MAINTAINING LIFE SKILLS THROUGH MEANINGFUL

ACTIVITIES

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THE THREE HOUR INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP• Dementia and brain function

• Signs and symptoms• Impact of dementia

• Communication and the environment• Strategies for effective communication• Suggestions for a supportive environment

• Meaningful activities • Getting started• Brainstorming activity ideas 

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ACTIVITIES ARE ANOPPORTUNITY TO:

• Enjoy and create

• Spend quality time together

• Connect with the environment

• Be involved in everyday tasks

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ROLES

REPETITION

ROUTINE

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PROCEDURAL MEMORY

Procedural memory refers to the things we do automatically, that are imprinted into our memory

Mostly spared in dementia

Habits form part of procedural memory

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DECLARATIVE MEMORY

Refers to the conscious recollection of ‘facts and events’, including memory for words, scenes, faces and stories. (Squire 1994)

Declarative memory is always impaired in dementia.

Information needs to be put into the environment to assist/ prompt the memory

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A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT WILL ASSIST THE PERSON TO BE “JUST AS GOOD AS THEY CAN BE”

(Montessori Methods for Dementia – Rehabilitative Therapies workbook AlzTAS)

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A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

• is familiar

• supports orientation to time and place

• provides line of sight vision

• minimises noise and distractions

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COMMUNICATION

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COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES

• Engage with touch or visual contact

• Offer choice

• Demonstrate

• Give time to process information

• Don’t argue

GETTING STARTED

• Right day?

• Right time?

• Right mood?

• Right activity?

“Would you like to join me to do ………. we can do it together?”

“I would like some help with ………. watch me, I’ll show you”

BEGIN AN ACTIVITY WITH AN INVITATION OR REQUEST

If an activity lasts 10 minutes ………that is OK

If an activity is not completed ………that is OK

If an activity does not look perfect …that is OK

HAVE NO EXPECTATIONS

THERE IS NO RIGHT

THERE IS NO WRONG

If the person with dementia becomes agitated or anxious – STOP the activity and take a break.

Do not correct or change the work of the person with dementia

ACTIVITIES

• Activities of Daily Living• Sensory Activities• Cognitive Activities• Physical Activities• Social / Spiritual Activities

and don’t forget to be spontaneous

EVALUATIONSQuestion: “Will the information you received help you in your caring role?”

Carer who cares for a parent - “Being careful of my own non-verbal messages. Be more understanding of Mum’s feelings, understanding that what she feels is real to her, even though totally unrealistic to me.”

Carer who cares for a spouse – “Reinforced power of ‘touch’ for communication”

Carer who cares for a spouse – “Yes, gave me the information to deal with my husband’s needs, gave me good ideas for activities.”

Carer who cares for a spouse – “It made me understand more, how a person with dementia sees life and how to adjust my reactions accordingly.”

EVALUATIONS CONT.

When a person with dementia connects to their creativity through an activity that is meaningful to them, the positive outcomes are far reaching. During this time there is no focus on dementia and no stigma, as the activity engages the person at their individual level.

ENJOYMENT DOES NOT REQUIRE MEMORY

People with dementia live in the moment ………..give them lots of

good moments

THANK YOU

ADDITIONAL HELP

www.fightdementia.org.au

https://twitter.com/alznsw

www.facebook.com/alznsw

National Dementia Helpline1800 100 500

An interpreter service is available