Residents at Redworth House Care Home, Shildon have been introduced to British Sign Language by ‘sign and sing’ delivered by Jules Baxter from Newton Aycliffe, licensee of the franchise Signing Tots. Residents; Winifred, Royston and Ann took part in the very first session within County Durham and it proved to be a very enjoyable experience.
Activities co-ordinator Elaine Gardiner, said “learning new skills and keeping the brain active are among the tools with the best chance of slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s and other forms of Dementia. Ongoing social connectivity and cognitive exercises are some of the pillars of the Redworth House ethos.”
Elaine also said “The residents are retaining what they have learned, but the primary goal is to engage their minds, improve motor skills and enhance quality of life, which is a core philosophy of Redworth House Care Home. This is the only sign language programme, to work alongside people with dementia, of its kind in the County Durham area and we are very happy to be a part of it.”
During the hour long session the residents learnt how to sign their names, colours, sign to songs and several other signs that the residents requested themselves.
Jules said, “Being able to sign is so much fun but also a life skill, I’ve been signing myself since 2000. I signed with my sons growing up and got involved with Signing Tots in 2008, I love my sing and sign sessions that I run with mums and babies, nurseries and schools, and I’m even more excited to be expanding into care homes. It is just another way to share the fun with another audience.”
Our residents are really looking forward to our next visit from sign and sing.
