Sports activities for older people with Dementia
The Pitch
Problem statement
As part of our service, we hold up to 12 weekly varied types of event for people with Dementia, some with their carers within the local communities of Windsor, Ascot, Maidenhead, Slough & Langley. We hire various locations & take our own equipment. Many members have reduced mobility & response reflex, so cannot enjoy normal sporting activities and the great benefits they give. Having sport activities relevant to ability would encourage concentration, enhance experience, enjoyment & stimulation that comes with physical exercise & improve strength & improve balance. The less able can't stand for long periods, so many of our activities will be done seated so that every member can join in.
Solution
We would like support to purchase various specialised kits specifically designed for those less able, not limited to balls, exercise/resistance bands, table boccia, flying disc target, foldable basketball target, kurling kit, spikeball, rebound & parachute. Having varied activities encourages stimulation for the members as some have a short attention span & limited memory recall, so varied & group activities are particularly stimulating for them as well as having simple fun sport activities. The varied sport items would mean that every member & carer can be included in the sport rather than having to be a spectator, especially those games that are not restricted to a specific number to play.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
Alzheimers Dementia Support launched in 2011 specifically to help our local community at ground level & have increased the amount of services, activities & events we are able to run We have a small but dedicated, highly experienced & professional team that have worked within the dementia environment & have a passion for helping not only the people with dementia, but their carers & loved ones as well, to ensure they can access the help & support that is needed living with this debilitating affliction. We have over 90 volunteers to help with our various activities & the majority have personal experience with dementia either through a loved one or previous employment or professional experience.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| TTS Flying Disc Target Course | £216 |
| Table Boccia | £72 |
| Foldable basketball arcade game | £216 |
| Floor Boccia | £162 |
| Kurling game kit | £312 |
| Spike Ball | £72 |
| Cheerleader pom poms 10 x 4 pk | £170 |
| parachute play pack | £126 |
| parachute | £84 |
| quad rebounder | £360 |
| low bounce foam balls x 100 | £380 |
| Double sided sticky target | £131 |
| Resistance bands x 50 | £500 |
| Seated table tennis set | £199 |
Beneficiaries
300 people
Expected impact
People with Dementia need appropriate activity & stimulation if they are to retain as much of their ability for as long as possible. Their Carers need somewhere safe to take them where they can be treated with respect, compassion & have access to stimulating activity that all can enjoy together regardless of ability. Dementia has no defined path & is personal to each individual; it’s scary for all & draining for the Carer who are often on 24/7 duty. Being able to share sporting activities together in a group with others that are understanding & supportive promotes wellbeing & physical exercise that may otherwise not be possible for both the person with Dementia and the carer. Sports can also trigger memories of activities & events enjoyed & attended in the past as well as triggering laughter & joy, which helps with mental well being. This project will bring many people together with a variety of sporting activities that includes all abilities from those in wheelchairs to able bodied.