Doll therapy is so beneficial for those who are drawn to it. Having therapy dolls displayed in visible locations on memory care units, and particularly in a nursery life station setting, provides the residents with an opportunity to engage in this type of therapy when they feel inclined to. Doll therapy may not be appropriate…
Tag: Dementia tips
Pipe Cleaner Sorting Task – A Simple Photo Tutorial
Follow this simple step by step photo tutorial to create a basic pipe cleaner sorting task. Product Links Multi-Color Grommets Kit Gerber Lil Crunchies, Vanilla Maple Pipe Cleaners 27 Colors
VARIETY CART – Choosing appropriate activities based on the needs of the residents, not the other way around.
In memory care, there is typically a monthly activity calendar that gets assembled and printed for the residents. This means that the recreation staff are planning some of the activities over a month in advance, even though the residents needs are changing daily. You may lose, or gain residents. There could be illness or injuries…
DIY Personalized Sorting Pots!
*Please be very cautious when using small items such as marbles, as they can be a chocking hazard. When sorting tasks with small pieces are in use by a person with dementia, please be sure that a caregiver is close by to supervise the activity. I have seen these 3 piece flower pot sets for…
DIY Patterned Sorting Squares
Whether you use your patterned squares as a sorting task, or for visual stimulation for residents, they will certainly come in handy when working in memory care. The assorted patterns and vivid colours can be used to connect with residents, and start conversations about a range of topics. I have used the squares to spark…
Simple DIY Sensory Boards
Whether you are using bright colours to catch a residents attention, soft/ silky textures to stimulate their sense of touch, or a unique material to trigger specific memories, sensory stimulation can help you to connect with low functioning residents in memory care. Sensory boards can be a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to reach residents,…
When A ‘Crafty’ Resident Loses Their Ability To ‘Craft’…
What can you do for someone with dementia who has always loved arts and crafts, but can no longer follow simple instructions? I have seen so many residents lose their confidence when it comes to programs that they used to enjoy, and crafts are no exception. The last thing I want is for a resident…
Movie Theatre Life Station – The Affordable Way.
Creating life stations within your memory care units does not have to eat away at your budget. Once you have a vision for what you’d like the area to look like, it’s just a matter of brainstorming the least expensive way to reach the final product you have in mind. These days, we have so…
Memory Care Matters 