ACTIVITY PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE OR RELATED DEMENTIA
There are hundreds of reasons why an individual may be experiences cognitive impairment. The following are just a few: Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, alcohol/drug abuse, Psychiatric reasons such as Depression or Bipolar, Traumatic brain Injury, Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, LYME Disease, Arachnoid Cysts, Binswanger's Disease, brain cancer, and much more. Characteristics of an individual with cognitive impairment may include: decreased cognitive skills such as memory loss, inability to recognize family members, decreased attention span, decreased ability to learn new material, disorientation, inappropriate social behaviors such as screaming, hitting, cursing, inability to focus, word finding difficulty, agnosia, apraxia, aphasia, etc.
Environmental Considerations
Places to roam, rest, explore, rummage, etc.
Reminiscence environments
Home-like environments
Snoezelen or multi-sensory environments
Use of signs and symbols i.e. bathroom. activity rooms, dining room
Familiar photos/memory boxes to identify resident rooms
RO Boards
Stop signs, do not enter, etc. to minimize enteringinto inappropriate areas
Appropriate stimulation i.e. Tact-Tiles on walls, murals, fish tanks, aviaries, etc.
Task-oriented activities based on former interests, lifestyle, occupations such as sorting, counting, folding clothes, sweeping, making beds, shoe shining, maintenance repairs, accountant, etc.
Use of adapted equipment i.e. less numbers on a bingo card, large piece puzzles, large dominoes, etc.
Use of manipulatives and diversionary items such as pat mats, dolls, busy beads, activity aprons, discovery boxes, etc.
Diversional Activity Zones (group residents according to functional status and lifelong interests) Read the article, Diversional Activity Zones, by Debbie Hommel, ACC,CTRS
Use of Validation Therapy techniques
Provide Sensory Stimulation and/or multi-sensory program
Other programs should include: music, exercise, physical games, adapted crafts, gardening, cooking/baking, pet visits, intergenerational programs, reminiscence, spiritual, outdoor/nature, etc. Programs need to be simplified.
Fall Prevention Programs
Programs in late afternoon for individuals with Sundown Syndrome
Other techniques: Use simple phrases and language, allow time for response, and utilize props and pictures to elicit responses.
Alzheimer's Association 2010 Alzheimer's Facts and Figures Report You can download this very informative report on the Alzheimer's Association Website. Linking Disclaimer: The Alzheimers™ Association is not responsible for information or advice provided by others, including information on Web sites that link to Association sites and on third party sites to which the Association links. Please direct any questions to weblink@alz.org.
Developing a Person-Centered Therapeutic Recreation Program This is an incredible program developed by Aimee Wilson, CTRS and the Village Care of NY team. You can download the entire program right off the internet or contact Aimee for a CD This is an invaluable free resource!
You can get a free copy of Coach Broyles' Playbook for Alzheimer's Caregivers-A Practical Tips Guide. Just call 800-272-3900. You can also download the Alzheimer's Playbook for free on their website.
Developed by Naomi Feil, Validation Therapy is a method of communicating with and helping disoriented very old people. It is a practical way of helping the disoriented person deal with stress, enhance dignity, and increase happiness.
ADEAR has a great selection of publications regarding dementia and aging. Most of them are free. You can download many from their website and even order some printed versions for free.
Cognitive Therapeutic Programs Recreation Therapist Christine Roberts is the co-founder of Cognitive Therapeutic Progams. Christine has over twenty years of experience working with the cognitive and physically disabled. She designs a vast variety of program profiles for those aged between 6 and 106. These dementia profiles contain the five basic activity elements that have helped many professionals implement and successfully execute their day to day programs.
This free DVD, produced by four NIA-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Centers, presents a moving look at the personal and social impact of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the U.S. today. You can view the video on-line or order it for free!
This free DVD, produced by four NIA-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Centers, shows how the latest research and studies offer clues about lifestyle choices may reduce risk of dementia. You can view the video on-line or order it for free!
GeriatricOT.comBarbara A. Smith, M.S., OTR/L writes about her experiences helping her mother who had Alzheimer's disease for eight years. As an occupational therapist Barbara's focus is on adapting the environment and activities for individuals at all functional levels and helping caregivers enjoy time spent with patients and/or loved ones. More information available at GeriatricOT.com
The Alzheimer’s Association-Greater Illinois Chapter is pleased to offer a free online resource, Encouraging Comfort Care: A Guide for Families of People with Dementia Living in Care Facilities. This 21-page booklet provides useful information to families and staff of long-term care facilities about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, particularly care issues related to the late and final stages.
For families, this guide will enable them to make informed choices about a variety of medical decisions they may face on behalf of loved ones with dementia living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other types of care facilities. It will also equip families to ask good questions aimed at obtaining the best care for their loved ones, including a handy checklist of comfort care measures to be discussed with staff members of care facilities.
For staff members of long-term care facilities, the guide will serve as an important tool for those who wish to educate families and assist them in care planning. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to disseminate this booklet in electronic and print formats.
Meet Me-The MoMa Alzheimer Project The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of the first museums in the country to offer programs to make its collection and special exhibitions accessible to people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. These offerings give those living with the degenerative disease an expressive outlet and forum for dialogue. Specially trained Museum educators engage participants in the early and middle stages of the disease in lively discussions by focusing in depth on iconic art from MoMA's collection and special exhibitions. Learn more at http://www.moma.org/meetme/index
There are hundreds of reasons why an individual may be experiences cognitive impairment. The following are just a few: Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, alcohol/drug abuse, Psychiatric reasons such as Depression or Bipolar, Traumatic brain Injury, Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, LYME Disease, Arachnoid Cysts, Binswanger's Disease, brain cancer, and much more. Characteristics of an individual with cognitive impairment may include: decreased cognitive skills such as memory loss, inability to recognize family members, decreased attention span, decreased ability to learn new material, disorientation, inappropriate social behaviors such as screaming, hitting, cursing, inability to focus, word finding difficulty, agnosia, apraxia, aphasia, etc.
