Your parkrun and Dementia manual

Description

At Knocknacarra parkrun we encourage every one of all ages to get active by doing regular exercise by running, WALKING or volunteering just to be part of a supportive community. As part of that (Padraig Fahey) a regular volunteer at Knocknacarra parkrun has produced with the support of HSE “Your parkrun and Dementia manual”. This manual highlights the benefits of regular exercise in supporting brain health not only for the person with dementia but their family and carers.

The guide explains the different stages a person goes through on their dementia journey and the different task someone can or cannot do at their local parkrun. It also points out the importance to keep in contact with the person with dementia when it is no longer possible to be at a parkrun.

As people age it is important to keep active and doing the volunteer role of “Tail Walker” at parkrun makes sure everyone gets around the 5Km route safely and with no time limit or pressure. Knocknacarra parkrun takes place every Saturday at 9.30am and the last Saturday of every month a visit to a local coffee shop keeps the community chat alive and well.

The parkrun and Dementia manual is available here:

https://www.healthpromotion.ie/media/documents/HNC01762_HSE_Your_parkrun_and_Dementia_Manual_final.pdf

Aim of Initiative

To encourage people as they get older and to stay active 52 weeks of the year and give support to people with dementia, their family and cares to be in a supportive non judgemental community.

It is hoped that the manual can be introduced to all 140 parkruns around Ireland so that the local parkrun teams are aware of how they can support elderly people and people with dementia.

Who is it aimed at

Inactive elderly people and people that suffer with dementia

3 Steps critical to success

1. Awareness of the manual at all parkruns in Ireland
2. Public awareness of the manual so that elderly people will know that they are welcome to join their local parkrun and it is FREE.
3. Follow up with parkrun teams to see if they got an increase in elderly people and people with dementia at their parkrun. If not put in a plan to inform people in their area to join parkrun.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Encouraging elderly people and people with dementia to go to a parkrun
2. Making sure that they build up a positive habit over an 8 week period and will make parkrun part of their life every Saturday morning
3. Getting elderly people to and from their local parkrun safely.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. More elderly people and people with dementia their family and carers will do a weekly 5km walk
2. Elderly people will then start to do more exercise during the week as they begin to feel better mentally and physically.
3. Elderly people will start to feel part of a caring supportive community and encourage other younger or older than them to take up regular exercise.