Regardless of age, cognitive wellness, and mental health issues, we all have trouble concentrating at times. This is even more difficult for those who live with dementia. So how do we as recreation programmers limit the distractions during activities? Read on, I'll give you some of the tips and tricks I use to curb residents from disengaging.
Cognitive programs are the most challenging for people living with dementia. We're talking puzzles, trivia, reading, writing, etc. Choose a quiet area for these activities, if possible, close doors to the activity space to block out sounds of call bells, vacuums, maintenance work being done, etc. If you have a quiet outdoor space, bring the activity outdoors. Getting fresh air is great for energy, mental sharpness, blood pressure, just to name a few. Before starting the cognitive activity, have the residents do some light stretches and take a couple of deep breaths in and out. Consider using an aromatherapy diffuser with essential oils such as peppermint, spearmint, rosemary, lemon, and orange. These essential oils can increase focus and energy.
Let's take a look at emotional programs such as crafts and baking. For some residents, it may be easier to concentrate if they have done it all their lives. Always design programs for those you serve. Do you have a seamstress? A gardener? A carpenter? You may need to modify activities to meet them where they are in their present abilities, be creative. Drawing from a resident's life skills is a fabulous way to keep residents engaged. One of my favourites is baking and cooking. Why? Because most people simply know how to and it draws on memories of let's say grandma's chocolate chip cookies or dad's stuffed turkey at Thanksgiving. It stimulates the senses from the start of hearing the crack of the egg to feeling the softness of the flour to the sweet smell of the cookie baking in the oven, to the end of the program where you get to savour that warm and freshly baked cookie. There's some part of this program that touches everyone. Many men aren't crazy about cooking, but most enjoy eating, this is a great way to entice them to join in.
Let's talk about 1:1 programs. Some people just can't cope in group settings. Not everyone is a social butterfly, and that's perfectly fine. Don't pressure a resident who is not a social person by nature, this will not work in your favour. Instead, just extend an invitation to programs you feel would pique their interest. Set some time aside regularly to have a visit with them. Bring them snacks and refreshments that were served during a group program so they feel included, this lets them know that you were thinking of them. Provide some resources for them such as books, puzzles, DVD's, single-person games, music, etc.
So what about the residents that have progressed in their dementia to the point that they can't focus or cannot comprehend in group programs? These people deserve and require your attention and support just as much as anyone else. Tap into your sensory program resources. Having a variety of tactile, olfactory, visual, proprioception and auditory items for lower cognitive functioning residents is essential. Try out different sensory items, and see what they respond to. Now, I cannot talk about sensory items without mentioning pets, I'm a big promoter of pet therapy! Live pets are better. If not, there are some high-quality faux ones out there (I'll, do some name dropping at the end of the article). As mentioned above, there are so many health benefits (both mentally and physically) to bringing programs outside. Take them out for a walk, sit on a swing, watch the birds, pick some flowers and feed some chipmunks.
When designing a program, take a tally of whom you are designing it for. What did they do for a vocation? What are they good at and also enjoy? What are their current abilities? What is their favourite; food, flower, animals? The more you can document on that first admission assessment, the more you are prepared to meet the resident's present and future program needs. Keep those activity assessments up to date and you'll be golden!
Therapeutic Products
CDS Boutique https://www.cdsboutique.com/en/
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Therapeutic Products
CDS Boutique https://www.cdsboutique.com/en/
Spectrum Nasco https://spectrum-nasco.ca/
Flaghouse https://www.flaghouse.ca/
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