dorothy conway, ctrs james l. west alzheimers center fort worth, tx
TRANSCRIPT
Dorothy Conway, CTRSJames L. West Alzheimer’s Center
Fort Worth, TX
Objectives for sessionBe able to define “meaningful activity.”To identify the therapeutic value of an activity.To identify the criteria for creating success in activity
participation.To identify the four qualities or domains of an activity.List possible appropriate activities for various levels
of dementia.Explain how a variety of staff members can assist in
providing activities.Design a meaningful activity from a simple object and
apply to the four domains based on the functional level of the participant.
“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” - Robert Byrne
“Purpose serves as principle around which to organize our lives.”
- author unknown
What is meaningful to a person with dementia?Get to know the persons background –
previous interest, career, hobbies. Determine the person’s abilities – what are
they able to do?Be prepared to adapt and adjust.“Meaningful activity” means different things
for different people.
Groups with PurposeTeachers love to interact with students.
Groups with PurposeGardeners like to garden.
Groups with PurposeWoodworkers still like to tinker.
Defining point of meaningful activityMakes the person an
active participant, not an attendee.
The Four Qualities of an ActivityCognitivePhysicalPsychosocialSpiritual
Cognitive qualities of an activity:Enhances memoryEncourages verbalizationFosters abilities to make choicesEncourages sequencing of thought process
Physical qualities of an activity:Promotes well beingPhysical fitnessImprove balancePromotes normal sleep patternsAn outlet for stress and anxiety
Psychosocial qualities of an activity:Provides a sense of belongingProvides feelings of accomplishmentFosters dignity and self-esteemProvides a way to express feelingsProvides a method to distract/change moodProvides feelings of security
Spiritual qualities of an activity:Opportunities to have personal faith journey
upheldOpportunities to be part of a faith communityOpportunities for sacredness in daily living
Practice in finding the qualitiesAttending Chapel Cooking Club
Exercise Group Valentine’s Party
Life is an activity!Common objects and items found in a typical
household can become an opportunity for a therapeutic activity.
Example: flag
*Hands on practice in finding the qualities of an activity in common objects*
Now you know the “Who” and the “What” – How?Understanding who the residents are both past
and present, and knowing the qualities of an activity, you can then focus on enabling the resident’s abilities in a successful way.
For an activity to be successful, consider the following:Modification – the more impaired the person, the simpler
the activity should be. Attention span shortens as the disease progresses.Repetitiveness – does not mean boring! Often the routine, familiar tasks learned in the past, can be meaningful and successful.
Multisensory Cueing – using cues that involve several of the senses (visual, auditory, and touch more effective than visual and auditory only). Emphasis sensory abilities that are still intact.Cultural – is it relevant to the persons past value systems, morals, and life situations? Design activities around the interests of the participants.
Approach and Communication – demonstrate what to do and use appropriate encouragement. Try to group participants with similar functional levels.
Determining the Therapeutic Value in an ActivityWhat is your goal for a particular resident?
Will the outcome be reached in having this participant take part in this certain program?
The therapeutic value of an activity is changeable based on the participants responses, abilities, etc.
Examples of activities and their therapeutic values
Providing Activities by Cognitive Levels:Ideas to promote meaningful and therapeutic
activity based on stages of dementia: Early stage Middle stage Late stage
Early Stage: GDS Stage 4 & 5Games (continues to recognize the concept,
may need cues to go to the next step etc.)Cooking Activities PuzzlesAssisting duties (delivering mail, stuffing
envelopes…)Setting the tableSorting and matchingSmall group discussions (continues to
recognize the group process)
…Late Stage 5 and Early 6Continue to enjoy and function in the same
activity pursuits, but need additional, frequent cuing to be successful.
Changes in vision (depth perception and peripheral vision) may affect participation.
Stage 6Gross motor games (may hit or kick at a
target)Folding laundryMusic programs (with singing, clapping,
swaying)CookingHousehold chores (dusting, washing tables,
stirring)Simple crafts (sanding, coloring)Encourage conversation with scrapbooks, life
story books, photos
Stage 7Tactile stimulation (hand massage, feeling
differing textures…)MusicMay play catch but will not be able to throw
backReminiscing and validating the person
Dorothy Conway, CTRSJames L. West Alzheimer's Center
1111 Summit Ave.Fort Worth, TX 76102