We have all seen the movie “Alive Inside” and read about how good music therapy is for people living with dementia but, as I have learnt from Professor Richard Fleming and Kirsty Bennett, ideas must be followed up with evidence based research. A new study by Brown University, Rhode Island suggests that personalised music has important psychiatric benefits for people living with dementia in aged care facilities.
Read MoreIs designing spaces or products that incorporate make-believe elements within dementia care the right thing to do? Currently there seems to be much discussion around this topic and we know that make-believe could be viewed as potentially deceptive and deception is a core issue in relation to person-centered dementia care..
Read MoreRussell Foster, professor of circadian neuroscience from Oxford University, is a leading researcher in the study of sleep and cycles of the brain. Prof. Foster explains that we need exposure to light between 1000-2000 lux to keep our body clocks ticking over. Prof. Foster says that exposure to light will not only prevent sleep problems, it may also be crucial for keeping our brains in good condition...
Read MoreIncredibly important!! I recently returned from a speaking engagement at the Environments for Aging Conference in the USA. One of the presentations was by the University of Philadelphia on this particular subject.
What is Biophilia? Bio means life and philia in Greek means fondness ...
Following on from last month, we often take simple things for granted, such as knowing our way around our home or understanding where the bathroom is located. Let’s then consider an elderly person with dementia who is living in a new and unfamiliar environment; finding something as simple as a toilet outside their own bedroom can be a real problem.
Read MoreWayfinding – absolutely essential in Residential Aged Care but all too often neglected in Retirement Villages. As the average age of a Retirement Village resident is 78-80, wayfinding is just as important in that environment.
Read MoreWe recently came across a very interesting research paper, which had been presented as a Poster Presentation at the ADI Conference in Budapest. The paper was titled “Living with dementia in a nursing home, as described by persons with dementia”
Read MoreMusic makes me want to get up and dance!! When I listen to music that I love it makes me feel good but of course music can also evoke a memory that makes you feel sad. I was listening to something recently on the ABC that said dancing improves your health in many ways.
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