Is sensory stim the only option?

[clayl 0]

Hi! I work at a 60 bed facility and most of our residents are very low functioning. Most have alzheimers and dimentia, dont speak and spend most of their time with their eyes closed. Here, we do different sensory stim activities for those residents but we feel as though we need a few new activites to. Any new ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!

[LisaRee 0]

Maybe try some outdoor activities. Just sitting outside in nice weather may perk some of your residents up. Also try music...if you haven't already.

[iloveoldies 1]

Hi, If you are doing one on one or have a small group, I highly recommend using "finish the song" in memorystreets books.... even when residents are sitting with eyes closed they still can be involved...If you can sing the start of the song...even better....music is the best icebreaker. They won't want you to stop. Check out website at www.memorystreets.com for some printable samples or send your fax# or email address to kimandjim9@comcast.net and I will send you some sample pages of finish the song to try for free....just remind me you want "finish the song" questions. You won't be disappointed.

[clayl 0]

These are great suggestions however, Im looking for something a little more low functioning. The problem is the residents that I am talking about are severly low functioning and are non responsive. They have a hard time registering questions. We bring them to music groups, sensory groups, pet therapy, patio time, reading groups, and other various groups that dont involve much active participation from the residents but feel as though we are not doing enough for them. Its hard to gauge whether or not they are enjoying the activities because they do not respont very much.