As you will know from experience you have different people at different stages of dementia, some people who are only in a care home due to a physical disability but mentally are stable and normal.
And as AC you have to juggle and meet all these needs of each resident.
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| www.lovejoycentre.co.uk |
Here is a few things to help you -
Provision of Meaningful Activities in A Care Setting.
To begin we need to understand what the definition of activity is and that it is essential to human existence, health and well being.
It has the potential to restore, maintain and improve physical and mental health. Our individual personality, life history, interests, values and beliefs influence our choice of activity.
What we do helps to define who we are. The urge to engage in purposeful and meaningful activity is a basic human drive.
This in-built motivation does not diminish or disappear as people age, but the common effects of aging, such as reduced vision, poor hearing and the increased incidence of arthritis and dementia, can affect an individual’s ability to participate in activities. (Occupational College 2007)
It is important to consider the following important facts –
Match the right activity to the correct skill set of the resident.
Ensuring the activity is age appropriate.
The activity will have these set components to consider as well
Physical-range of movement, strength, co-ordination, physical endurance and speed.
Sensory- this enables us to interpret and interact with the world around us.
Smell, kinaesthetic, touch, sight, hearing and taste.
Cognitive-memory, problem solving, logical thought processes, ability to organise oneself and time effectively, communication.
Emotional- Internal drives and belief’s motivate and enable us to do. Borne out of culture, life experiences in turn influence our choice of activities.
Social interaction- with other people and the development of relationships influences and motivates our selection of and participation in activity.
Meaningful activities should be enjoyable, and may be linked to hobbies or interests that the person enjoyed before the diagnosis of dementia.
Activities such as taking a walk, cooking or painting can help preserve dignity and self-esteem.
Some of the most beneficial activities can be simple, everyday tasks such as setting the table for a meal or folding clothes. They can help a person with dementia feel connected to normal life and can maximize choice and control.
Online FB Group Support
I hear all too often the AC role is isolating so I have built up an online community to help support other AC's worldwide in our little hub.
Lots of special promotions, free giveaways and a great resource of files on activities is available to all members free.
You can join the group here -
.https://www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup
I also do a monthly newsletter you can sign up here and get my free eBook-
To get your free copy of our ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly"
Please click below:
http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1
Did you know I do AC Awards each year? It's oopen to anyone who is an AC here is the link to vote
http://lovejoycentre.co.uk/nomination-form
Wishing you all well and until next time keep shining.
Love,
Ann Marie xxx
