Introduction
Focus on the person
Choosing the activity
Your approach
Create a supportive place
Planning the day
More information
Introduction
For the person with Alzheimer's, activities structure the time. Activities also can enhance a person's sense of dignity and self-esteem by giving purpose and meaning to his or her life.
Planning activities should focus on the:
Person
Activity
Approach
Place
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Focus on the person
Activities should be appropriate to the person and reflect his or her interests.
Keep the person's skills and abilities in mind
Pay special attention to what the person enjoys
Consider if the person begins activities without direction
Be aware of physical problems
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Choosing an activity
Well-planned activities can improve the quality of life of those with dementia.
Focus on enjoyment, not achievement
Encourage involvement in daily life
Relate to past work life
Look for favorites
Change activities as needed
Consider the time of day
Adjust activities to stages of the disease
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Your approach
Your approach to activities can bring meaning, purpose joy and hope to the person's life.
Offer support and supervision
Concentrate on the process, not the result
Be flexible and patient
Be realistic and relaxed
Help get the activity started
Break activities into simple, easy-to-follow steps
Assist with difficult parts of the task
Let the individual know he or she is needed
Stress a sense of purpose
Don't criticize or correct the person
Encourage self-expression
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Create a supportive place for the activity
Create a safe, comfortable and supportive environment for activities.
Make activities safe
Change your surroundings to encourage activities
Minimize distractions that can frighten or confuse the person
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Planning the day
A planned day allows you to spend less time and energy trying to figure out what to do from moment to moment. To pick activities and organize the day for the person, think about:
What activities worked best and which didn't? Why?
Were there times when there was too much going on or to little to do?
Were spontaneous activities enjoyable and easily completed?
Was the person bored or distracted? Is it time to introduce a new activity?
Example of a daily plan:
Morning
Wash, brush teeth, get dressed
Prepare and eat breakfast
Discuss the newspaper or reminisce about old photos
Take a break, have some quiet time
Afternoon
Prepare and eat lunch, read mail, wash dishes
Listen to music or do a crossword puzzle
Take a walk
Evening
Prepare and eat dinner
Play cards, watch a movie or give a massage
Take a bath, get ready for bed