Activity programme empowering dementia patients to live well

A wellbeing programme offered by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) is improving the physical health, confidence, and independence of people living with dementia.

The programme, run at the Emerald Centre in Colchester, aims to reduce physical health decline in frail patients, and prevent falls and hospital admissions, by improving mobility and confidence to complete everyday tasks.

Launched by Sharon Bell, Occupational Therapist, and supported by Deborah Francis, Occupational Therapy Assistant, the programme offers patients 60-minute weekly sessions over a period of seven weeks. Patients take part in activities aimed at enhancing mobility, maintaining personal care and completing household chores and day-to-day tasks.

Each session begins with a warm-up and moves into seated and standing exercises tailored to improve range of movement, mobility and core stability. Patients work through activities that simulate real-life tasks, such as bending to reach their feet, putting on a jumper or twisting lids off jars.

Exercise balls, flexi bands, dumbbells, and hoops are used to simulate everyday movements, improving coordination and strength. A parachute game is used to improve coordination and exercises involving tapping feet and clapping hands simultaneously work on cognitive functions like perception and multi-tasking.

The last week of each programme is dedicated to education and families, friends, and carers are invited to attend. Local community groups and charities including Community 360, Alzheimer’s Society, Dance Network and Sports for Confidence are also invited to connect patients and their families to ongoing community support, giving them the tools and confidence to engage in activities they enjoy in the local area. 

Sharon said: “The programme is particularly beneficial for patients struggling with mobility issues, isolation, or concerns about falling. By addressing these areas, we aim to help patients maintain their independence and continue to engage in activities they enjoy.

“It gives people diagnosed with dementia a sense that they don’t have to give up, and that life can continue with support, help and guidance.

“We worked alongside a gentleman who had his driving licence removed. Initially, he felt as though his condition would only worsen, and he questioned the point of trying. The programme aimed to empower him, showing that with support and effort, he could continue living well with dementia and stay active and engaged.

“It’s important to empower people by increasing their confidence and reducing their fears. Patients don’t just leave the programme with improved mobility and physical health; they also walk away with a renewed sense of dignity and motivation.”

Referrals to the programme are accepted through various channels, including GP consultations, memory assessments and Occupational Therapy assessments.

Patients are assessed to ensure they meet the frailty scale requirements and are physically able to engage in the activities. Sessions are designed to be flexible and accessible, and hospital transport can be arranged for those who need it.