Elderflowers Bring a Smile to Older People

It was smiles all round when patients with dementia were treated to a special visit at Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Cent re by two members of the Elderflowers family.

Petal Elderflower, Zoe Darbyshire, and Buddy Elderflower Colin Moncrieff are part of the Hearts and Minds charity which is also the home of Clowndoctors who visit children's wards. The duo are pictured with staff, receiving a cheque for £500 which was given to the charity by the Friends of the Inpatients at Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre. The money was raised through coffee mornings, a bingo tea and a collection at Sauchie Gala Day.

Magdalena Schamberger, Founder and Artistic Director of Hearts and Minds said: "Although many people no longer recognise their family members they have an innate understanding of what family means and the Elderflowers become their family for the day. The Elderflowers work to a scenario of always needing advice such as what songs to play, how to behave at a wedding or what colour to paint a wall. Patients really appreciate being asked for their opinion rather than simply taking a passive role."

Elderflowers adopt European-style theatre clowning and wear the smallest mask in the world - a red nose -  to connect with patients' vulnerability. They visit the Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre regularly and say they always aim to connect with the essence of the person.