DAILY CARE ACTIVITIES - ENHANCING DAILY LIFE OF PWDs

ACTIVITIES

A person with Alzheimer's or other dementia doesn't have to give up the activities that he or she

loves.  Many activities can be modified to the person's ability.  In addition to enhancing quality of life, activities can reduce behaviors like wandering or agitation.   

Choosing Activities                                               

In the early stages of dementia, the person may withdraw from activities he or she previously enjoyed.  It is important to help the person remain engaged.  Having an open discussion around any concerns and making slight adjustments can make a difference.  For example, a large social gathering may be overwhelming, but the person may be able to interact more successfully in smaller groups.

As Alzheimer's progresses, you may need to make other adjustments to the activity. Use the following tips:

·      Keep the person's skills and abilities in mind

A person with dementia may be able to play simple songs learned on the piano years ago. Bring these types of skills into daily activities.

·      Pay special attention to what the person enjoys

Take note when the person seems happy, anxious, distracted or irritable. Some people enjoy watching sports, while others may be frightened by the pace or noise.

·      Consider if the person begins activities without direction

Does he or she set the table before dinner or sweep the kitchen floor mid-morning?  If so, you may wish to plan these activities as part of the daily routine.

·      Be aware of physical problems

Does he or she get tired quickly or have difficulty seeing, hearing or performing simple movements?

·      Focus on enjoyment, not achievement

Find activities that build on remaining skills and talents. A professional artist might become frustrated over the declining quality of work, but an amateur might enjoy a new opportunity for self-expression.

·      Encourage involvement in daily life

Activities that help the individual feel like a valued part of the household — like setting the table — can provide a sense of success and accomplishment.

·      Relate to past work life

A former office worker might enjoy activities that involve organizing, like putting coins in a holder or making a to-do list. A farmer or gardener may take pleasure in working in the yard. 

·      Look for favorites

The person who always enjoyed drinking coffee and reading the newspaper may still find these activities enjoyable, even if he or she is not able to completely understand what the newspaper says.

·      Consider time of day

Caregivers may find they have more success with certain activities at specific times of day, such as bathing and dressing in the morning.

·      Adjust activities to disease stages

As the disease progresses, you may want to introduce more repetitive tasks. Be prepared for the person to eventually take a less active role in activities.

Your approach

                                                                                                             

·      Help get the activity started

Most people with dementia still have the energy and desire to do things 
but may lack the ability to organize, plan, initiate and successfully complete the task.                                   

·      Offer support and supervision

You may need to show the person how to perform the activity and provide simple, easy-to-follow steps.

·      Concentrate on the process, not the result

Does it matter if the towels are folded properly?  Not really. What matters is that you were able to spend time together, and that the person feels as if he or she has done something useful.

·      Be flexible

When the person insists that he or she doesn't want to do something, it may be because he or she can't do it or fears doing it. Don't force it. If the person insists on doing it a different way, let it happen, and change it later if necessary.

·      Assist with difficult parts of the task

If you're cooking, and the person can't measure the ingredients, finish the measuring and say, "Would you please stir this for me?"

·      Let the individual know he or she is needed

Ask, "Could you please help me?" Be careful, however, not to place too many demands upon the person.

·      Stress a sense of purpose

If you ask the person to make a card, he or she may not respond. But, if you say that you're sending a special get-well card to a friend and invite him or her to join you, the person may enjoy working on this task with you. 

·      Don't criticize or correct the person

If the person enjoys a harmless activity, even if it seems insignificant or meaningless to you, encourage the person to continue.

·      Encourage self expression

Include activities that allow the person a chance for expression. These types of activities could include painting, drawing, music or conversation.

·      Involve the person through conversation

While you're polishing shoes, washing the car or cooking dinner, talk to the person about what you're doing. Even if the person cannot respond, he or she is likely to benefit from your communication.

·         Substitute an activity for a behavior

If a person with dementia rubs his or her hand on a table, provide a cloth and encourage the person to wipe the table. Or, if the person is moving his or her feet on the floor, play some music so the person can tap to the beat.

·         Try again later

If something isn't working, it may just be the wrong time of day or the activity may be too complicated. Try again later, or adapt the activity.

(Source:  alz.org -> http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-activities.asp)