Puppet show benefits Peterlee’s elderly with dementia

PUPPET therapy has been helping Peterlee care home residents living with dementia.

A puppet show held at Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, on Manor Way, provided a calming effect on those with the condition.

Residents became more social, communicative, comfortable and happy following the show, by professional puppeteer Clair Cuppers.

They were joined by family and staff, who also enjoyed afternoon tea and a singalong with the puppets.

Resident Beatrice Clyde said: “It was lots of fun to watch the puppet show. It reminded me of when I was a child.”

Home manager Lynn Chapman said: “The show was primarily entertainment for our residents but we discovered the puppets had a really positive, therapeutic effect – especially on those with dementia.

“The show brought back memories from their childhoods and when raising their own children, which saw many residents talking about past trips to the seaside to see traditional puppet shows.

“The residents were calmer, more social and happy. Everyone really enjoyed the performance from Clair and we look forward to having her and her puppets back in future.”