Friends of Larchwood

With this project, we will purchase a specialist sensory case for the elderly as a tool to exercise sensory perception. The case will include a variety of equipment for residents with dementia and those who might need some sensory stimulation.

The sensory case contains tools which will give the residents the opportunity to exercise visual, olfactory and auditory perception. Musical gloves will give the residents the opportunity to play music with ease and the fruits card game will allow them to recognise and match fragrances with fruits.

Additionally, cushions and armchair covers of various textures will constitute a tool to explore tactile perception.

The kit will be a chance to build a bridge between trained volunteers and the residents, form new meaningful relationships developed through leisure whilst simultaneously improving their physical health. Our volunteers will contribute to improving the lives of residents by exercising day-to-day tasks which involve sensory stimulation. Thanks to this project, residents will gain confidence in recognising textures, sounds and scents and, consequently, improve their concentration and memory.

The Multisensory Equipment project is one more step forward in making residents’ lives more enjoyable and meaningful.

She wouldn’t accept the diagnosis.” Arlene struggled seeing her mother live in denial of her condition. She explained in detail the hindrance of the disease, “she believed that there were people in her flat when she was on her own, she had all these bad visions. We realised things have gone serious when she started wandering in the street.”

In 2014 it was time for Arlene and her sister to decide what type of care would be best for their mother. “We chose Larchwood for her because of its homely atmosphere”, she explained. Arlene’s mother’s wish to stay at her own home could not be fulfilled given her advancing condition. Arlene did the best she could to cultivate the mother-daughter bond and to look after her mother in her last months of life, “I made sure I came to the care home every day to change her clothes, wash her hair and keep her company.” It was through those visits that Arlene was introduced to the Larchwood volunteering experience.

A year after Arlene’s mother’s passing, she made the bold decision to visit Larchwood once more at an Open Day. She remembered the friendly faces of all the team members, including the manager. It was her who prompted Arlene to begin volunteering, “it was a difficult decision to make, but I agreed eventually.”

At the care home, Arlene became involved in numerous activities with the residents such as crafts, group conversations and musical events – the list went on and on. “I’m usually there to talk to the residents, hold their hand, or read them a book. On special occasions we make Christmas cards, Valentine Day’s cards and Easter cards”, Arlene perked up when describing the artistic process. “Everyone is just so focused on cutting out shapes and gluing glitter on the cards”, she laughed. She also remembered the time when a Rock&Roll concert was organised and the residents absolutely loved it! She was stunned to see that although some of the residents did not speak, they began to clap, smile or even sing when some rock songs from the 50’s or even those from the wartime were played and how they revived through the power of music.

Arlene admitted she found the activities delightful and even realised she was particularly skilled at some of them. Arlene probably would never have discovered her hidden talent if it was not for volunteering. She engaged in the Arts and Crafts activities such as painting and knitting; “I didn’t even know I was that good at it! I used to work full-time before retirement and was busy with children and grand children; I never had time to even think about crafts.” Not only did Arlene master her skills in craft, but was also able to bond with residents thanks to the newly acquired skill, “I remember a lady who really liked knitting and she used to knit all types of squares. One time, she took me to her room and showed me this big box filled with knitted squares in all colours. They were beautiful! And she was happy to show her hobby to someone, too”, she explained.

Arlene has volunteered for Friends of Larchwood Care Home for 2 years now. She made time to engage in volunteering work after retirement from a college administration department.

Arlene believes being proactive is key in charity work. She describes herself as friendly, outgoing and proactive. Taking the initiative has become a part of who she is as a volunteer – she will not wait for anybody to ask her to set the tables or complete any task the carers have not had the chance to do yet. Arlene’s advice for prospective volunteers is to interact with residents, “Tell them, ‘your hair looks lovely’, or ‘this jumper really suits you’. It’s all about the little things.”

“Everybody around me volunteers”, she explained. Arlene’s family volunteer in school and in the Globe theatre. However, helping in a care home was something that Arlene found comfort in: “I feel like doing this”, she explained. “I look at some of those people and I realise they’re sometimes younger than me. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll end up in of those, too? Who knows?”

“If you want to volunteer you need to be prepared”, Arlene explained. “Knowledge about geriatric conditions, resilience and kindness are a must before you begin.”
Despite the challenges that volunteering might pose, helping the elderly can be tremendously gratifying.

One thing that bothers Arlene the most is not the challenges posed by the residents’ diagnoses, but how loneliness affects them on a daily basis: “What makes me sad is that some of the residents don’t have many visitors. If there were more volunteers, residents wouldn’t feel so lonely”, she said in a moment of reflection.

Arlene loves her experience and would encourage everyone to begin their volunteering journey. “In reality, your 5 minutes with them will make all the difference. Just ask what they need. It’s so easy but it makes a difference.”

The service offers residents of Larchwood Care Home a range of goods to purchase including books, music records, cards, toiletries, gifts, and sweets. The residents can make independent choices and treat themselves or their loved ones by choosing items from the “shop on wheels”.

Not only does Trolley Service respond to residents’ need of purchasing basic goods, but it also provides an opportunity to chat with volunteers on duty. Visiting the residents’ room on a regular basis allows volunteers to engage with residents and brighten their day with a chat. Conversation – a seemingly simple act – can make a great impact on an elderly person’s sense of well-being. The Trolley Service also captures some of the elements of life happening outside of the care home which residents long for the most. Incidental chit-chats resulting from the service stand a chance to become a beginning of friendships and meaningful relationships between residents and volunteers, allowing volunteers to play an active role in making residents’ lives more enjoyable.