Social prescribing: Benefits for people with dementia

social prescribing, social prescribing dementia

There are many social prescribing benefits for people with dementia. Social prescribing is a non-medical intervention to improve mental health and wellbeing that isn’t managed with prescription medication. Instead, GPs prescribe activities, groups, and services in the community to meet the practical, social and emotional needs of people who need support.

Individuals who are prone to social isolation have an increased risk of losing brain cells related to cognition and can be susceptible to a 26 per cent increased risk of dementia, according to Cambridge University.

The study looked at over 460,000 people across the UK with an average age of 57 for 12 years. Of those, almost 42,000 (nine per cent) reported being socially isolated, and 29,000 (six per cent) felt lonely. During the study, almost 5,000 developed dementia.

In December 2022, more than £3.6 million of government funding was awarded to the National Academy of Social Prescribing to support wellbeing such as for people living with dementia.

Research has also found social prescribing activities are beneficial for people living with dementia. Taking part in meaningful activities can help them socialise and enjoy spending time with other people going through a similar experience.

This can curb feelings of loneliness and isolation and in some cases help to prevent depression which can be triggered by dementia.

It can also bring valuable respite to their carers as caring for someone with dementia can be all-consuming and having some time off from caring at the same time as knowing they are safe and socialising with others can be a huge comfort.

Memory or dementia cafés

A memory or dementia café provides a safe space free from judgement where you can go for a cup of tea and a chat with an experienced professional who understands dementia or speak to others in your position.

The café can also provide advice and information for someone caring for a loved one with dementia, as supporting family members and carers is an important function of these spaces.

Memory cafés are run by volunteers, local community groups and national charities. They can be set up in community centres, village halls or hotels and are usually held on a regular basis.

The volunteers often help with organising activities and serving tea, coffee and biscuits and have dementia professionals present to offer information and advice, or just be around to have an informal chat.

The Alzheimer’s Society run dementia cafés across the UK.

Click here to search for cafés in your local area.

Music therapy sessions for people living with dementia

Listening to and making music can be beneficial to the brain by improving brain function and mood.

Regularly engaging in listening to, playing or singing music can also help to protect against dementia and improve symptoms in those who already have it.

Music is up there with a healthy lifestyle and learning languages as an effective tool for keeping the brain active.

Many people with dementia have problems with their speech or trouble finding the right words to communicate how they feel. Music can help them express their emotions, whether that’s without words or by singing a song that reflects their mood.

This kind of brain exercise builds more grey matter and neural pathways between cells, enabling different parts of the brain to communicate and so function more effectively. This can improve memory, language, and ability to concentrate.

Sunita Pandya, interim chief executive of the National Academy for Social Prescribing, believes being in a dementia choir is probably one of the best-known examples of social prescribing.

She said: “We know that choirs and community singing groups aren’t just a way for people to pass the time, but can make a life changing difference to people’s mental and physical health.”

The Alzheimer’s Society runs group singing sessions for people with dementia and their carers. These are designed to be sociable as well as a brain-boosting activity.

For more information or to find your local group, click here.

Gardening clubs for people living with dementia

For people living with dementia, time spent in gardens can help them feel relaxed and calm. Research shows people living with dementia will generally be less likely to become agitated and distressed if they have regular access to fresh air and exercise as well as a quiet space away from others.

Thrive uses social and therapeutic horticulture (STH) techniques to help people, including those living with dementia, to socialise, improve communication, and cognitive skills as well as learn practical skills while giving them confidence.

Many therapists working on garden projects in the UK will have completed specialist training programmes in social and therapeutic horticulture.

The trained therapists use gardening tasks and projects, or just the garden environment itself to help people enjoy the great outdoors.

To find out how Thrive can help you get in touch with your local gardening club, click here.

Exercise

Exercise is beneficial for physical and mental health and may improve the quality of life for people living with dementia.

Physical activity creates opportunities to socialise with others whilst improving and maintaining a person’s independence. This is beneficial to both people with dementia and their carers.

If it has been a while since you’ve exercised and you have health issues or concerns, it may be a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you have experienced heart problems, high blood pressure, unexplained chest pain, dizziness or fainting, bone or joint problems, balance problems and frequent falls.

Swimming

If you can’t be active because of joint pain, swimming is the ideal form of exercise as it is low impact and easy on your joints.

Swimming can offer a sense of mental wellbeing as it clears the mind, encourages positivity and builds a sense of self-worth.

Swimming can also reduce anxiety and relax the body while supporting the body in a relatively weightless environment.

You can find out more about swimming and dementia by clicking here.

Armchair exercise

People living with dementia can benefit from a regular programme of armchair exercise sessions at home or with a group at a local class.

Chair exercises have been proven to improve cognitive function, help reduce depression, improve balance and improvement of sleep.

Some classes introduce resistance bands and hand weights for muscle strengthening.

Dance

Dance classes are not only beneficial for your physical side but mentally too.

Daphnie Cushnie set up Dancing Recall, a dementia dance project in Cumbria.

She says: “I have always believed that dance could help people with degenerative conditions like dementia but for many years I was a voice in the wilderness.”

She has found her dance programme improves concentration and responsiveness in people with dementia as well as overall mobility, and people are able to express themselves in a safe and fun atmosphere.

Pilates and yoga

The practice of Pilates concentrates on strengthening the body with an emphasis on core strength. This helps to improve fitness and overall well-being.

Pilates improves people’s balance and body awareness which can be an issue for people with dementia. For those with less mobility, chair Pilates is a good option.

Yoga is used to balance the mind and body through exercise, meditation and control of breathing and emotions.

Some yoga positions may be good for people with dementia as they increase blood flow to the brain which can improve cognitive functioning such as memory and concentration.

There is also evidence that regular yoga practice helps people with high blood pressure, heart disease, aches and pains (including lower back pain), depression and stress.

Both Pilates and yoga have been proven to help reduce stress hormones in the body. This is important because stress hormones can cause inflammation and can negatively impact important brain patterns such as memory and cognition.

Walking clubs

People who walk about 9,800 steps per day (about five miles) are 51 per cent less likely to develop dementia and people who walk just 3,800 steps per day (about two miles) are about 25 per cent less likely to develop dementia, according to a recent study in JAMA Neurology.

Physical exercise and the social stimulation of group exercise have been proven to help with symptoms of dementia.

Walking clubs not only get you out and about but allow you to explore your local area. You can meet new people with an organised walking group.

Age UK has walking groups which are led by a trained walk leader. They take groups which can go at a pace that suits everyone. There is a mixture of flat walks through to hillier trails over different distances.

Walking groups often stop at a café where everyone can enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

Walking football

The practice of walking football has so many benefits for people living with dementia. This includes social interaction, peer support and using your brain for coordination and forward planning. It can raise your heart rate as well as offer other benefits of physical exercise.

Walking football is a slower version of the game. It has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is designed to help people get fit or maintain an active lifestyle, no matter what their age and fitness levels.

To find out what sort of exercise classes your local Age UK runs, click here.

Dementia-friendly screenings

Dementia-friendly screenings are available to local communities by providing a fun and relaxed experience for people living with dementia.

The lights are left on low, and the audience members are allowed to move around when they want to. There is an interval halfway through the film.

Free tea, coffee and biscuits are served half an hour before the film to give people the chance to meet and socialise with others. It also helps you familiarise yourself with the cinema space. There is extra signage put up to help you navigate the building.

You can check out where your local dementia-friendly cinema is located

Adult day care centres

Adult day care centres offer meaningful activities which provide entertainment, social opportunities and the chance to learn new skills.

The activities can take place in adult day care centres or within care homes. It could also be held in another public space, such as a village hall, leisure centre or café.

Adult day care is run and funded by councils, voluntary organisations, or private firms. Some are free of charge to attend while others require a fee or ask for a voluntary contribution.

What care is provided?

As adult day care is a form of care, people looking to join will have a needs assessment where they can discuss their health care needs and what they want to get out of attending the centre.

Depending on the facility, staff may be trained to support people with dementia, learning disabilities, difficult behaviour and sensory impairment.

Many can offer personal care, which includes support with going to the toilet, eating and drinking, or even assisted bathing.

People can receive healthcare support in day care, such as visiting hairdressers, chiropodists or physiotherapists.

Many centres have wheelchair-accessible minibuses to collect attendees from their homes, while others require people to travel independently. Transport is planned to ensure that everybody arrives at day care, and arrives home afterwards, safely.

Each adult day care facility has a programme of planned activities that are designed to be stimulating and entertaining. In a care home, this might be joining in with the residents’ activity programme, while in a day care facility, they will be put on especially for day care visitors.

What activities can adult day care centres provide?

Arts and crafts. Some groups have activities such as pottery painting, basket weaving or jewellery making.

Games can range from cards and board games to sports and Tovertafel magic dementia tables.

Outings are a regular feature of activity programmes and can include trips to local towns and tourist attractions, beaches, zoos or theatre shows. Day care visitors and their carers are welcome. There is often a small fee to cover the costs of transport and tickets.

Lunch clubs offer social opportunities for people of all ages. These clubs provide lunch in a restaurant, café or as a buffet, with quizzes and seasonal events also a feature.

To find day care in your area, click here.