Activity-Centered Care

I recently received an email from Monica Heltemes, Occupational Therapist and owner of MindStart, a company that creates activities for persons with memory loss.  Monica sent an article published this month which once again states something most caregivers know.  "Studies have shown that nursing home risidents with dementia spend 70-80% of their time with nothing to do."  By not tapping into the remaining cognitive, social and emotions capabilities of persons with dementia living in Alzheimer's units, a state of "excess disability" or disability beyond what is directly attributable to the disease is promoted.  Engagement, and how to engage persons with Alzheimer's, are then highlighted in the article with the words, routine, reduce and reassurance. 

Routine can mean going with the flow with activities done in a typical order and time line each day.  This could include not only activities that are typical to the daily routine of the facility but also activities based on the person's past interests.

Reduce refers to a reduction in the number of steps of a task, reduction in the directions given for the task, and reduction in the level of abstractness of the task.  Multiple choice instead of open-ended questions and games with only matching involved are some of the ways toward reduction.

And reassurance offered in the form of praise and acknowledgment gives the person pride in the moment and a feeling that can last long after the activity.  

Lastly, Monica has created a number of tools for use by staff, family members, or volunteers working with adults in memory care units.  Take a look at what's available at the MindStart site - www.mind-start.com.  And thanks to you, Monica, and other caregivers for all that you do.