Kāpiti Day Programme at Kāpiti Cottage in Paraparaumu was established by Enliven 20 years ago to enable Kāpiti elders with memory loss and other health conditions to socialise in a safe and stimulating environment.
Manager and registered diversional therapist Dorothy Todd heads the team.
Dorothy’s experience in running a safe home for people with dementia and training in rehabilitation gives her a unique approach to helping visitors to the day programme become motivated and engaged.
“When I started the range of activities was limited to things like giving people hand massages and reading out the newspaper to them. Now we try to make the whole day a worthwhile experience with group activities, singing and music, low impact games like bowls and pool, quizzes, and art and crafts and quieter activities like puzzles.”
Dorothy and the team follow Enliven’s philosophy of care, which aligns with the Eden Alternative, and guides their holistic approach to each day.
“We keep the atmosphere warm and welcoming. Visitors tell me it’s a bit like going to their own club,” says Dorothy.
Visitors who have previously spent a lot of time alone at home can meet and make friends among the people they have things in common with. These friendships can take on a life of their own outside the programme.
The benefits experienced by attendees of the Kāpiti Day Programme are also shared by their caregivers.
“While their loved ones are out, they can take a break, relax and focus on other things. In some cases, it provides the opportunity for family members to meet up with other people who have loved ones with similar health needs and they can provide support for each other.”
Elders and families benefit from Kāpiti Day Programme
