories of residents
what a journey, we have been on! both male and female.
who were living with dementia and the
comfort some of them got from a doll. I Photos were taken of Billy and he
was captivated by this idea and started became very popular on Social Media What is Doll Therapy?
researching doll therapy. There-in the lay and was a celebrity in our community.
Posts about Billy were liked and shared This therapy allows people living
the beginning of the formation of Billy’s with dementia or other conditions to
Dolls of Comfort. both near and far; offers of dolls
came pouring in. Billy enjoyed his new care for a doll as a living baby. Dolls
celebrity status and was happy to travel can bring inner peace and give the
This is our story to multiple nursing homes spreading the client a purpose for their day. Doll
news of the comfort therapy can be very effective to help
It was mid November 2016; my
that can be brought to a person living soothe, decrease stress and reduce
granddaughter Hailey and I were
with dementia, conditions through agitation. This therapy promotes a
cleaning her toy room. We were
doll therapy. sense of fulfilment and emotional
recycling unwanted toys and making
attachment. Caring for the dolls allows
room for new toys in preparation for the We got great recognition from local People to have a purpose and promotes
arrival of Santa. I suggested that we give businesses in the town of Edenderry, emotional stimulation. People can live
some of her dolls to nursing homes for Co. Offaly who gave donations of well with dementia and other conditions
people living with dementia, she looked beautiful dolls and offering assistance with the support of doll therapy.
at me and said, "no nanny they’re mine, to this worthy cause. Billy’s Dolls of
you can get your own…” Comfort would never have been so
Hailey and I talked about people living successful without their generosity and Click here to read the full article
with dementia and how a doll can bring support. Volunteers across Ireland and
them comfort. We decided to put a post the UK began knitting and crocheting
on Facebook looking for second-hand to assist with the makeover for our
hard body dolls or new soft body dolls dolls of comfort.

Palliative care, dementia

and enabling activity
The name of Maria Montessori is usually associated with Using the Montessori approach focuses on “what a person
children’s education and nursery schools. However, there is still able to do”. What the person’s strength and ability is.
is a growing body of evidence that the principles of the It is easy to identify if a person can still walk or talk, follow
Montessori philosophy can have positive outcomes for instruction, or play bingo. The skill is to observe the small but
people living with dementia. significant abilities a person still has. Can the person move a
hand, a finger, lift their head, smile, tap their foot to a song?
Dr Montessori’s philosophy is based on trust, respect and
freedom and applies to dementia care. The focus is to: Activities should be focussed on their strengths, their
remaining abilities and around what the person can still be
+ Enable individuals to be as independent as possible
helped to do to remain independent in an aspect of their
wherever they are on their journey of dementia.
life. The Montessori approach encourages the use of all
+ Have a sense of belonging. the evidence-based activity approaches, such as sensory
+ Possess high self- esteem. support or the Namaste approach. The important factor is
+ Have the chance to make meaningful contributions to to consider what the person can achieve or obtain pleasure
their community from based on their level of ability and how to apply well
know sensory, cognitive or physical activity in a meaningful,
Maria Montessori identified human tendencies that pleasurable and failure freeway.
are lifelong genetic traits. They include tendencies
of exploration, orientation, activity at work, order, Painting a picture, in many ways is dependent on a person’s
manipulation, communication and repetition. Her approach artistic ability as well as cognitive ability. It is easy to
to education focussed on what humans need and how to conclude that a person can no longer pain because of their
enable them to flourish. advanced dementia. Consider how art (painting or drawing)
can be achieved despite where a person is on their journey
Dementia and Supported Living the Montessori Way (DMW) of dementia by focussing on their strengths or abilities.
uses the Montessori philosophy to enable current evidence-
based dementia care to be translated into practice. Person’s strength or ability Example of art activity
The philosophy runs like golden threads through the
established legal and research-based practice. The focus Able to decide what to draw,
of DMW is a different approach of “how” to implement coordinate and process Free drawing and painting
evidence-based practice. An approach that values and artistic skills
respects, human rights, the Equality Act and rights-based Able to decide colour use
risk assessment to positive living. Painting a pre drawn picture
initiate activity
There are many terms that are used interchangeably to Able to follow and process a Painting a pre drawn and
describe the later changes of dementia including advanced lot of information and match colour coded complicated
dementia, severe dementia and end-stage dementia colour picture
(Brown, Tolson 2020). The term palliative care in dementia Able to follow and process
Painting a pre drawn and
is used broadly and has no clear definition and there are limited information and
colour coded easy picture
many factors that affect the pace of decline. match colour
Holding a paint brush and
People will have different problems and limitations, but will Able to hold a paint brush and
splash painting a canvas with
have escalating physical and cognitive health needs, increased choose colours
multiple colours
risks and physical and cognitive dependency. The course of
Holding a paint brush and
a person’s disease may vary but the underlying reality is that Able to hold a brush and
make a template picture
all forms of dementia cause a degeneration of a person’s move arm
predesigned by staff.
cognitive ability and the condition is a terminal illness.
Enabling activity as a person who is living with dementia’s
condition progresses and their abilities decrease can
become more and more limited. The use of sensory + Lynne Phair
activity is well known in advanced dementia and the use
of Namaste Care which changes the focus and structure of
Independent Consultant Nurse
care given to residents at the later stages of their dementia
is becoming better understood. Click here to find out more about Dementia the
It is common to be aware of a person’s failings, “what a Montessori Way
person used to do” and their decline is logged by what “the
person can no longer do”. Click here to read the full article

Saying goodbye – A Resource

for Care Homes
Our lives have changed dramatically over recent months, even
more so for those living and working in care homes.
How we cope with loss for ourselves Social distancing advice from the There isn’t a right or wrong way to
and everyone around us has become government has meant that funerals grieve, and everyone’s experience
more challenging than ever. can now only be attended by a few is different and there’s no way of
close family members and friends, knowing how it’ll affect you, but there
This new resource aims to support you
meaning many people are now no are a number of things you can do to
to acknowledge the losses you, your
longer able to say goodbye as they help support and guide you through
colleagues and the people you support
normally would have, but there are this difficult time.
are experiencing during the Covid – 19
things you can do to help them say
Pandemic. Some helpful tips to try:
goodbye without attending the funeral.
In collaboration with leaders in this + Get enough sleep – establish a
Activity and Care teams can play a
field, we have put together some relaxation routine to help you
vital role in coordinating this essential
information to guide you through prepare for sleep
activity. Acknowledging loss and
alternative ways in which we can give
saying goodbye in the care home is an + Eat well – regular healthy meals can
bereavement support and remember make a big difference to your sense
important part of grieving and here are
those we have lost. of wellbeing
some suggestions of activities that can
help this process. + Avoid drugs and alcohol – these
tend to make it more difficult in
How to say goodbye when social
the long term
distancing in Care Homes
Bereavement Support + Be active – take a stroll in the fresh
Provided by National Activity providers air and keep energy levels up
Helping those around us cope with
Association and Co-op Funeral Care
a loss as well as coping with this
This information sheet has been personally, has admittedly become
developed by CO-OP Funeral Care more challenging under these Full resource coming soon,
and NAPA to help support care homes circumstances. Following the loss email us for more information –
during the COVID-19 pandemic. of someone you have cared for, a info@napa-activities.co.uk
colleague, partner, family member
It is general advice only and a
or friend, you may feel a range of
person-centred approach should
emotions or you may feel nothing –
always be sought.
please understand that this is normal.
The way we say goodbye to those we A lot of people are confused by some
care for has drastically changed as of the emotions they feel, which may
part of the effort to slow the spread of initially include anger, shock, guilt and
coronavirus. pain; changing over time to longing,
loneliness and sadness.

NAPA announces Helpline

development programme
We are grateful to the Rayne Foundation for awarding NAPA with
a grant to extend the reach of our Helpline. The grant has enabled
us to bring a dedicated Helpline manager to develop the service.
We have set up a new FREEPHONE number and have extended the opening hours.
Sylvia Cowleard joins us for 12 months as Helpline Manager, here she shares a bit about
her background and her interest in activity, engagement and Helplines!
Sylvia, welcome to NAPA, please The least enjoyable part of my role As well as travelling all over the
was writing policies and procedure country delivering training and
tell us a bit about yourself:
and it didn’t take me long to realise I qualification programmes, I’ve also run
Thank you. It’s really great to be joining was at my happiest when I was either a support group with a colleague, for
NAPA and I am delivering training or out on the floor people with young onset dementia and
really looking their families providing support, but
coaching and mentoring the staff in
forward to working care delivery and activity provision, also a variety of activities for everyone
to enjoy together. That was at St
with the team. working on the front line where the George’s Hospital in Tooting, London.
I’ll tell you a bit real work takes place. I also worked I’m also working with musicians from
about my career, with managers to help them develop Wigmore Hall running Music for Life
but I won’t go their skills to enable them to ‘lead’ sessions in care Homes, and for people
back too far, cos people and ‘manage’ papers and with young onset dementia who may
that’s so far back finances. That’s a really important still be living in the community. It’s so
it might feel like distinction to make. In 2004 I decided important that young people don’t
a history lesson. Over the course of that I should follow my heart and leave get forgotten. We even managed
my career I have had many and varied to run Music for Life sessions over
behind the policies and procedures
positions, including working in education and devote my time to training and Zoom, for people with young onset
dementia and their family carer,
and Human Resources, it was called development, so I set up Beeches which was a challenge. But it has been
‘Personnel’ back in my day. After being Training in 2004 and I am delighted to great fun and we’re amazed at what
a family carer, I decided that I would like say we’re still providing training and we’ve achieved, even writing a song
to move into the care sector. At first I development, care qualifications and and setting it to music! The sessions
was in HR dealing with all aspects from help and guidance to the care sector look very different, but the ethos is
recruitment to training and development with a focus on dementia. the same. Now it’s time for a new
and everything in between. challenge with the Helpline.
Thank you! You have had a sector can be stressful and emotional empathetic team who can provide
very interesting career. Can and it is really important that people free, independent and impartial advice
you explain to us why you think don’t feel ‘alone’. Family carers are at and information about activity and
The NAPA helpline is important even more risk of feeling isolated and engagement to anyone supporting a
not knowing who to turn to. We all person requiring care.
and how it can help, activity
need support especially when we give Over the next twelve months I would
professionals, care staff and
so much to supporting others. like to see the Helpline providing a
families of those with care and
first class service to those who need
support needs:
it. I also want to be able to analyse the
Everybody, including families, carer What is your first priority as calls we get, to enable us to develop
workers, activity coordinators and Helpline Manager and what can resources and training in response to
even managers will at some point find we expect over the next 12 months: identified needs.
themselves in a situation that they are My first priority is to ensure we have
not sure about. Having a dedicated the ‘dreaded’ policies and procedures Continued
helpline will enable those people in place to provide a foundation
to feel confident that there is some on which we can build a Helpline
support for them. Working in the care that is supported by a professional,

NAPA announces Helpline development programme
What do you enjoy the most about a musician and several people with leave a message then
supporting activity and care staff young onset dementia. When I’m not just let us know at the
and family carers: working I enjoy my garden, especially end of your call or email. For
when the weather is warm enough for further information contact the Helpline
I love sharing what I have learnt over
me to use my hot tub. I love seeing my team who will send you a copy of our
the years from this work, but it’s just
grandchildren and it has been really confidentiality and privacy policies:
as important for me to hear other
strange only being able to see them helpline@napa-activities.co.uk
people sharing their experiences too.
on the portal, but I have just recently
For me, it’s all about the outcomes, and
had a visit from some of them. I also
by that I don’t mean the completion of Who should get in touch?
like taking my dog, Max, out for a walk,
the activity. When I’m training people I The people we hear from most often
when allowed.
always tell them, ‘It’s the journey that is are Activity Professionals, Care staff
important, not the destination.’ By this I Thank you Sylvia and Good luck!
and family carers. However, the NAPA
mean, it really doesn’t matter if a person Helpline is available to anyone who
cannot complete the entire activity, needs one to one support and practical
About The NAPA Helpline:
it’s how they are enjoying the process ideas for engagement and activity.
they are engaged in. This is particularly The NAPA Helpline is a free,
relevant to working with people with confidential service for anyone with a
dementia of course, but I think it applies question or concern relating to activity Get involved:
to everyone. In the mid-nineties I had and engagement. If you would like to help NAPA to
an illness that left me with very little Are you an Activity Professional, Care raise essential funds for the Helpline,
mobility and it was about four years Worker or Family carer who would please contact
from the start of the illness to me being welcome the opportunity to talk fundraising@napa-activities.co.uk
about to walk unaided. During that time through your ideas and challenges for a NAPA fundraising pack.
I learnt the hard way what happens to with an expert in the field? If you would like to make a small
our body and our mind when we are Our friendly Helpline Team have years donation you can do so by visiting The
not very active. The benefits of activity of experience and have all worked in NAPA Helpline virgin giving page ….
for us all are great, both physically and care homes and provided activities. or by texting NAPA5 to donate £5
mentally. I enjoy the moment of success They appreciate the circumstances in NAPA10 to donate £10 and NAPA20
of another person. It is so satisfying which you are working and can offer a to donate £20 to 70085.
when I have supported care teams and listening ear, information and support.
family carers to deliver personal care You can call us free on 0800 1585503 or
in a different way, so that it becomes email helpline@napa-activities.co.uk Keep In touch:
an ‘activity’, or encouraged them to try We would love to hear how the NAPA
something different and it works. The Helpline has helped you. Your story
personal care becomes enjoyable for Our opening hours:
can really help us to help others.
all, instead of tense and full of anxiety, Monday – Thursday
or the person has been encouraged to If you would like to share your
7.30- 4.00
walk a few extra steps every day and story, please contact Gianna ,
Friday 7.30-12 communications@napa-activities.co.uk
eventually they walk to the bathroom …
or wherever … you know, it’s just seeing We aim to respond to emails and All experiences shared can be
people succeed when they think they voicemails within 24 hours. anonymised and will be used for
can’t do it. I remember supporting a fundraising purposes only.
gentlemen who could no longer tie his Confidentiality:
shoe laces and we worked together a Calls and emails are confidential. We ask
little bit at a time, until eventually he did that you give us as much information
it. And that’s what he said to everyone about your question or concern as you
he saw that day, “I did it!” His Mount are comfortable with. The more you
Everest moment. That’s what I love share, the more we can help. We will
about what I do. not share information you share with
us with third parties except in specific
Tell us something you enjoy doing situations where we are required by
The NAPA Helpline The NAPA Helpline
when you are not answering law, or if there is a potential risk of harm is a member of The is supported by The
to you or to the person or people you Helplines Partnership Rayne Foundation
Helpline calls: support or others. If you have called
I know some people won’t get us when we were on another call and
this, but you know, I love my work. have left us a message with your phone
When I’m not answering calls on the number, we will call you back. We will
Helpline I will be in the training room never say that we are calling from a
(when that’s allowed) or a Webinar, Helpline just that we are calling from
or creating something artistic with NAPA. If you would rather we didn’t

NAPA Activity Providers Autumn 20

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

NAPA Activity Providers Autumn 20

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Issue 2

@napalivinglife facebook.com/NAPAlivinglife www.napa-activities.co.uk

Ambassadors: NAPA Trustees: Contact NAPA

www.napa-activities.co.uk / Autumn 2020 / 2

4 Executive Directors piece 21 Innovations in Dementia Care

5 Grow Old Disgracefully Art competition 22 Training at NAPA

7 Homecoming & Care Home enjoys

9 Creativity at Hallmark Care Homes 27 Volunteering at Belong

10 Supporting families to visit relatives 28 Wellbeing at Anchor Hanover

11 Wellbeing at Barchester Healthcare 29 Person centred activity at a homecare agency

14 Life at Majesticare 32 Arts in Care Homes goes to Canada

16 A leader’s perspective at HC-One 34 Billy’s Dolls in dementia care

18 Intergenerational Music Making 36 Saying Goodbye- A resource for care homes

20 Emotional wellbeing prioritised at Athena

www.napa-activities.co.uk / Autumn 2020 / 3

Executive Directors Piece

www.napa-activities.co.uk / Autumn 2020 / 4

Grow Old Disgracefully Art Prize

The pictures must be 2D (flat), but can be

www.napa-activities.co.uk / Autumn 2020 / 5

Exercise goes digital for care

The ‘Belong Active’ channel provides a variety of routines, designed to

Care home enjoys virtual meetings during lockdown

www.napa-activities.co.uk / Autumn 2020 / 7

Promoting wellbeing during

www.napa-activities.co.uk / Autumn 2020 / 8

To support residents’ wellbeing, a guide was produced

www.napa-activities.co.uk / Autumn 2020 / 9

Supporting families to visit their relatives

David Moore, Grandchildren seeing Will my relative living with

Click here to read the full article

www.napa-activities.co.uk / Autumn 2020 / 10

Wellbeing at Barchester Healthcare

www.napa-activities.co.uk / Autumn 2020 / 11

Music for Dementia and

At the heart of the Music for Dementia

www.napa-activities.co.uk / Autumn 2020 / 12

Nominate your top tunes

Welcome to Let’s Talk...!

www.napa-activities.co.uk / Autumn 2020 / 13

“Life is what we make it, always

www.napa-activities.co.uk / Autumn 2020 / 14

Husband & Wife reunited

“We’ve been married 45 years,

www.napa-activities.co.uk / Autumn 2020 / 15

Protecting residents, enhancing wellbeing

The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown has had a significant

www.napa-activities.co.uk / Autumn 2020 / 16

Dear NAPA Members,

At this difficult time, I am pleased to We currently have over 1,500 members

We would like to welcome our new

For the individual or team directly

www.napa-activities.co.uk / Autumn 2020 / 17

Intergenerational Music Making

What is Intergenerational of them rely on. Therefore, we felt it

www.napa-activities.co.uk / Autumn 2020 / 18

Intergenerational Music Making – Hitting the right note …

Our vision is that the online hub will

www.napa-activities.co.uk / Autumn 2020 / 19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had

www.napa-activities.co.uk / Autumn 2020 / 20

What do volunteers need to know about

www.napa-activities.co.uk / Autumn 2020 / 21

NAPA – Activity Providers