Portsmouth woman creates fun drama activity boxes for care homes as therapy for people with dementia
FANCY dress, activities and quizzes are tools used by a Milton woman to improve the wellbeing of elderly people in care homes.
While unable to visit care homes to provide entertainment due to Covid-19 guidelines, Rachel Goodall has come up with a way to provide the raw materials for a fun, therapeutic afternoon.
Rachel, founder of the Red Sauce Theatre Company, has developed a range of unique activity boxes filled with theatrical costumes, props, background music, reminiscent objects and more.
The former drama teacher said: ‘My work in care homes has stopped and I just wondered how I could be there without being there. I have put together a box that I can take to care homes and I can give them a list of instructions and they can have fun without me being there.
‘It’s so good for the care homes because they're doing it themselves and having it as a bonding experience.’
Drama and theatre have been a huge part of Rachel’s life for many years and she has lots of experience working with all age groups and abilities.
This latest project aims to provide the tools care homes need to enjoy fun activities with residents, take part in reminiscence and boost people’s mood.
Rachel said: ‘It's amazing, the room seems to light up when the music and costumes come out. The smiles and the laughter have a real health benefit to all that take part.
‘I work with the carers explaining how to use the resources in the boxes, as due to Covid I cannot be there in person, so I give them lots of advice on how to make the most of the resources I have supplied.
‘I also realised that the carers needed help with their wellbeing, so I offer a one-hour weekly Zoom session which includes breathing and relaxation, movement to music and meditation.’
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Rachel hopes to provide the boxes to a few care homes across the area who are struggling to put on these kinds of activities and get some feedback on the activities.
She said: ‘Wellbeing is so important, it’s really important that elderly people are kept stimulated and positive.
‘It’s a fascinating area to work in, I absolutely love it. I feel really privileged to be able to work with them.’
For more information, visit redsaucetheatrecompany.co.uk