As part of an after- school service option, I decided to join the RAAFA- walking group. This activity included a 10 minute walk from the school every Tuesday afternoon, to either play games with the residents or talk with the people that were part of the dementia ward.

This experience was very inspiring as we saw how these residents always found ways to enjoy activities that they obviously found hard. As part of the gaming part of the activity, we would get to play a bowling game with the residents. One week there was a man who struggled to move his arm enough to register a bowl, but never gave up when he couldn’t do it. On his last attempt he managed to bowl the virtual ball and knock over a few pins, a personal best for him!

We were also lucky enough to meet many of the residents that were part of the dementia ward, and talk with them every week. This also included playing scrabble or cards with them.