Using Football in Dementia Care

Using Football in Dementia Care - Right at Home Solent (Fareham, Gosport, Southampton, New Forest East)

With the 2022 World Cup approaching later this year, it is a great time to talk about using football in dementia care. The entire Nation is soon to be in a state of Football Frenzy, as we saw last year (Summer 2021) after England reached the final of the Euros! This was the first time that England reached the final of a world tournament since 1966!

Many of us across the Nation are hardcore Football fans; many of us having followed the game since childhood, I have so many fond memories of our family trips to see our local team play. My house was football-obsessed growing up. My Dad played for Sholing FC and I remember my brother breaking his arm to save a goal! Using football in Dementia care today, has become a known useful tool for Reminiscence. Many older people love a chat about football and many will remember England’s world cup victory in 1966.

Using Football Dementia care is increasing in popularity;  And studies conclude it leads to increased social engagement and enjoyment. Reminiscing about Football evokes pride, particularly for the older people who have extensive technical knowledge in the area. You can engage in friendly banter and get talking. There is nothing like England in a  Euro Championship Final to get the nation talking!

So...what is Reminiscence?

Reminiscence is the process of thinking and talking about our experiences and memories. Past -experience is a good way to relate to who we are in the present.

Why is Reminiscence Important in Dementia Care?

Dementia affects your short term memory.  It disrupts how you communicate, and it can be frustrating and difficult. Reminiscence can illicit your memories to evoke positive feelings. Your past helps you to define who you are in the present and improves self-esteem.

Using Football in Dementia Care.

You might think of football as a pastime only men enjoy. But, there are plenty of women who enjoy a match!

Topics of reminiscence conversation might include:

• Your favourite team.
• England matches.
• Home games
• Away matches.
• Local teams.

Questions to evoke memories can include:

• Do you remember going to watch your favourite team?
• What did it feel like when your team scored?
• Can you remember when England won the world cup in 1966?
• How did it feel?
• Football Greats.

You can incorporate items that engage other senses, such as;

• Claxton’s
• Dressing in your team’s kit.
• Watching match highlights.
• Football scarfs and hats.
•  Boots.
• Past footage.

Football is Part of Our Social History

Fond memories flood back when I think back to the matches I attended as a child.  Pride in wearing my first football kit and instigating football training in my all-girls school. My personal history relates to my local team and my roots.  I can recall every Euro tournament from 1986. The hope, the goals and the atmosphere. Lineker, Shearer, Gascoigne, Beckham and Kane. If I was a betting girl, I would place good odds that you also remember.  So, using football in reminiscence is a pretty safe bet.

I am Rachel. My role with Right at Home Solent means I connect with our community!