Pottery class
DEMENTIA
A school is working with a day centre for older people with dementia on an intergenerational project that benefits both , reports Jack Butler .
Lessons across generations
There are currently thought to be around 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK , with the number set to rise to more than a million by 2025 . Michael Flanders Resource Centre in Acton works with people over 65 with physical disabilities and dementia . It has started a ground-breaking scheme to help older people to keep their brains and social skills active , while teaching children how to interact with older people who are not part of their family .
Those attending the centre are paired with pupils from St Vincent ’ s Catholic Primary School in Acton to visit a reminiscence room , which is filled with memorabilia and objects from the past .
Often people with dementia can still remember things from their childhood , even when their short-term memory is failing . The innovative programme not only helps the dementia sufferer through stimulating their brain and memory , it gives children the chance to find out about recent history first-hand from older people .
Nearly 40 % of people have a relative or close friend with dementia , so the scheme is also a helpful way for children to start to learn about dementia and how to talk to someone suffering from the condition .
The centre also runs joint pottery sessions with the pupils and older people , which is a great way for sufferers to develop new skills and stay physically and mentally active .
‘ I AM VERY PROUD ’ Councillor Yvonne Johnson , cabinet member for schools and children ’ s services , said : “ I am very proud of the fact Ealing Council supports these projects . This day centre
is very important to our older residents and they really enjoyed working with the children from St Vincent ’ s Primary School . By attending the centre it means that some of the carers can have a break during the week , and the results are beneficial to the dementia patients because most of them seem so excited to come to the centre .”
A WIN-WIN SITUATION Councillor Binda Rai , cabinet member for adults services , said : “ This sort of project is a win for the dementia patients because they get to share activities and experiences with the younger generation . It is also a win for the younger people as they get to learn about the older generation and dementia . Not to mention the major benefits for the school , care and health services , and the wider community . Dementia will continue to affect a growing number of people and for that reason this really is a project that the whole borough can be proud of .” Read the full story at ealingnewsextra . co . uk / features / generational around ealing September 2018 13