Alzheimer`s Activities Expert

 A while back we talked about how those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias could sing the words to some songs that were familiar to them, but otherwise were almost always non verbal. Thissi especially true if the person is in the later stages of these diseases. We said that it was almost instinctive remembering the words to some songs.

Of course, each dementia person may not remember the words to the same songs.

So what then can we expect regarding musical tasks from those with dementia.

While it is true that some dementia persons will spontaneously remember all the word to a familiar song, it is more likely that:
     First you must get the person with dementia to listen to the  song.
     We gage this be seeing some sort of observable response
                          What are some observable responses?
                                       toe tapping
                                         clapping
                                         smiling
                                         arm or leg movement
                                         eye tracking
                                         verbalization
                                         tapping an object
are just a few

What kinds of responses have you seen from dementia folks who are low functioning?

Susan Berg invites comments and questionsVisit my sister site

Realistic looking stuffed animals can be very soothing to a person with Alzheimer’s disease or a relate dementia.

Recently, I purchased this dog for our dementia unit. I could not believe all the residents who took turns holding and talking to the dog. It is like pet therapy without the bother of a real pet.

Of course, visits by live animalls have their place and certainly can bring a smile to those with Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias, and long term residents who are animal likers.

Getting back to the realistic stuffed dog.I decided we would have a contest to name the dog. I am taking suggestions. I will narrow the choices down to two. I then will probably make a card similar to  the ones I described before. The name with the most votes will be the name of the dog

However folks with dementia may call the dog by a different name especially if the dog reminds them of one from their past

What would you name this dog?

On another note, if you have a suggestion as to where I can get a stuffed cat for a reasonable price, please leave this information in the comment area

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The main focus of Ground Hog’s day is whether or not the Ground Hog will see his shadow, It only stands to reason that activities with shadows are most appropriate on or around Ground Hogs day.

You may see one such fun activity by clicking here.

You will see how to make hand shadows on the wall.

Another idea is to make shadow silhouettes of your residents or loved ones. These will make lovely gifts for Valentine’s Day, if you work fast. But if you have a lot of residents and do not want to be rushed, have the finished product ready for Mother’s Day. Click on this link to see how to do this in detail.

Simply put, you will need a flashlight or lamp and a sheet of black paper and a sheet of white paper.You will probably need an extra pair of hands to do this activity.

It is especially good for dementia folks with vision impairments

Of course it is best to have a darkened room so the shadows will show up for all to see.

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Please leave your comments and questions.

Here are a few activity ideas for Ground Hogs Day
I like to pass out cards every week to our residents. Then Friday, January 30, my staff and I will be passing out cards that ask this question. “Will the Groung Hog See His Shadow?”. On the inside of the card, I will write the words, “Yes” and “No” and ask the residents to circle the word that describes what they think. I ask that the residents put their name or have someone put their name on the card for them. I ask that the residents turn their card in before Monday.I ask the residents to listen to the news on Monday to see if Punxutawney Phil, the official ground hog saw his shadow.

At some point during the day of February 2, we have a discussion about Ground Hogs Day and winter.

Tomorrow, I will discuss another Ground Hog’s Day activity

See you then

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We were discussing pre Super Bowl Sunday activities that would put those with Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias, and others living in long term care, in the mood to have a celebration for the Super Bowl even if their city’s football team is not in the Super Bowl.

The cards have been passed out. Make sure those who are engaging in the celebration have filled out the card prior to the event.

Now we are ready to begin. If possible, have a staff member proctor some kind of party revolving around the broadcast of the Super Bowl. Make sure you have pom poms around for cheering purposes.

Make sure to review the facts before and during the game. Of course, mention the two teams that are playing, often.

No party would be complete without some sort of snack. You need to know the dietary restrictions of the participants.

One big party may be best. You, however, know your situation. If some of the persons with dementia appear to be getting agitated, they have had enough. Those who remain calm during the festivities should stay to enjoy the socialization.

I usually call it quits at half time. Those who want to watch the game can do so in the comfort of their room.

Remember to pick the winner(s) of the Super Bowl Prizes. I usually do that on Monday.

Of course, Monday is Ground Hogs Day. Come back tomorrow for ideas on how to celebrate that day

Is your city’s team in the Super Bowl? Activities Directors, do you want to peak the interest of your residents? Caregivers, do you want to generate some interest in the Super Bowl from your loved one?

Here is a sure fire way to get them wanting to watch the Super Bowl even if your team is not a part of it. Make a card to pass out to your residents.You can have some of the higher functioning residents design it or you can make the card yourself.

If you are a caregiver, help your loved one to make a poster or a card.

The card does not have to be fancy.
On the front of it simply say”Who will win the Super Bowl?”
On the inside list the teams
The Pittsburgh Steelers_____________
                           or
The Arizona Cardinals______________
Have each resident check off who he/she thinks will win.
Help the physically impaired and lower functioning residents with an interest in football.

Tell the residents that you will put the cards of all those picking the winning team into a hat.Say that you will pick five cards and these folks will get a prize.
You can choose the number and type of prizes you want to give.

You may have to remind the folks with dementia what you are doing and why.

However if they are not football fans or do not like contests, then they do not have to participate in this activity.

Then on Super Bowl Sunday, you can…….

Come back tomorrow to see what I have in mind.

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Hopefully you will be celebrating Chinese New Year this Monday, January 26, 2009.

This can be a magical time for those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dememtias if you do the two activities I have and will suggest.

Yesterday, I discussed telling each person in your audience what his/her fortune is according to the Chinese zodiac. I also said that President Obama and I are both Ox people.

Now today I am going to talk about making fortune cookies
First you will need to print or hand write some Chinese fortunes. in large print. You can make up fortunes that will entise residents and others to come to activities such as: You will win at bingo, or you will get a high score at bowling
Then cut them and fold them
Next bake, buy, or get some cookies that almost everyone can eat.
Put the cookies on a plate and put the fortunes in a bag.

Start the activity by having a group member pick a fortune out of the bag. Have him/her read it to the group. Make sure to clap and praise the participant for picking such a great fortune. Next give this group member a cookie of his/her choice.

Go around the room until everyone has had a turn.

After the group is over,you, your staff, and volunteers can go visit those in their rooms. You can talk about their fortune acording to the Chinese zodiac and then they can pick a fortune out of the fortune bag.Give them a cookie of their choice if their diet allows it.

What will tomorrow bring?-More activity ideas, no doubt
Come back to see what they are

by Susan Berg

At the end of yesterday’s post, I referred to some activities I did on the last day of National Activity Professionals Week.

The first activity I would like to discuss is related to Chinese New Year which is this Monday. It is the Year of the Ox. I want to suggest two things that are easy to do, adaptable to one to one visits, can get other staff members involved and are fun

First tell each person his/her Chinese personality characteristics according to what year he/she was born in. For example, I was born in 1949 which is the Year of the Ox. People who were born in that year are…..click here to find out 

You can ask everyone when he/she was born and then seethat the personality characteristics according to the Chinese zodiac remind you and the group of the person in question. This is an easy thing to do. You may have to check a dementia person’s chartif he/she cannot remember the yead he.she was born in.

This can naturally lead to laughter

Tomorrow I will discuss the second part of the activity

See you then

Again, visit my sister site for more Chinese New Year information 

This is the last official day of National Activity Professionals Week. I felt the activities I planned for this week were  great. However I lost it today at the morning manager’s meeting. I did not hear a word from any staff member about National Activity Professional’s Week.

Thus I announced that I would be giving each member of my staff an award for doing such a fantastic job since no one else was going to do anything. I think they understood I was a little bit angry. My staff and I work extremely hard to run a top notch activity program. A simple “thank you” was all I was asking for

Onto the activities for today. we are lucky enough to have a Rabbi come to do a Sabbath Service every other Friday. This was his day to come in. I did make the service special by giving the Rabbi a  Certificate of Appreciation for all he does to enrich the lives of our residents We always serve Challah bread and pseudo-wine as part of the service. The majority of our residents are not Jewish, but they so enjoy listening to the Rabbi chant the prayers. He also explains the prayers to the residents.

This again demonstrates the value of religious activity in comforting the residents. Most are very attached to spiritual activities no matter what religion, they represent.

I will discuss the afternoon activities tomorrow. They include a Red Hatter event and Chinese New Year

Then we have a date for tomorrow

by Susan Berg

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I hope you as an Activities Director, other healthcare professional or caregiver are providing especially stimulating activities this week to your residents, clients or loved ones, even if your your administative staff is not honoring you or your department.

This seems to be what is happening in my case.

Today, we had adapted card games. I find that a variation of the game of 21 works well. I will be discussing the particulars of these in an upcoming post.

Then we had an adapted game of bowling. This is especially good for those, with or without dementia,   who are physical. However you can adapt this game so that even the most physically and mentally impaired can be successful. More on this if there is an interest. Leave a comment if you want further information.

We ended the day with Tea Trivia because of Tea Trivia Day. We are finding that our residents who have been at our facility for some time are declining but I have super suggestions on how to get even the lowest functioning of residents involed in this discussion. Of course we ended this activity with a tea tasting event.

The administrator was at some off site meeting and we had a corporate guru there. So no recognition to the Activities Department except from the residents which, after all, is most important.

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