Oh La La!!
Posted by Lillyburn Care Home
Research shows that those who speak a second language tend to develop dementia 5 years later than those of us who can only speak one. It is from this that Lingo Flamingo was born.
Beginning in 2015, Lingo Flamingo marries a love of languages with a desire to promote lifelong learning and a personal quest to make language learning accessible for all and improve the lives of those living with dementia.
By offering this fun, sensory linguistic experience, the classes have been shown to improve the well-being of participants, specifically through building confidence, creating connections between learners, stimulating the mind, and offering something new and exciting.
French was the most popular choice with our residents and our first session was full of laughter and learning.
Group members are issued with their own workbook and the sessions include memory tips, nostalgic references, historical anecdotes, and linguists’ cues throughout. Such prompts sit alongside features that have been designed to evoke senses, with exercises including music, touch, scent, feel, and taste.
Such prompts sit alongside features that have been designed to evoke senses, with exercises including music, touch, scent, feel, and taste.
Peter speaks multiple languages and very revels in the opportunity to share his knowledge and skills.
Marie Galligan, Practice Development Co-ordinator said “not only are the sessions good fun, they promote bonding and bring people together to learn new skills. We are all really looking forward to the next session.”
