Falkirk Community Trust Libraries have been delivering a new project called Care Words, a community based shared reading initiative which is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. The Care Words Project is a free service run by Falkirk Libraries and facilitated by our trained volunteers in various Care Settings across the whole Falkirk Council area.
We provide opportunities to reduce the isolation and loneliness sometimes experienced by older people in day and residential care settings by delivering shared reading experiences and reminiscence sessions. These activities, run by local volunteers, support residents to share past memories helping them to engage with the people around them.
Case Studies
Ms C is 73 years old and resides in a small Care Home which also provides services and support for people with mental health issues. Ms C has a visual impairment and mobility issues which are a barrier for her living independently. Our volunteers visit on a regular basis and engage with her as part of a small group and she loves chatting about all sorts of subjects. It is such a pleasure to see her laugh, reminisce and entertain others in the group with her witty personality. Responding to her needs, we use a variety of resources which include tactile objects, scents and music which stimulates and includes her during the Care Words sessions. We feel she has become more engaged and involved with those around her; has become less isolated and comes out of her room more to participate in activity.
Mr H, a gentleman residing in one of the Care Homes we visit, was feeling very isolated and lonely and spent his days immersed in books, with not many visitors. He felt he was unable to engage effectively with other residents, due to the nature of their health issues. Whilst getting to know him, we discovered that he had the most interesting life story. He was keen to discuss this with our volunteers, in particular about his life in the Navy and serving in World War II. We decided to record his memoirs and showcase his story as part of Falkirk Libraries People’s Story Project. We were able to facilitate and support him to attend the event at The Hippodrome Theatre, on the eve of his 99th birthday where his story was screened as the big finale. His anecdotal film recalled when his warship was torpedoed and sunk leaving him adrift in the sea, awaiting rescue. His story ended with this cliff hanger and the audience were left astounded, wanting to hear more! Many of the audience approached him afterwards and showed their appreciation of his bravery and courageous efforts during the War, calling him a “Hero”. This feedback definitely boosted his self-esteem and he returned to the Care Home feeling elated. Discovering that people are interested in what he has to say has given Mr H a new sense of purpose, makes him feel valued and appreciated. We have noticed his overall outlook and demeanour is much more positive now and we know he really looks forward to our visits as he now refers to us as his “new friends.” We are continuing to work with Mr H to record and compile the rest of his life story.
If you’d like to get involved in this wonderful project, then please contact Claire Davis on 01324 506800 or claire.davis@falkirkcommunitytrust.org