A new exercise and stimulation programme is proving a real hit with the elderly. Angie Mezzetti reports on an exercise class that helps improve mental as well as physical ability
Parachute games, playing with coloured scarves imagining them waving about in the breeze, playing pretend all-Ireland finals between county teams from the comfort of an armchair and blowing bubbles - all of these activities are part of the new exercise and stimulation programme for frail and dependant older people which is proving a real hit.
The exercises are simple chair-based activities and use lots of colourful props. For patients with dementia, identifying colours is important as the exercises improve their memory, motor skills and concentration, according to Mary Cowman, director of the programme. "We often find that when we take out the balls and the parachute, they just come alive. Some of the centres say they never realised the patients could do what they did."
It is now being run in eight health board areas and improving the health and well-being of older people in long-stay care.
"The objective of the Act [Activity in Care Training] programme is to enhance or maintain whatever mobility or functional ability and quality of life the participants have," Cowman says.
The biggest improvement all centres have reported is that social skills and communications improve. "They get so animated and chatty and you often find that after the exercise session they continue to talk to the person they have been sitting next to as they walk into the TV room."
Margaret O'Mahony, who runs the programme at St Joseph's Hospital in Dungarvan, says she likes doing the sessions with patients because it is very structured and they always begin with a warm-up.
"Once they get going with the ball and the parachute - which is really a coloured circular sheet they all take a section of - the inner child comes out of them. They toss balloons in the air and wave their arms about and they don't realise they are exercising."
The unit in Dungarvan has a mix of patients, some of whom have Alzheimer's, some are long stay and others are day patients. Margaret believes they all benefit from the programme which they have been doing for about eight months.
"We get them to blow bubbles as it's great for getting mouth muscles moving, especially for those with Parkinson's or for anyone recovering from stroke."
Sometimes as a treat they finish the session with a glass of sherry after the winding down exercises and relaxing meditation.
In St Columba's Hospital, Kilkenny, Terrie Butler, the clinical nurse manager, says it has made a great difference on her Alzheimer's unit. "I was aiming to get eight or 10 in the group but they all want to do it so I have ended up with 15 sometimes. We often spend at least 15 to 20 minutes warming up where you gently get the fluid in the joints from being like solid honey to more like runny honey," she says.
When they do parachute games she often gets them to imagine it's a big fruit bowl. They use plastic sticks and coloured balls on the chute and she says they all want the ball, especially the men. "For Alzheimer patients or those who are a bit confused, it is particularly good as it brings them back," she says. "We visualise scenes from their childhood like walking through an orchard and get them to pick apples from the trees. Other times we picture ourselves stirring the porridge with the plastic sticks or play the piano on it."
Music, she believes, is an important part of the session and she uses songs like Sting's Fields of Gold and other CDs of leisurely music.
Butler says she wasn't keen on the programme in the beginning but now it's an essential part of their week. They set aside time in the morning several times a week and get the routine chores done early so they can dedicate the time exclusively to the session.
"We put a notice on the door so there is no disturbance and the phone is handed over to someone else."
She believes it is important to focus on the person whether they have Alzheimer's or any other condition.
"They all have a story to tell and after the session they have great eye contact and their communication and general daily skills improve hugely and they are more relaxed."
The Act exercise programme is an initiative of the Centre for Health Behaviour Research at Waterford Institute of Technology in partnership with the South Eastern Health Board and Age and Opportunity. By the end of June, 126 people will have been trained in the technique and over 60 facilities will have staff who have done the course. It is being continually developed and improved with feedback from staff using it.
"Ideally we like to train two carers per venue," according to Mary Cowman.
"There are 60 hours' training in all, including 20 hours' work experience." It is designed for staff operating in public hospitals and nursing homes but is open to private sector staff too.
Details of future courses are available from Waterford Institute of Technology. Email: mcowman@wit.ie