Activities are the things that we do, including getting dressed, doing chores, and even paying bills. They can represent who we are and what we're about. For the person with Alzheimer's, they can mean the difference between feeling loved and needed and unloved and unnecessary.
A primary concern for the caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is to provide the individual with meaningful, pleasurable and appropriate activities. The most successful activities for individuals with memory loss are those which take advantage of old skills, offer social interaction, allow considerable physical activity, and support cognitive functions.
There are many benefits both for the diagnosed person and the caregiver in providing stimulating activities. These benefits include: Enhancing the quality of life; relieving boredom; providing stimulation; reducing restlessness; helping to raise self-esteem; keeping an individual more alert; and providing opportunities for socialization. Guidelines to consider when planning activities for persons with AD
Second, think about the activities that resemble these hobbies. Planting a garden from seed catalogs "resembles" landscaping; building models "resembles" home repair; nurturing individual houseplants "resembles" gardening; etc.
Third, tailor your ideas to match the person's current ability level. Example: a person unable to do finer cutting and painting required in model building may still be able to sort patterns into piles by number; hold pieces in position for gluing; etc.
Fourth, once a list of workable activities has been chosen, consider the roles your family member is most accustomed to, such as: Teacher, parent, helpmate, problem-solder, etc. Utilize this information to position the chosen activities in the best possible context. For example, if "problem-solver" is the most comfortable role for your loved one and model building the most appropriate activity, instead of opting for the "you hold, I'll glue" approach (which might be perfectly appropriate to someone accustomed to a less dominant role), structure the activity to allow the patient to make as many choices as his ability level permits (choosing colors, the sequence of construction, etc.). As ability levels decline, one may have to redefine activities to suit, for example, an individual who can no longer decide on a sequence of construction may retain the ability to choose colors much longer.
Try dancing: Practice with radio or recordings at home in the living room.
Games: There are numerous companies such as Eldergames, Eldersong Publications, Wise Ideas Products for Better Directions, Inc., and Innovative Caregiving Resources "Video Respite", which will send you a catalog of their adapted products appropriate for persons with memory impairment. The Chapter can provide you with a listing.
Cards: These can be sorted, put into respective piles (kings, queens, etc.), shuffle and deal them, count them, tell stories with them.
Laundry: Sorting and matching socks, folding, fill a laundry basket full of clean towels and washcloths, etc. - give them to the individual with dementia to sort and fold.
Kitchen activities: A pot of water on the stove with food coloring and a spoon can become a stirring activity. Stirring the gravy or a sauce. Assist in cookie making: measuring, pouring, stirring, mixing, rolling, etc.
Magazines: Selecting, cutting, pasting, making scrapbooks and reading stories.
Housework: Washing windows, dusting, washing or drying dishes, polishing silverware, vacuuming.
Coins and Stamps: Sorting and rolling coins in bank wrappers.
Men's activities: Sanding wood, shining shoes, sorting nuts and bolts.
Massage and Touch: This can be very relaxing and comforting, particularly as verbal communication decreases.
Touch/feel: Assemble a fabric collage that has different textures. Work with clay.
Caring for a pet: Provides companionship and eases isolation.
Lacing and Stringing: Simple lacing kits for lacing yarn in and out of holes on cards. Large printed cross stitch kits and simple needlepoint kits make good quiet activities. Also, large wooden beads and heavy shoelaces for stringing them is another quiet activity - also the beads, buttons, etc. can be sorted.
Crafts: Task should be simple and use a few pieces. Must be something completed in a short period of time and adult in subject matter.
Music: Usually very successful. Use small tape recorder or walkman. Sing alongs with old familiar music or hymns from church are good. Sing with the person even if you have a lousy voice!
Memories: Old photographs, old movies, old recordings can trigger fond memories. Video of family members who live far away can be helpful.
Reading: Books, newspapers and magazines can be an infinite source of pleasure. Recorded books can also work well. Reading to the individual is an enjoyable way to share time together. Later stages: Picture books with colorful animals, flowers, etc. are good.
Felt boards and magnetic boards with bright colors and shapes can be a good source for quiet activities.
Cloth books with lacing, zipping, buttoning, etc. are another quiet activity source.
Being a creative caregiver becomes a big challenge, but truly rewarding when an activity works and keeps the person with AD busy and content.
Activity Programming for Persons with Dementia: A Sourcebook - by Alzheimer's Association; 1995; 138 pp.
Provides direction and suggestions for designing activities for people with Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias. Each activity is described and illustrated. Includes a list of reference materials and organizations.
Alzheimer's Disease: Activity-Focused Care - by Carly R. Hellen, OTR/L, 1998, 436pp.
Originally written for professional care providers, this book has been equally popular with family caregivers. The author emphasized simplification of daily tasks and encourages activities that promot exercise and mobility to maintain self-esteem. Focuses on person's abilities, not disabilities.
Doing Things: A Guide to Programming Activities for Persons with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders - by Jitka M. Zgola, 1987, 149pp.
Designed to help professionals evaluate patients' abilities and needs and to plan activities that build upon their strengths and maintain skills. Includes information on dementia and its effect on patients.
Failure Free Activities for the Alzheimer's Patient - by Carmel Sheridan; 1987; 104pp.
A practical and helpful manual for family and professional caregivers. Describes simple activities that build self-esteem, while using and reinforcing the patient's remaining skills.
Activities