UTV ARCHIVE FOOTAGE TO HELP DEMENTIA SUFFERERS UNLOCK MEMORIES

Singing sensations of a by-gone era, tea dances, workers in the shipyard and even a young George Best are just some of the people and events featured in a collection of UTV archive footage that has been collated to help dementia sufferers and those facing

Singing sensations of a by-gone era, tea dances, workers in the shipyard and even a young George Best are just some of the people and events featured in a collection of UTV archive footage that has been collated to help dementia sufferers and those facing the challenges of older life.

 

Reminiscence therapy and memory work play an invaluable role in improving a sense of personal identity and wellbeing, and stimulating communication and sociability in dementia sufferers. 

 

The archive films will be shown to the residents of Glencarron Nursing Home in Crossmaglen where staff have been looking at ways they can improve the quality of life and ease the challenges of living with dementia for their residents.

 

Staff at Glencarron have already seen how residents have responded well to this type of care as the residents connect better with music and footage of the era they grew up in than the present day.

 

With Alzheimer’s Society research estimating that 225,000 people will develop dementia this year, that’s one person every three minutes, initiatives such as showing old footage are crucial in preserving memory function and helping those affected by dementia to unlock memories they have or to find enjoyment in reminiscence of the old days.

 

According to the Alzheimer’s Society regular participation in mentally and physically stimulating activities can provide quality of life benefits to people with dementia. Social activity and social support are thought to be directly related to better physical and cognitive function.

 

Pauline Russell, UTV Library Media Manager who helped collate the footage is hopeful the look back through the archive will bring a sense of recognition and engagement for those watching.

 

“UTV are delighted to be supporting this initiative, with so many people affected by dementia. Previous studies have shown the memories are still there and the footage acts as the catalyst for prompting conversation around those memories, everything from clocking on at work to knitted bathing suits.

 

“Memory loss is something that could affect any of us, at any stage in our lives, so I am delighted to think footage from the UTV archive dating as far back as 1960 could bring improved wellbeing for those affected. It offers older people a way of reclaiming their lived past and to share those precious memories with family, friends and carers.”

 

Adele Doherty, Regional Operations Manager, Alzheimer’s Society in Northern Ireland said:

 

“There are currently 19,765 people in Northern Ireland living with dementia. This number will rise in the years to come as the population ages, so it is important that we remind people that they can live well with dementia.

 

“There is strong evidence that life satisfaction in general for older people is positively correlated with levels of activity. Alzheimer’s Society recognise how important social inclusion, memories and creativity are.

 

“Reminiscence is so important as people with dementia can often remember the distant past more easily than a recent event. The footage that UTV are donating to Glencarron Nursing Home will be a great asset to residents as activities focusing on reminiscence can help improve mood and wellbeing, and promote social inclusion. It’s also a good way of helping relatives and friends stay connected as well.”

 

-ENDS-

 

 

For further information please contact:

Maeve Donnelly, Communications Manager UTV, 028 9026 2122

 

CAPTION

UTV presenter Paul Reilly enjoyed the chance to relive some precious memories through footage from the UTV archives with the residents of Glencarron Nursing Home in Crossmaglen.

 

 

Notes to Editor

 

 

  • 225,000 will develop dementia this year, that’s one every three minutes

 

  • Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 850,000 people in the UK will have a form of dementia by 2015. In less than ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to two million people by 2051

 

  • Dementia costs the UK economy over £26 Billion per year. This is the equivalent of more than £30,000 per person with dementia

 

  • Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. Alzheimer’s Society provides a National Dementia Helpline - 0300 222 11 22 or visit alzheimers.org.uk

 

  • Glencarron Nursing Home in Crossmaglen, Armagh has been open 25 years and currently has 44 residents.

 

 

 

 

Last updated 8 years 8 months ago