Exercise Group
Living Well with Dementia runs a weekly exercise programme which is welcoming to people with dementia. The purpose of the programme is to maintain mobility, dexterity and the skills needed to carry out activities of daily living such as washing and dressing. The programme is adapted to each person’s level of ability and is run in conjunction with Siel Bleu –a non-profit organisation that promotes appropriate physical activity for those that wish to maintain or increase their physical and mental health. sielbleu.ie. The atmosphere is great with much peer support, cognitive stimulation and social interaction.
There is no charge to attend but a small contribution can be made towards refreshments.
Participants must be referred in by a health care professional in Stillorgan or Blackrock area.
Where: St Thomas Community Centre on Foster’s Avenue, Stillorgan.
When: Tuesday afternoons: 2-3pm or 3.30-4.30pm. Both groups share a chat and a coffee in-between.
Contact: The Living Well with Dementia office on 01 706 0100.
Bridge Club
Many bridge players step back from their favourite pastime when diagnosed with dementia. Bridge is a skill which remains with many people even with moderate to advanced dementia. We would encourage people to stay connected with their own club. Where this is not possible, Living Well with Dementia organises a small bridge club, supported by volunteers.
Where: St Thomas Community Centre, Fosters Avenue.
When: Tuesday afternoons: 2-3.30pm.
Contact: The Living Well with Dementia office on 01 706 0100.
Creative Writing
Living Well with Dementia recently piloted a Creative Writing group for people with dementia. Supported by a facilitator, an Occupational Therapist and volunteer scribes, the group and some family members met each week in the Blackrock Library reading room. The first of its kind in Ireland, the group created characters and discussed themes, shared their own works and produced a collective poem – The Wood in our Senses (see more).
We hope to organise further Creative Writing groups in conjunction with HSE Occupational Therapy Department.
To find out more please contact the Living Well with Dementia office on 01 706 0100.
Musical Memories Choirs
The Musical Memories choirs are especially welcoming to people affected by dementia. The choirs were formed as part Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLR) / HSE Arts and Health Partnership together with Living Well with Dementia Stillorgan-Blackrock. The purpose of the choirs is to give people an opportunity to come together in a relaxed environment and reconnect through music. Music and singing help lift mood provide cognitive stimulation and support social interaction. The groups are led by a Choral Director, Grainne O’Grady and supported by a team of volunteers. There is no element of competition or performance. The choirs may participate in a local musical performance but this will be optional.
There are currently 2 choirs operating:
Thursdays: Deansgrange (This choir is currently full)
Where: Deansgrange Library
When: Thursday mornings: 11-12.30pm
Contact: Máire Davey, Arts Office, DLR CoCo. Tel: 01 271 9528.
This choir is currently full – please contact Máire to add your name to the waiting list.
Saturdays: Stillorgan
Where: St Raphaela’s Convent, Upr Kilmacud Road, Stillorgan
When: Saturday mornings: 11-12.30pm
Contact: The Living Well with Dementia office on 01 706 0100.
“Coverage of Musical Memories in Irish Times”
“Musical Memories featured on Morning Ireland”
Azure at LexIcon.
Living Well with Dementia in co-operation Dun Laoghaire County Council Arts Office is running a monthly visit for people with dementia and a family member to look at, explore and discuss a selection of art from the DLR County Council art collection. The group is supported by facilitator who is trained to support people with dementia. Each visit covers a different theme.
To find out more please contact the Living Well with Dementia office on 01 706 0100.