Activities for Patients Overview The personal profile can

Activities for Patients

Overview • The personal profile can greatly assist in supporting meaningful activities • Communication and one to one interaction is an important part of activities. • Interacting and participating in activities with patients can be very rewarding for volunteers • People with dementia and delirium in hospital are unwell so their ability to concentrate and engage in activities is limited.

What is an activity? • Anything a person does which can include: Daily activities such as dressing, self care and eating • Hobbies • Conversation • Reading and listening to music •

Planning activities • Important that it is meaningful • Use or gain information from the personal profile • Consider the way the activity is presented • Consider the patients ability to participate

Tips when undertaking activities • Be flexible • Be relaxed and enjoy your time with the patient • Offer choices • Support the persons independence • Talking with someone to one is an important activity

Reminiscence

Reminiscence • Is memories from the past • Very important for people with dementia • Enhances self esteem and communication • Allows the person to recall and share their experiences and feel valued • Provides a sense of identity and recognition for the person Kennard, C (2007) Reminiscence Therapy and Activities for People with Dementia

Activities that assist in reminiscence • Photo’s and pictures • Music and film • Touch and talking about the past • Feeling different textures and objects

Distraction activities • Can be very useful if the person is agitated • Examples are: ● ● Handbags filled with different textured materials Fiddle boxes with locks and latches Fiddle rugs, cushions and aprons Small clothes basket full of washing to fold

Suggestions you may have for activity items is important

Some resources Alzheimer’s Australia Help Sheets Therapies and Communication and Activities A list of possible activity items to consider

Practical application of activities

Summary • The personal profile information greatly assists in identifying meaningful activities. • Communication and one to one interaction is an important part of activities. • Interacting and participating in activities with patients can be very rewarding for volunteers • Patients with dementia and delirium are unwell so their ability to concentrate and engage in activities is limited • Your activity suggestions are important