Punchinello show aids residents living with dementia by evoking feelings of comfort, happiness and familiarity
Up and down the country, care homes and settings are marking Christmas in different ways. The festive traditions – such as decorations, carols and festive food – are often fun. But they can also have a significant impact on residents living with conditions such as dementia.
Photo courtesy of Catherine House Care Home
One example if the way Christmas has been marked by Catherine House Care Home in the Somerset town of Frome. This Christmas, the home has received some very special visitors – in the form of Father Christmas and the puppets Punch and Judy.
Professor Paul Wheeler brought his traditional Punchinello show to the care home, to the delight of residents – known as ‘family members’ – and staff alike. While Punch and Judy’s cheeky antics are often thought of as entertainment for children, the positive effect on the family members was clear for all to see.
A performance of this sort can create a sense of comfort and happiness among family members living with dementia, explains Sherin Anup, Home Manager at the care home. The familiarity of such traditional forms of entertainment often sparks position emotions and creates meaningful memories.
As well as the show, Santa Claus was also there to spread good cheer through the home.
These kinds of activity support Catherine House Care Home’s commitment to fostering strong connections between family members and the local community – indeed, earlier this year we reported the care home’s support for the local food bank.
Through events such as the Punch and Judy Show, and by inviting community members in to engage with family members, staff aim to create meaningful opportunities for interaction and companionship. These connections can enrich the lives of residents as well as strengthen bonds between the home and the wider community, creating a sense of belonging.
Kim Viner, Administrator at Catherine House Care Home, says: ‘It was brilliant to see family members and our team enjoying such a wonderful day together. Professor Wheeler’s Punch and Judy Show was a fantastic addition, made even more special by his generosity in bringing the performance to us as a gift. It’s events like these that truly bring us all closer as a community.’
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