22/07/2026
Before admitting any new dementia residents, we wish to meet the family and have an in-depth consultation with them regarding the resident. These are mostly questions about who the person is, what they did, where they grew up, and several other questions that the resident, living with dementia, will not be able to answer by themselves.
During these conversations, we also address the family’s expectations and fears. Numerous times, a family member will mention something very close to our hearts. Something they have experienced at other dementia care facilities visited, and do not wish for their loved ones. They have seen the residents at these other facilities sitting in front of a TV, blaring nonsensical content, and the residents just sitting in their chairs, not responding, not socialising, just sitting. Some are very close to falling asleep, and some are asleep. That situation is totally unacceptable. At Resthill, we do it differently.
Our caregivers are properly trained in all aspects of dementia care, which include what, when, where, and how of activities. We no longer have to prompt them to do activities with our residents. They come up with the most creative ideas. Depending on the weather, they do activities indoors and outdoors.
Outdoor activities include ball games like lawn soccer (we call it that because the “soccer field” is a small and compact lawn, dodge ball with a big soft ball, or Monkey in the Middle, where two players toss a ball back and forth, while the third player stays in the middle, trying to catch it. They also make use of hula hoops, and this causes much fun and laughter as only a handful of our residents get it right. Another outdoor activity is to walk. Because of the size of the terrain, there are lots of opportunities to walk. Manicured pathways are laid out all over the area, and the residents are encouraged to walk at least once a day between the two houses farthest from one another. Sometimes they stop and park on the benches under the trees and are encouraged to sing old favourites together. All this happens under the watchful eyes of our caregivers and nurses.
Indoor activities include the usual painting, colouring, drawing, and puzzles, but our caregivers go the extra mile to come up with games with little balls that can be played on the big dining tables. Some of it looks like a form of b**r pong, but with bigger balls and bigger containers. A variety of these kinds of games are presented to our residents, and they never have to sit and sleep in front of a TV. Some days, they play dance music in the lounge areas, and they dance with one another and with the caregivers. A biokinetics instructor visits Resthill every Tuesday, and everyone is encouraged to do exercises. The caregivers are also taught to instigate stretch exercises with the residents on every possible occasion. They do, however, take afternoon naps after lunch. This is also not forced on anybody, and only if they wish to do so can they. This is the same with the games. Nobody is forced to take part, but everyone is encouraged. Some of our residents prefer to knit, and others prefer to wander outside, water the plants, feed the birds, or check on the donkeys.
With the help of our caregivers, we try to ensure that our residents spend as little time as possible just idling.
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