Boogie in the Bar is an inclusive social event designed and hosted by the local charity, which is held at various locations throughout the year.
Yesterday’s was a festive affair at The Peninsula Hotel.
‘It’s basically a disco in the afternoon,’ said Julie Bulpitt, coordinator and trustee of Dementia Friendly Guernsey.
‘As soon as that DJ starts playing, people get up and dance. It’s 50s, 60s and 70s music and you will certainly see that when they first walk in they’re a bit subdued, but once they start dancing they soon have big smiles on their faces, it’s just tremendous. But it’s when the staff get up and dance that’s hilarious.’
The charity holds about three Boogies a year – each designed for people living with dementia and those who care for them.
Local care homes and residents living with the disease are all invited for afternoon tea, familiar tunes, gentle dancing and conversation.
The events thrive on the well-established beneficial link between music and people with dementia – it can help to reduce agitation, improve communication, and trigger long-lost memories.
‘We try to attend all of the events,’ said Dora Dunne, the activities carer at Le Platon Residential Care Home.
‘It’s fantastic to allow the residents to still do things that they used to do before they fell ill. We love it. It’s important for them to still have a social life and to feel like they can take part. When they come, they will see an old friend maybe, a relative or a familiar face, like Julie’s. They get familiarity with strangers, who become family.’
With a relaxed and supportive environment, Boogie in the Bar aims to allow all its participants, including the carers and family members an opportunity to relax and enjoy connection, companionship and confidence.
‘Oh I’m going to dance – I’m gonna get up there and move it very shortly,’ said Ron Gallienne, a resident at Le Platon and regular boogier.
‘It’s amazing how many of us are still able to dance, and it’s fun. This is why it’s important to us. Otherwise, I would have to stay in the home with the others, and there’d be nothing much to do. Thankfully, people make this happen for us. It makes me feel wanted.’
Mrs Bulpitt said the local charity was thriving and always bursting with ideas.
As well as its popular day discos, it hosts a variety of inclusive activities such as trips to Herm and Le Petit Train tours.
It plans to hold awareness sessions in schools, and start filming virtual tours around the island – so care home residents who struggle to go out can still enjoy taking in the familiar scenes of Guernsey life.
‘Our residents love coming to these socials,’ said Corinna Woodland, director of Saumarez Park Manor residential home.
‘They won’t remember, but they always enjoy it when they come, and that’s what it’s all about. It’s special to them – it’s what they love.
‘And it’s wonderful for us to see them out having fun, not just sitting in their rooms, moping and confused.
‘At events like this, they’re so busy looking at everything that’s going on around them and dancing – it takes their mind away from wondering.’
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