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ACTIVITY PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE OR RELATED DEMENTIA

There are hundreds of reasons why an individual may be experiences cognitive impairment.  The following are just a few: Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, alcohol/drug abuse, Psychiatric reasons such as Depression or Bipolar, Traumatic brain Injury, Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, LYME Disease, Arachnoid Cysts, Binswanger's Disease, brain cancer, and much more. Characteristics of an individual with cognitive impairment may include: decreased cognitive skills such as memory loss, inability to recognize family members, decreased attention span, decreased ability to learn new material, disorientation, inappropriate social behaviors such as screaming, hitting, cursing, inability to focus, word finding difficulty, agnosia, apraxia, aphasia, etc.

Environmental Considerations

• Places to roam, rest, explore, rummage, etc.
• Reminiscence environments
• Home-like environments
• Snoezelen or multi-sensory environments
• Use of signs and symbols i.e. bathroom. activity rooms, dining room
• Familiar photos/memory boxes to identify resident rooms
• RO Boards
• Stop signs, do not enter, etc. to minimize enteringinto inappropriate areas
• Appropriate stimulation i.e. Tact-Tiles on walls, murals, fish tanks, aviaries, etc.

Facilitation Techniques and Adaptations

• Task Segmentation, Task Sequencing, Backward Chaining
• Hand-over Hand assistance
• Verbal and/or physical cueing
• Smaller groups or 1x1
• Shorter programs (approximately 15-30 minutes)
• Task-oriented activities based on former interests, lifestyle, occupations such as sorting, counting, folding clothes, sweeping, making beds, shoe shining, maintenance repairs, accountant, etc.
• Use of adapted equipment i.e. less numbers on a bingo card, large piece puzzles, large dominoes, etc.
• Use of manipulatives and diversionary items such as pat mats, dolls, busy beads, activity aprons, discovery boxes, etc.
• Diversional Activity Zones (group residents according to functional status and lifelong interests) Read the article, Diversional Activity Zones, by Debbie Hommel, ACC,CTRS
• Use of Validation Therapy techniques
• Provide Sensory Stimulation and/or multi-sensory program
  1. Read: Sensory Stimulation
  2. Read: Sensory Kits and Themes
  3. Read: Multi-Sensory Environments
• Other programs should include: music, exercise, physical games, adapted crafts, gardening, cooking/baking, pet visits, intergenerational programs, reminiscence, spiritual, outdoor/nature, etc.  Programs need to be simplified.
• Fall Prevention Programs
• Programs in late afternoon for individuals with Sundown Syndrome
• Other techniques: Use simple phrases and language, allow time for response, and utilize props and pictures to elicit responses.
• Create a Personalized Activity Book (by Barbara Smith)

DEMENTIA RESOURCES FOR ACTIVITY DIRECTORS

• Alzheimer's Association 2010 Alzheimer's Facts and Figures Report                              You can download this very informative report on the Alzheimer's Association Website. Linking Disclaimer: The Alzheimers™ Association is not responsible for information or advice provided by others, including information on Web sites that link to Association sites and on third party sites to which the Association links. Please direct any questions to weblink@alz.org.

• Developing a Person-Centered Therapeutic Recreation Program                                      This is an incredible program developed by Aimee  Wilson, CTRS and the Village Care of NY team. You can download the entire program right off the internet or contact Aimee for a CD This is an invaluable free resource!

• Alzheimer's From the Inside Out

          To sign up for a free newsletter provided by Richard Taylor, a gentleman who has been  

          living with the symptoms of dementia, email Mr. Taylor. This is a great newsletter to 

          share with your staff, residents, family members and volunteers.

• The Alzheimer's In-Service Monthly

          The "Alzheimer's In-Service Monthly" is a series of newsletters that are offered free of charge

          to all Senior Care providers by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. This In-Service 

          newsletter is designed to support a better understanding of Alzheimer's disease, the care

          and treatment for residents who live with Alzheimer's, and resources available to you and  

          your team. Senior Living University has participated in the development of these newsletters

          and encourages you to incorporate this valuable (and free!) resource as part of your team

          member development program.

• Alzheimer's Caregivers

You can get a free copy of Coach Broyles' Playbook for Alzheimer's Caregivers-A Practical Tips Guide. Just call 800-272-3900. You can also download the Alzheimer's Playbook for free on their website.

• The Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research.

• Validation Training Institute

Developed by Naomi Feil, Validation Therapy is a method of communicating with and helping disoriented very old people. It is a practical way of helping the disoriented person deal with stress, enhance dignity,  and increase happiness.

• View the Video: The Four Phases of Resolution

This is an incredible video representing Validation Therapy's Four Phases of Resolution. It is acted out by Naomi Feil herself!

• View the Video: Stages of Dementia

The stages of dementia portrayed through pictures of the elderly and the struggles of the disease.

• View the Video: Alzheimer's: Signs, Symptoms, and stages
  

Alzheimer's: Signs, Symptoms, and Stages is a video that demonstrates that
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive fatal illness.

• Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR)

ADEAR has a great selection of publications regarding dementia and aging. Most of them are free. You can download many from their website and even order some printed versions for free.

• Cognitive Therapeutic Programs                                                                          Recreation Therapist  Christine Roberts is the co-founder of Cognitive Therapeutic Progams. Christine has over twenty years of experience working with the cognitive and physically disabled. She designs a vast variety of program profiles for those aged between 6 and 106. These dementia profiles contain the five basic activity elements that have helped many professionals implement and successfully execute their day to day programs.
  

• Video: Shining a Light on Alzheimer’s Disease…Through Research

This free DVD, produced by four NIA-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Centers, presents a moving look at the personal and social impact of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the U.S. today. You can view the video on-line or order it for free!

• Video: Taking the Steps to Healthy Brain Aging

This free DVD, produced by four NIA-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Centers, shows how the latest research and studies offer clues about lifestyle choices may reduce risk of dementia. You can view the video on-line or order it for free!

• GeriatricOT.com                                                      Barbara A. Smith, M.S., OTR/L writes about her experiences helping her mother who had Alzheimer's disease for eight years. As an occupational therapist Barbara's focus is on adapting the environment and activities for individuals at all functional levels and helping caregivers enjoy time spent with patients and/or loved ones. More information available at GeriatricOT.com