Members article
By Jane Verity © Dementia Care International
Over many years, we have found that colour and movement can be used to dramatically improve communication, involvement and contentment of people with dementia. It is simply amazing how quickly and positively they respond to bright colours and eye-catching movement.
Our range of colourful and vibrant silks can be used to great effect in the sharing, caring and playful activities that are so vital to building bridges with people who have dementia.
A great deal of research was undertaken before selecting silk as the best material on which to create a palette of bright colours for maximum effect. Silk literally shimmers; it floats like a cloud, dances with the breeze and yet is so soft to the touch. Silk attracts, entrances and captivates.
Our large range of hand-painted silk items was created exclusively for Dementia Care Australia. The warm, vibrant colours, gossamer textures and various shapes excite the senses and bring out creativity in everyone who sees them. No one can resist the temptation to touch these beautiful creations from the rainbow ribbons to the silk scarves.
A rainbow rosette can be worn with a name badge to build an instant bridge between the wearer and a person with dementia. Even the most unexpected people will comment on the beautiful colours. Sophia, an ordinarily austere 92-year old resident, enthusiastically responded, ‘That is the most beautiful brooch I have even seen. Can I have one of those?’
For further reading – Click topic
- Colour your World and… Theirs! – Members article – Jane Verity (Read this editorial to learn examples of creative use of colour in dementia design, including 2 great tips for camouflaging doors, use of Steiner colour techniques in preventing difficult behaviour, colour effects on emotions & wellbeing, plus the amazing reduction in incident reports following one facility’s themed colour makeover.)
- Listening to our Hearts Through Colour – Members article – Wendy Dunn (Learn of the 7 energy centres in our body called chakra centres – as taught by Eastern philosophy, which each have a different colour vibration.)
- Get the Magic of Colour & Movement Working – Members article – Jane Verity (Read how the inspiring effect of colour on people with dementia inspired a range of gorgeous rainbow silks; perfect to improve communication, involvement & contentment in people with dementia.)
Relevant Resources:
Spark of Life Club Program Educational Kit – A complete educational resource that will enable you to bring the benefits of the Spark of Life Club Program to your facility. See our Product Page
Spark of Life Club Program Ultimate kit – The Ultimate kit contains absolutely everything you need to start your own Spark of Life Club Program. See our Product Page
Spark of Life Club Program Basic Starter kit – Contains all of the basic tools you need to run your own Spark of Life Club Program – See our Product Page
Clown Game – Colourful & joyful game designed to boost self-esteem – See our Product Page
Flower Game – Positive interaction & creativity based, colourful and joyful game designed to boost self-esteem – See our Product Page
Giant balloons – Six vibrant colours to induce energy, joy & laughter – reusable – See our Product Page
Hand balloon pump – Ideal for blowing up giant balloons – See our Product Page
Hug Heart Balloons – Small red heart-shaped balloons to exchange for hugs – See our Product Page