The power of the busy board for residents at Kingsmead

At Kingsmead care home in Swindon, a simple new tool is being used to increase sensory stimulation and engagement – thanks to a generous donation from a member of the public.

Activity co-ordinator Lisa Stevenson was keen to get a busy board for the home and found one for sale on social media which the seller agreed to donate to the home.

Lisa explained, “We are really grateful to Rachel Flowers for the donation. Her family is not directly connected to Kingsmead but have been profoundly affected by dementia. She was very happy to let us have the board to benefit our residents.”

Lisa explained that the board is already popular with residents at the home. One lady, living with Lewy body dementia and autism, who is non-verbal, especially enjoys the new activity. During 1-1 sessions the board has been used and has a great effect allowing the resident to become calm and to focus, giving her something tangible to concentrate on.

Lisa added that as the session continued, they took an additional step and played some of the lady’s favourite music. Typically, this would be too much sensory input for her, however, with the busy board already occupying her attention, she not only tolerated the music but seemed to enjoy it. This was a breakthrough, showcasing the power of the busy board as a calming and engaging tool for those residents living with dementia.

At Kingsmead, the board is used in one-on-one sessions, allowing caregivers to understand and tailor the experience to each resident’s needs. This approach ensures that when the busy board is eventually mounted on the wall for everyone to see and use, it won’t blend into the background like an ordinary picture. Instead, it will be a recognised by the residents and used.

The idea of a busy board is brilliant in its simplicity. These boards are designed to provide tactile sensory stimulation and engage individuals who tend to walk with purpose up and down the corridors.

It’s essentially a panel with a variety of latches, switches, and objects that can be manipulated, touched, or moved. The sensory stimulation is especially invaluable for individuals who may find it challenging to participate in group activities or communicate effectively in one-on-one settings. They provide a valuable avenue for individuals living with dementia to engage their senses, reduce agitation, and find comfort in a world that may often seem confusing or overwhelming.

Pip Rich