A PODCAST and video exploring the skills of storytelling and listening, and how it can be used to connect with older people who have memory loss or are living with dementia, has been published by Royal Star & Garter.
The charity teamed up with Narativ London to produce the learning tools, which were made following workshops and one-to-ones with staff and relatives.
The podcast and video have been published as part of Dementia Action Week, which runs until Sunday.
In the workshops, relatives were given innovative tips and skills on how to reconnect with their loved ones, and learned inventive ways of bonding with residents, using new skills which can also be used in their personal lives.
This included the importance of using sensory details to promote conversation. Reminiscing, which is an important tool in dementia care and can help with conversation, can also be triggered by old objects and photographs.
The workshops were led by Jane Nash and Dan Milne, from storytelling and listening organisation Narativ London.
The video, which was first made available to Royal Star & Garter relatives, looks at techniques and tips on initiating discussions and conversations that can trigger reminiscence and memories. The podcast sees Dan and Jane reflect on the workshops, and features extracts from relatives and staff.
The video is available to view here: www.vimeo.com/783631009
The podcast can be listened to here: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/53818842