Early Stage Alzheimer's Progamming

[Flgirl 0]

Hi,is there anyone reading this who is an AD at an Adult day center for alzheimer's/dementia? I am trying to start up a new program for or clients with early stage dementia and alz. I am looking for information and activities that are different from the ordinary to do with them. All help would be appreciated. I already use a montessori program for my middle/late stages. :hammer:

THANKS,

Flgirl

[Guest mrs Duck]

hi there, i'm really green when it comes to organising activities for alz & dementia residents, just joined the force so to speak, but have been given a few tips. hope it helps........

 

make up a history/this is your life book or poster with residents help, (you may need to photocopy some pictures they have)

 

indoor bowls

 

checkout other web sites like kids activities sites/books and modify to suit level of disability

 

make placemats & have thier names in big letters on it. get them to cut or pull out pictures from magazines, stick them on and then laminate them.

 

movie days get staff to participate/dress up

 

talk to other div therapists in & around your area

 

bus trips

 

hope some of these ideas may help

good luck..........mrs duck

[Guest Guest_Kathy]

Great Sites for information about Alzhiemers and a must read for planning activities. You should take a moment and read through the great info. All has helped us look at our residents and their activities program differently.

 

http://www.alzheimers.org/nianews/nianews72.htm

 

http://www.alz.org/maintainyourbrain/mactive.asp

 

http://www.alz.org/maintainyourbrain/socially.asp

 

http://www.alz.org/maintainyourbrain/overview.asp

 

Our entire activities team (staff and residents) shared this information and we planned some very rewarding programs using the stuff we have found at these sites. We also used the residents leisure histories and what they liked to do to develope our programs.

We now use teachers resources and have a multitude of "classes" and continuing education. Both basic and advanced to keep exercising our brains. And in the past 6 months we have seen residents mainatain their cognitive levels. This and medication are working wonders. But reading through all the latest information was extremely helpful.