Welcome to our Activities Week as part of World Alzheimer’s Month 2020.

This year we wanted to place a spotlight on the importance of activities and engagement for the person living with dementia.

Caring for a loved one with dementia or finding activities that are suitable can be difficult and that engaging and entertaining in the meaningful way is a full-time role.

To assist with this we strive to create person-centred content that can be used by the individual, or with support from a carer.

Since the beginning of COVID-19, we have launched a number of alternative services to help us stay connected to people who normally receive our services after many of our face-to-face services were temporarily closed.

With the temporary closure of our 49 Day Care Centres alone, we knew that we had to work hard to keep in touch and support people.

So far, we have made over 17,000 calls to our day care clients and this has been supported by the creation of monthly activity packs – with over 2,400 of those being distributed so far.

During this week, as each of us are unique, we have worked with several creative talents to deliver to a variety of content during the week from poetry to folklore, music to movement and you will even be able to tour an art gallery from the comfort of your own home via our collaboration with the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) and their Armchair Azure Programme.

We hope you enjoy the week and entertainment we present to you and we look forward to bringing you more in the near future.

More Information

● Activities resource, please click HERE

● Engaging Activities at Home resource, please click HERE

● Information for Families – Activities in the Home HERE

● More information on Activities on our website HERE

● View our list of our activity resources and from other organisations HERE

● If you have any questions or would like hard copies of resources posted out, please ring our Alzheimer National Helpline 1800 341 341 or [email protected]

Day 1 – Monday, 28th September

Danielle Keogh is a Alternative Activities and Virtual Cafe Lead. She is also a qualified dementia specialist healthcare assistant and has been with The ASI for four years. On Day 1 of our Activities Week, Danielle has some poetry for us.

Day 2 – Tuesday, 29th September

Siobhan O’Donnell is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Co Sligo. She started learning music from the age of nine and was greatly influenced by the local South Sligo style of traditional music and song, learning tunes on the whistle and fiddle from her father Colm.

Here, Siobhan is sharing with us her introduction to bodhrán playing and rhythm.

Siobhan is a well-respected bodhrán player and Teacher. She has been invited to teach the bodhrán at music workshops and festivals across the world, some include: South Sligo Summer School (Tubbercurry), Joe Mooney Summer School (Drumshanbo), Craiceann (Bodhran School, Aran Islands), Ceol Aneas (NZ), National Folk Festival (Australia), Brittany Winter School (France), Celtic C’imes (Italy), Belfast Tradfest, (Belfast) to name but a few.

Siobhán’s website is HERE where you can find access to her full range of lessons.

Siobhán O’Donnell performs The Wild Atlantic Way.

Day 3 – Wednesday, 30th September

Rose Marie Murphy is a registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) and also has a Diploma in Yoga Teacher Training with the Yoga Society of Ireland and a Diploma in Yoga Therapy with the Yoga Therapy and Training Centre in Northern Ireland.

She is passionate about sharing the message that yoga is suitable for everyone regardless of age, shape or fitness.

As part of Activity’s week to celebrate World Alzheimer Month, Rose is sharing with us a Yoga class.

Day 4 – Thursday, 1st October

Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) is delighted to celebrate the Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s activity week with a specially-programmed Armchair Azure tour!

Title: Armchair Azure: Arts Programme with the Irish Museum of Modern Art
Date: Thursday 1 October
Time: 11am – 12pm

Armchair Azure is an online experience designed for people living with dementia and their families and friends. During Armchair Azure, you will explore a selection of artwork from IMMA’s Collection with a facilitator who has received training in dementia-inclusive arts programming. This experience is ideal for family members or friends to do together.

“Armchair Azure was something different, something totally new – I can’t believe an hour has passed! I really enjoyed it.” Kevin, Armchair Azure participant

Armchair Azure will be facilitated online via Zoom.

Places are strictly limited and booking is essential.

To book a place please email Jamie on [email protected]

Dysphagia Chef Niamh Condon is the owner of Dining with Dignity Ltd that  specialise in nutrition care for the older person.

As part of Activity’s week to celebrate World Alzheimer Month, Niamh is sharing some of her advise with us.

With a love of food and drink, and well over 20 years of experience in hospitality and healthcare catering, Dining with Dignity invite you to look at food and nutrition from a different perspective.

Day 5 – Friday, 2nd October

Jon O’Sullivan is a native Irish storyteller, teacher and tour guide, focused on connecting people with the rich folklore of Ireland. He is a professional educator in Irish legends, Pagan history and Celtic mythology.

As part of Activity’s week to celebrate World Alzheimer Month, Jon shares with us a telling of the ‘Legend of the Giant’s Causeway’.