Social group lights up life for Chinese clients with dementia
The Social Lights Group, a program designed for Cantonese and Mandarin speaking clients with moderate-to-severe dementia, is proving to be a hit with clients. It is also receiving rave reviews from mental health experts.
The program was developed last spring by Teresa Yep, occupational therapist with the Richmond Mental Health Team – Older Adult Program, whose commitment to clients and creativity in finding innovative ways of supporting older adult clients is truly inspiring.
The Social Lights Group aims to address the issues of socialization and boredom for older adult clients with moderate to severe dementia including those with behavioural challenges. What makes this group distinct from other programs available in the community is the ability to accommodate the needs of this clientele with their unique challenges, caregiver inclusion, and language. As part of this flexibility, clients are not excluded based on living situation: some live at home in the community while others come from long term care. Goals of the program include increasing quality of life; decreasing negative behaviour; providing respite to caregivers; and maintaining cognitive and physical abilities. By including caregivers, family members have the opportunity to share with and support each other.
The group has had a tremendous impact on clients and their families. To date, about 12 people have participated in the program. Feedback over the past year from family, facilities and clients has been very favorable. They have noted a decrease in behavioural challenges and mood symptoms, and report that benefits continue even after the sessions end. Clients speak favourably about the group after attending and are remembering the experiences they have in the group.
Dr. Erica O’Neal, from Richmond’s Department of Psychiatry, attended a recent group session to observe and had the following to say: “This group exemplifies a client and family-centred approach and demonstrates the value of collaboration between VCH-Richmond and community partners. It would be great to celebrate and share this regionally! I’m so impressed by the creativity, collaboration and dedication expressed through this new programming and am encouraged to hear about the positive impacts for clients. Kudos!”
About the Social Lights Group
The Social Lights Group meets each week for one and a half hours to exercise; play games; make crafts; participate in other cognitively stimulating activities, such as recalling idioms and other word games, and enjoy light refreshments.
Teresa co-facilitates the group with Elaine Leung, RMHT Older Adult Case Manager, and they work in partnership with SouthArm Seniors Coordinator, Stella Au.
At this time, the group is available to Richmond Mental Health-Older Adult clients only. It is an ongoing group with new members admitted as space allows. For more information about the program, contact Teresa Yep at 604-675-3975 or teresa.yep@vch.ca.