Elderflowers Case Studies
Please note, although these are all real stories names and places have been changed.
Case Study 1
When Rose first met the Elderflowers she was intrigued but a little hesitant about joining in. However, over a number of visits she began to welcome them with open arms. She remembered them from week to week and was curious when new Elderflower siblings turned up.
When Rose moved to another ward, visits became tailor-made for her needs. She was very happy when she found out that the Elderflowers also visited her new home. She showed them around and introduced them to the staff as her friends. She treated them close friends who were always welcome in her room, even on days when the staff had difficulty getting permission to enter.
Rose loves to play and to watch play with the Elderflowers. She has a red nose, which she keeps in her bag. She sings with the Elderflowers with her nose on and gives good advice on everything from dancing and acrobatics to cooking and arranging a party.
In May Rose had her 80th birthday, which happened to be on a day the Elderflowers were visiting. The staff asked the Elderflowers if they could persuade her to come into to the living room for coffee and cake to celebrate with the other ladies and gentlemen. She had refused but was more than happy to do it with the Elderflowers. They gave her a photo of the Elderflowers family and together they put it up on the wall in her room.
The Elderflowers also love to working with Rose. They feel that she really likes them and together they have found a level of play where fantasy and reality have a place. Sweetie-Pie comments ‘I don’t think she ever confuses us with family but she accepts us as we are and seems to enjoy every visit. A wonderful lady.’
Case Study 2
Over the last 18 months the Elderflowers have been working regularly with Mary who has Alzheimer’s disease. The deterioration in her condition has been less marked than that of other members in her group and the challenge has been for the Elderflowers to find ways to keep developing activities with her, to boost her self-confidence and to encourage her to stay connected to the group.
Throughout her life, Mary has had an interest in the arts, particularly in the area of music. She has a good sense of rhythm and is always tuneful when playing a harmonica or, more recently, a small electric piano, which she plays using the black keys only. She can also pick up a rhythm with the group with clapping, and sometimes conduct a little. It is at these times that she is in most contact with her group.
Mary also enjoys colours and beautiful objects. But it is her rhythmic sensibility in particular that the Elderflowers plan to keep nurturing. As her condition changes this is likely to be the way in which the practitioners can keep her focused. She responds well to one-to-one visits, and the Elderflowers plan to see how she might respond to more challenging requests, for example if she ‘conducts’ the Elderflowers will dance.
Case Study 3
Peter, who was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, appeared to be completely withdrawn. During one visit, a member of the Elderflowers team provided multi-sensory stimulation with colourful scarves at the foot of his chair, accompanied by music. For ten minutes there was no obvious response when suddenly – as quick as a flash – the gentleman triumphantly grabbed a scarf and held it high above his head. He then engaged in a simple game with the Elderflowers. Staff noted that the increase in awareness lasted well beyond the duration of the session.
Share your story
We love to hear from anyone who has experienced the Elderflowers – as a patient, family member, healthcare worker or doctor. Whoever you are, please tell us what you think!
