Meaningful Engagement.........

As an AC we can be so busy preparing future events for the residents which is good, that we can over look the most simple acts that bring meaningful engagement for a resident  and bless their cotton socks right off.

Always listen to what is being said to you, if a resident is always making reference to a particular thing then do something special for them. I go to a home and there is a lovely lady there who constantly refers to her beloved Liverpool, where she hails from. She is based in the South of England and almost laments for her beloved Liverpool.

She talks so descriptively about it she would make you feel that the streets familiar to her  would be as familiar to you. I picked up on this and have decided to put together memory box for her about Liverpool, she is thrilled at the prospect and what I put together, the home where she resides can build on it.

 Having a person centered approach and mindset is an absolute and doing something that a person or a group enjoys is what matters.

Simple things are the best, giving people a sense of responsibility can give them worth and increase their self esteem. Asking residents to help set the tables, fold laundry etc are meaning activities for them and have as much importance as group activities or even entertainers who are booked to do a session with residents.

I am always challenging you to think outside the box, do it. Be adventurous in your thinking when planning things to do and places to go, include everyone.Until next time.

Keep on shining,
Ann Marie x

Activities That Bring Pleasure to Residents in a Care setting

Activities Bring Pleasure to People With Alzheimer’s

Keeping people active in hobbies and interests that gave them pleasure in the past is important after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Those activities help:

• Stir memories

• Foster emotional connections with others

• Encourage self-expression

• Lessen the anxiety and irritability that Alzheimer’s may bring

• Make people with Alzheimer’s feel more engaged with life
• A few suggestions-

1. Sing songs or play music

1. Do arts and crafts, such as painting or knitting. Keep tools and patterns simple

1. Organize household or office items, particularly if the person used to take pleasure in organizational tasks

1. Clean around the house. Sweep the patio, wipe the table, fold towels or try other household tasks that help the person feel a sense of accomplishment

1. Tend the garden or visit a botanical garden

1. Read the newspaper

1. Look at books the person used to enjoy

1. Cook or bake simple recipes together

1. Work on puzzles

1. Watch family videos

Remember to concentrate on the process of an activity and not the results. It does not matter if you never get the puzzle put together. What matters is that your loved one enjoyed the time spent on it and felt useful.

10 Top Tips For Engaging & Stimulating Activities With The Elderly.

If you want to provide a wide range of activities to interest and stimulate the physical and mental state and well-being of your residents, then follow these top ten tips:

1. Attitude - You must have a positive attitude towards older people and a commitment to provide stimulating, quality activities and social events.

2. Preparation - This is the key to everything in making sure your session is a success and enjoyable. If you’re doing art, make sure you have enough materials to go round, etc. You can also prepare the residents by announcing what you will be doing a few days beforehand so they are aware and it builds expectancy. 

3. Use a ’I can list’ - When creating activities for residents, ask them what they can and cannot do; ask family members too and make a list that details the residents’ physical, cognitive, communication and socializing abilities. Use this information to build a person-centered activity plan for them.  

4. Distractions - Prior to an activity taking place try to eliminate any external distractions, i.e. turn the TV off. Avoid sitting residents together who do not get on and place those who are hard of hearing near you so they can hear.

5. Keep it simple - Use clear, concise language and do not over complicate instructions when facilitating a session. 

6. Resources – Use the internet to research activity ideas and find inspiration. Ask fellow colleagues for their ideas and get recommendations of good therapists to use; save your budget - if you’re lucky enough to have one - and use your imagination to create activities.

Use your imagination to be creative

7. The Feely Game - This is a simple but great idea for a sensory game. All you need is a bag or an old plastic tub/box with a mixture of things in it that are safe and have different textures. Place them in the tub or bag and ask each resident to close their eyes and try to guess what the item is before pulling it out. 

8. Reminiscence - You can use anything to help trigger memories - photos, items collected on outings, etc. 

9. Hand Tennis – This is a very cost effective activity. Blow up a balloon and use it to play hand tennis. Simply gently tap the balloon from you to the resident using your hands. This is a good gentle exercise that always causes much laughter.

10. Think outside of the box - Do not limit yourself or your residents by defeatist thinking! At least try something new and gently encourage them to do the same. If they don’t like whatever the new activity is, you know to try something different next time. Different activities will appeal to different people. 

Until Next Time,

Ann Marie x