Activities for Health, based in Devon, offers bespoke training and consultancy, and helps care homes to become ‘CQC Inspection-ready’ in their Activity Provision as well as working with individuals.

As a fully qualified practicing Occupational Therapy Specialist in Dementia and Elder Care, I have wide clinical and research experience in this important field. I firmly believe that life should be engaging to the very end, but in my career I have often observed little professional understanding or input towards ensuring people’s lives are enriched by appropriate meaningful and person-centred ‘Activity’.

My general aim is therefore first of all to explain what is involved in a targeted, professionally led ‘Activity Plan’ and second, why it is important in enhancing lives in both a domestic and Care Home setting.

People are not historic relics in a museum – to leave on a shelf, be kept clean and just looked at… Humans have a basic intrinsic need to be involved in activity and to feel useful. We must not continue simply as ‘curators'; we need to genuinely begin to ‘care’ by applying evidence-based practice and trained professionals in the field of activity provision. There is a growing body of research, guidance and legislation to support this approach and to promote well-being, including The Care Act (2014); NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) Quality Standard 50 – Mental Wellbeing of Older People in Care Homes (December 2013); NICE Quality Standard 30 – Supporting People to Live Well with Dementia (April 2013); and NICE Advice LGB25 – Older People in Care Homes (February 2015).

I have worked across a range of client groups in the community, supported living, hospitals and care homes, including experience with physical and mental health, learning disability, brain injury, and dementia.

For four years I worked in a Nursing Home for people living with dementia, mental health problems and challenging behaviour, organising and facilitating a full and creative programme of activities; raising quality of life for all the residents.

I enjoy being ‘hands-on’ and still do some care work; facilitate sing-along sessions for the charity Sing For Your Life; and facilitate activities in a Memory Cafe for people living with dementia.

I am now on a mission to share my expertise in activities and share Best Practice, especially to people perceived by others to be ‘hard to engage’ in activities. I can work with you to help individuals to engage with activities in a positive way, which ultimately has health benefits… Activities for Health. 

Bespoke packages can be put together to meet your needs.