Mrs. Anastasia’s Journey with the Spark of Life Model of Care

By James Mbatia Kinuthia and Keziah Mungai
Sir James Care Homes
Nairobi, Kenya

At Sir James Care Home, we believe in offering not just care, but connection, meaning, and dignity to all our residents. One of the residents who has truly shown us the power of person-centered care is Mrs. Anastasia.

When she joined us, Mrs. Anastasia had moderate dementia and faced significant challenges—particularly in the evenings. Between 4pm and 6pm, she would often become restless, agitated, and sometimes aggressive. Her language was limited, and communication during these moments was especially difficult. We tried various evening activities and calming techniques, but nothing seemed to ease her distress during those hours.

After a heartfelt conversation with her daughter, we discovered a powerful clue: this was the time she used to pick her children up from school. With this insight, and guided by the Spark of Life Model of Care, we introduced a baby doll named Sophia into her afternoon routine.

The transformation has been heartwarming. Mrs. Anastasia is now much calmer during those hours. She shows tenderness and care toward Sophia, often cradling her and speaking gently to her. Her aggression has greatly reduced, and she now radiates a sense of purpose, peace and opportunity to care.

We are truly grateful for the Spark of Life Philosophy, which helped us uncover this emotional connection and bring comfort back into Mrs. Anastasia’s day. Her journey reminds us that behind every behavior is a story—and with love and understanding, healing is possible.

Attached is a short video capturing some of these memorable and touching moments.