How music, exercise, animals and art transform the people living at Lofthouse Grange and Lodge

Lofthouse Grange and Lodge, a home that specialises in residential and dementia care is championing the benefits of diverse activities after measuring the impact additional movement, entertainment and stimulation activities have on people who live at its home.

For people with dementia, art, music and shared activities can be a powerful way to unlock positive feelings and help to connect with other people. The home has implemented a varied activity schedule, aiming to enrich the lives of those in the home, and to make a positive impact on the overall physical and mental well-being of its residents.

Every resident at Lofthouse Grange and Lodge is invited and encouraged to participate in a timetable of exercise, music, animal and arts & crafts. This includes armchair exercises once a week and bi-weekly visits from an exercise therapist, singalong sessions where residents are encouraged to dance, performances by local singers twice per month and musical activities using pom poms and balloons.

Guests and colleagues are invited to bring in their dogs regularly for residents to meet and pet. Last year the home has also cared for and hatched chickens, which went on to be adopted by a local farm in Wakefield. 

A farm experience takes place annually, allowing residents to engage with a range of animals and is planned to take place again in spring 2024.

Arts and Crafts is arguably the most popular activity amongst residents, taking place three times per week and involves painting the wildlife seen in the home gardens and seasonal activities such as pottery plate classes, with creations going on display for Halloween, Christmas and Easter. Residents are currently learning wreath making and live painting of flowers.

Krzysztof Bialczyk, Home Manager said, “Every person is unique, so a diverse range of activities ensures our community enjoy some variety, remembering things they have always enjoyed as well as learning new skills and fun experiences. There is clear evidence that therapy involving music, animals and movement is effective in stimulating social interaction, enhancing mood, reducing anxiety and offering self-expression.

We have seen residents unlock memories of similar activities they took part in when they were younger which helps give them a sense of self and identity. Dementia affects language and cognitive awareness, so whether it is relaxing artwork to focus the mind, or energetic dancing to encourage movement, this all makes a positive impact on the lives of the people we care for’.

John Costella, whose wife Mary now lives at the care home, said, “At the beginning, Mary wasn't too pleased about moving into a home and I was quite anxious too. But I cannot complain about a thing, we were put at ease right away and Mary is calm, which is a really big thing. We have lived together since 1976, so to have her settled down so well and so quickly is fantastic. Mary says she loves it here, which makes me feel a sense of reassurance. Every member of staff from Management to the cleaning staff has a smile on their face and cannot do enough for you. They are always on hand and happy to jump to Mary’s needs, even just a cup of tea, no job is too small. I can’t praise them enough; they do an amazing job.'

Are you looking at the next steps of care for your loved one? As dementia-specialists, Orchard Care Homes can offer several different levels of care; including residential, nursing and our specialist Reconnect communities. We can offer advice and guidance to help find the right level of care for your loved one - simply email dementia.support@orchardcarehomes.com, and our friendly team will take you through your choices!

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