Posted by marie johnson (24.44.204.117) on August 24, 2004 at 10:37:25:
In Reply to: Re: Activities for Dementia Residents posted by cindee on August 07, 2004 at 22:13:12:
: : : I work in IL and AL and have recently been asked to provide more activities for the dementia residents. However, I have to be careful so as not to offend or belittle the majority of the residents. We already do reminiscing, trivia, crossword puzzles, word games, bingo, nail polishing, etc. Guess I just don't know what else to do. Any thoughts or suggestions would be helpful!
: : : Thanks!
: : i have worked with dementia residents for 9 years. they enjoy doing things that they had done at home. cooking, folding clothes, snapping beans, shucking corn etc... if they are "helping" they are usually happy. watch out for overstimulation with your dementia residents can cause some weird(?) behaviors. good luck
: Please do not call people who have dementia, "dementia residents." I know you mean no harm, but they are people first. It is our job to discover who each person is and address his/her individual needs. Changes are coming, and we must look at what we do through the eyes of the residents. Remember, each of us may become one of "them" one day.
: Cindee