ACTIVITIES FOR THE ELDERLY & ALZEIMERS

PATIENTS

Training Purpose and Objective

The purpose of this training is to provide an activities program that help seniors maintain their

functional abilities through active involvement in individual and group activities in a residential

community setting or home; foster in each senior a sense of personal worth, individuality,

dignity, and independence; and to promote social, physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Learning Objectives

• Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand Social and Recreational Activities

• Know the Five types of Activity are needed for a full balanced life

• Be able to Assessing Residents for Activities and Recreation

• Understand the role of Activities staff and volunteers

• Understand the Dementia

• Plan therapeutic activities for seniors with Dementia

Table of Content

• INTRODUCTION • SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES • DIVERSION AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES • FIVE TYPES OF ACTIVITY ARE NEEDED FOR A FULL BALANCED LIFE • FORMAL VERSUS INFORMAL ACTIVITIES • THE ACTIVITY STAFF • ASSESSING RESIDENTS FOR ACTIVITIES AND RECREATION • MEETING THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF YOUR COMMUNITY RESIDENTS • SCHEDULING ACTIVITIES • SPECIAL EVENTS AT YOUR RESIDENCE AND IN THE COMMUNITY • MANAGING YOUR ACTIVITY PROGRAM • ACTIVITY PROGRAM FORMS • INITIAL AND PERIODIC ACTIVITY ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE • ACTIVITY CALENDAR • PLANNED OUTINGS • ACTIVITIES EVALUATION FORM • ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION FORM • CHECKLIST FOR ENSURING A GOOD ACTIVITY PROGRAM • VOLUNTEER PROGRAM • VOLUNTEER SERVICE AND WORK-TYPE ACTIVITIES • HEALTH RELATED ACTIVITIES • PLAN FOR RECRUITMENT & IMPLEMENTATION OF VOLUNTEER PROGRAM • STEPS IN GETTING READY FOR VOLUNTEERS • VOLUNTEERS RETENTION STRATEGIES • EXERCISE PROGRAM • FUN ACTIVITIES FOR ADULT CARE HOME SENIORS • THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS WITH DEMENTIA • SAMPLE ACTIVITY CALENDAR FOR RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME

pg. 4

Activities Program

Activities should be tailored to individual and group interests, capabilities, experience, and

background. Activity planning should be outcome-based (observable changes in a person’s

status as a result of participating in the activity). An excellent activities program will include a

range of activities as follows:

Social and Recreational Activities

• Emphasize social interaction in all categories of activity

• Plan birthday parties monthly

• Occasionally plan meals featuring special foods and favorite recipes of residents

• Schedule socials where residents plan activities and prepare the food

• Invite entertainment groups (music, drama, readers, etc.) in to perform and plan resident

performances

• Schedule dress-up events such as parties, receptions, dances and allow residents to invite

guests

• Schedule intergenerational events frequently

• Keep a supply of materials on hand for creative craft making

• Provide card, board games, and outdoor yard games

• Organize group quilting sessions and various sewing projects

• Promote flower arranging, painting, poetry, story writing

• Encourage residents to play musical instruments

• Accommodate individual hobby pursuits

• Allow residents to grow plants and do box gardening

• Schedule pet visiting days

pg. 5

Diversion and Intellectual Activities

• Set up a library of books, periodicals and videos on site

• Schedule trips to the library

• Arrange for talking books to be available for persons with visual impairment

• Organize discussion groups with guest speakers invited in to give lectures and lead

discussions on subjects of interest

• Schedule bible study groups and training sessions to promote self-help skill development

• Encourage residents with special knowledge and skills to share with others in a structured

manner

• Take periodic excursions to historical points of interest located in the community and

statewide

“Activities’ are the daily events that people accomplish during a 24-hour period either with our

without help. When we get satisfaction from doing the things we enjoy doing each day, we

enhance our overall satisfaction with life.

The primary purpose of an activity program is to provide a setting for seniors to participate and

share in all aspects of community life and interact to the extent that each is capable. Activity

Programs for the elderly should not only be recreational. It should engage the body, mind and

soul of the individuals involved.

Recreational and leisure-time activity is important to residents in residential homes just as it is

for people of all ages everywhere. In this manual, elements of good activities programs are

explored. Community resources are identified and the use of volunteers is addressed. An

exercise guide is also included.

pg. 6

It is necessary to mention that activities that meet our basic needs come from day-to-day and

moment-by-moment events and encounters of life. They can be stimulating and fun things like

movies, sports events, shopping, outings or parties, or activities that are ordinary tasks like

doing laundry, paying bills, holding a job, cutting a grass or preparing meals. Daily activities also

include simple or even essential things like taking a bath, brushing teeth or hair, getting dressed

and taking medications.

We choose to do these activities because they meet or basic social, spiritual, cultural, personal

and educational needs. As such, activity program for residential homes must include individual

activities as well as group activities.

Five types of Activity are needed for a full balanced life

A full, balanced life depends on successfully performing activities from the following five areas:

FIVE TYPES OF ACTIVITY

Type of Activity Description 1. Productive Activities Activities that make us feel useful and needed.

For example, going to a paid job or doing

volunteer work are examples of productive

activities

2. Leisure Activities Activities that are fun. For example, social

events and hobbies are examples of leisure

activities

3. Self-Care Activities Activities through which we express our

independence and the intimate personal

aspects of our personality. For example,

personal and instrumental activities of daily

living such as dressing and grooming are self-

pg. 7

are activities

4. Educational Activities Activities that are intended to enhance skills

or knowledge, such as using a computer or

taking a class

5. Physical Activity Activities that are intended to enhance

physical well-being such as walking program

or toning and strengthening exercises

When people think of an activity and recreation program, they imagine a formalized program of

events, outings, and recreation. In addition to formal program of activities, residents also need

more informal level of activity that offers resident activity and stimulation at all times.

Formal versus Informal Activities

The formal activities program is the organized program that offers scheduled group and

individual productive, leisure, educational and physical activities. A formal activities program

typically offers a calendar of program and events for a month at a time. Formal activities might

include:

• Morning exercise group • Men’s card club • Ladies book club • Afternoon gardening group • Daily happy hour • Weekly movie review • Monthly family night • Weekly religious services

In order to meet the residents’ needs, the formalized activities program must:

• Offer a variety of activities to suit individual residents needs

pg. 8

• Engage residents as individuals • Involve the entire staff in support of the program • Encourage volunteer and family involvement • Include both in house and community –based activities

Informal Activities

The care and services you provide your residents should also include informal activities

components. Unlike a formal program, the informal program is not organized as a schedule of

program and events.

The informal components of the activities program are actually a philosophy of care. The

philosophy is this: Every task that an employee assists a resident with is an opportunity to

incorporate meaningful activity. Informal activities might include:

• Planning for a meal or Cooking • Laundry activities • Assistance with Budgeting • Assistance with Shopping • Grooming • Dressing • Planning for a family/friends visit

The Activity Staff Recreation and activities programs should take place seven days a week, including evenings. In many communities, the activities director (or other staff) works flexible hours, including weekends and some evenings during the week. One of the benefits of employing activities assistants is that the department can offer a full schedule, including two or more activities at a time. As a result, your residence is able to meet a wide range of resident’s needs. Activity programs are designed according to the size of the residence. In small adult care

homes, resident caregivers are usually responsible for assisting with activities throughout the

day. Caregivers must understand the formal and informal aspect of activities. Given their

pg. 9

frequent contact with residents throughout the day, caregivers have a deeper understanding of

the individual needs of each resident and ensure that those needs are being met.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Activities Staff The duties and responsibilities for the activities director and staff typically include

Planning, scheduling, and implementing individual group activities

Encouraging resident interaction

Participating in resident service plan meetings

Maintaining resident attendance records

Following safety policies and procedures

Communicating well with families, volunteers and employees.

Assessing Residents for Activities and Recreation

Activities and recreation should be structured to meet the unique and individual needs of each

resident. The activity staff must access every resident upon move-in to determine the social,

spiritual, cultural, personal and educational needs of that resident. After the resident has fully

adjusted to the residence, usually after a month or two, another assessment should be

completed to determine any new preferences, interests and also inquire about daily routine.

As the resident “age in place” and physical and emotional health changes, her ability to

participate in activities will also change. The activity staff should periodically (preferably every

six month) access and become aware of any changes in the resident’s behavior, mental and

physical limitations, attitude, or abilities.

pg. 10

Meeting the Special Needs of your Community Residents

Regardless of the mental or physical state of your residents, they have special needs that have

to be met. Special needs can be social, spiritual, cultural, personal or educational.

1. Social needs:

Social needs often arise from the need to form a bond and friendship with other people such as

other residents, volunteers, staff and caregivers and the community at large. Helping the

residents develop a connection with people in the residence and the greater community help

enrich their lives.

2. Spiritual needs:

The need for spiritual care is particularly crucial for most seniors as they get older. Questions

arise for the frail elderly that focus on life and death, meaning and purpose, loneliness and loss.

These issues are often magnified when the individual is placed in a residential setting. Many

seniors residing in residential care facilities experience some type of spiritual crisis. Offering

comfort, faith, and courage to persons in the face of uncertainty and fear helps them

experience a sense of spirituality. Reaching out to the elderly rekindles hope and a faith that

will enable them to once again celebrate their lives. The initial activity assessment process for

each residence should include questions regarding spiritual needs. The assessment should

inquire if the resident is a member of any denomination such as a church, mosque or

synagogue, the spiritual beliefs of the resident, and what religious practices and holidays are

observed such as Christmas, Ramadan, and Hanukkah etc.

pg. 11

3. Cultural needs:

Throughout history, America has been called a “melting pot”. This is a country that people

from all cultures come to live and thrive together. What most cultures hope is to be able to

maintain their cultural identity that makes them so unique.

For elderly ethnic Americans, cultural identity is one characteristic too precious to lose to the

aging process especially when the residential care home is their melting pot. Elderly people of

all cultures really want to maintain the life cultural routines or traditions they had in place

before they went into the residential care home. As such, placing emphasis on cultural identity

and ethnicity is very important to many residents. The loss of connection with a resident’s

cultural group can negatively impact the resident’s quality of life. The activity assessment

should inquire about culturally specific information about ethnic groups the resident identify

with, languages spoken by the resident other than English, specific cuisine, rituals, holidays, and

celebrations that are important to the resident. A comprehensive understanding of the

resident’s cultural needs will help the residence meet those needs.

4. Personal needs:

The immediate environment has a tremendous impact on the elderly. Activity planning should

accommodate the personal needs of every resident. Activity staff should plan activities in

perspective of the personal needs of each resident. Staff should be aware of the resident’s

personal needs before activity planning. Personal needs can include hearing impairment, visual

impairments, physical limitations and other personal needs. This awareness determines the

right environment for activities. Such as the location where activities are held, lighting in the

room, etc.

pg. 12

5. Educational needs:

Many residential care homes have residents who had diverse professions such as teachers,

health care professionals, administrators and many others. Such residents still have a strong

desire to continue learning or help others learn. Your activity program should address such

interests. Residents may be interested in learning more about computers, helping students

with their homework, or teaching a foreign language.

Scheduling Activities

A very effective activity program should be based on a resident-focused activity model. A

resident-focused activity model means the program is structured by the resident’s abilities and

interest and scheduled with a considerable input from the residents that participate in the

activities. Residences that have an effective activity program also consider the environment

that is available and make the best use of that environment. A successful activity program is

rich with group and individual activities. Activity scheduling must incorporate about fifteen

hours of group activity per week and fourteen hours of individual and optional activities.

Special Events at your Residence and in the Community

Special events add a spark to your activity program. Special events are usually related to

holidays, or centers around a theme, local customs and rituals. Special events scheduled at

your residence will depend on the resident’s interests, resources available in your community

and your activity budget. Special events can include the community at large, involve families

and friends, and will often entice a resident who might normally not participate in activities.

Examples of special events may include:

pg. 13

• New Resident Social

• Birthday parties

• Resident’s garage and rummage sales

• Active aging week

• Annual grandparent’s day

• Senior’s prom night

• St Patrick ’s Day celebration

• Cinco De Mayo Mexican celebration

• Christmas day celebration

• Hanukkah Celebration

• New Years Eve party

• German Oktoberfest

• Casino Trips

• Veterans day

• Mother’s day

• Father’s day

• Annual Women’s day

• Banquet Night

• Live healthy day

pg. 14

Managing your Activity Program

After you have successfully implemented your activity program, you must ensure your activity

program is meeting the needs of your residents. The only way to ensure that is to regularly

monitor resident participation in the program. Monitoring can be achieved through

observation, assessments and documentation of the resident’s participation. A progress notes

chart should be developed for each resident and overall participation should be recorded in the

residents’ activity record book.

Progress notes chart book is individual and should contain the following:

• A picture of the resident (may need to obtain permission from the resident or

responsible party

• The resident’s activity assessment form, (initial and periodic assessment)

• Progress notes for daily, weekly and monthly participation in individual and group

activities

• Activity goals to be achieved weekly, daily and monthly

The residents’ activity record book document information regarding the overall participation in

activities.

The residents’ activity record book should contain the following:

• The names of the residents who participated in the activity

• The date of the activity

• The goals and objectives of the activity (educational, community involvement, spiritual

etc)

• A summary of the program description (e.g. A trip to the community center)

• Level of participation

pg. 15

The resident activity record book is a valuable tool to help monitor and evaluate the resident’s

participation in activities. Documentation should include whether residents were active,

passive or agitated by the activity. Resident activity records should be kept on file and be

available for periodic review.

Evaluating the Activity Program

Activity programs should be evaluated to determine its effectiveness. Also many states require

residential care homes to evaluate and document resident’s participation in activity programs

and its effectiveness. The effectiveness of the activity program can be evaluated through

residents’ satisfaction surveys. Satisfaction surveys evaluate if the program meets the needs of

residents, resources and tools used for activities. It is also appropriate to obtain feedback from

staff, family members and friends regarding the activity program

pg. 16

APPENDIX A

ACTIVITY PROGRAM FORMS

pg. 17

INITIAL AND PERIODIC ACTIVITY ASSESMENT QUESTIONNAIRE

Name: ________________________________ Med record # Sex: M F DOB: _______________ Birthplace: __________________________________________ Marital Status: M W S D Family Info: # of children ____ # of grandchildren ____ # of great grandchildren: ____ # of step-children:____ # step-grand:_________________________ Significant other:____________________________ Res. Relationship with family: _______________ Registered voter:__________ Veteran: _____ Branch & date: ________________ Spouse in service: _______________________ Branch & date: ________________________________ Religious affiliation: _________________________ Personal Involvement: _______________ Education level: _________________________Ability to read: _____ Ability to write: _____ Other Language:______________ Past occupations & jobs: ______________________________________________________________________________ Organizational involvement: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Hand dominance: Left Right Tobacco user: ______ Kind: _______________ How much: _________________ When last used: ___________________________ Alcohol user: ______ Kind: _______________ How much: _________________ When last used: ___________________________ Games Bingo Checkers Chess Backgammon Dominoes Monopoly Scrabble Yahtzee _____________ _____________ Cards Bridge Canasta Gin Uno Pinochle Poker Euchre Rummy Solitaire ______________ ______________ Pets Dog Cat Fish Birds Crafts Ceramics Crocheting Doll making Glass blowing Hooking rugs Knitting Leather working Needlepoint Plastic craft Scrap booking Stained glass Woodworking Embroidery Quilting Exercise Aerobic Stretching Walking Jogging Swimming

pg. 18

Gardening Flowers Vegetables Shrubs House plants Cactus _____________ Outing Ballgames Fishing Museums Parks Zoos Shopping Van rides Lunches Music Classical Country Gospel Jazz Big band 30's & 40's 50's & 60's Rhythm Rock & roll Heavy metal Rap Easy listening Puzzles Crossword Jigsaw Word search Word scramble Just for Fun Parties Picnics Plays Music programs Household Cleaning Laundry Dish washing Cooking Baking Decorating ______________ ______________ Sports Baseball Basketball Football Bowling Fishing Hunting Hockey Horseshoes Ring toss Volleyball ______________ ______________ Television News Sports Soaps Games Movies Cartoons Comedy Adventure Drama Old TV Wrestling Reality TV Cable TV MTV HGTV Food Channel CNN Computer Games Internet Writing Poetry Letters Haiku Short stories Reading Autobiographies Fiction Historical Nonfiction Fiction Religious Science fiction Westerns Mystery Newspaper Poetry Romance Magazines Bible Art Oil painting Sculpture Watercolors Drawing Chalks Poly clay Sewing Mending Clothing ______________ ______________ Movies Comedy Drama Musical Westerns War Sci-fi Disney 40's & 50's John Wayne ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ Instruments Piano Organ ______________ ______________ ______________ Other Travel Genealogy Dancing Collecting: _____________ Automotive Construction Interest Survey Blue = past interests Yellow = current interests NOTES_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

pg. 19

May we invite family & friends to facility functions? YES NO Information provided by: Resident____ Other (name): ________________________________ Relationship: __________________ Date: _________________ Assessor:______________________ Notes: _____________________________________________________________________________ Initial Activity Assessment Admission Date: _________________________ Admitted From: _____________________ Physician: ________________________ Allergies____________________________________ Diagnosis:_____________________________________________________________________ Therapy: Physical_____________ Occupational_________ Speech______________ Oxygen_____________ Special treatments:____ ____________________ __________________ Personal Safeguards: Wander Guard_______ Personal Alarm_______ Posey Hugger________ Bed Alarm__________ Low Bed____________ ___________________ Mode of Expression: Speech______________ Writing_____________ Gestures/sounds______ Communication board_ ____________________ __________________ Being Understood: Understood Usually Sometimes Rarely/never ____________________ ____________________ Diet: Regular_____________ NCS_______________ NAS_______________ Mec. Soft___________ Pureed______________ Tube feed___________ NPO_______________ Thickened liquids_____ other: ______________ ____________________ Vision: Adequate____________ Impaired____________ Moderately impaired____________________ Highly impaired______ severely impaired_____ Glasses_______________________________

pg. 20

Hearing: Adequate____________ Minimal difficulty____ Special situations_____ highly Impaired______ Hearing aid__________ ___________________ Permission to: Open/read mail_______ Use beauty shop______ Put name in newsletter_ Photograph__________ Go on facility outing___ Do shopping for resi- dent._______________ Amb/mode transport: Independent_________ Wheels self__________ Help wheel__________ Cane_______________ Walker_____________ Wheelchair__________ Physical Assessment ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Name:____________________________MedRec#__________

pg. 21

ACTIVITY CALENDAR

Home Month Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Total Hours

*(1) Social and Recreational Activity *(2) Diversion and Intellectual Activity *(3) Work Type and Volunteer Services Activity

pg. 22

PLANNED OUTINGS Name of Facility: Date:

Time Frame: Location: List of Residents Participating:

1 16 2 17 3 18 4 19 5 20 6 21 7 22 8 23 9 24 10 25 11 26 12 27 13 28 14 29 15 30 Brief description of trip and resident interest:

pg. 23

ACTIVITIES EVALUATION FORM

Name of Home______________________________Date__________________________ List of persons evaluating the Program: 1 6 2 7 3 8 4 9 5 10 Are you satisfied with the activity program Yes________ No_________ Have you been able to successfully participate in an activity of your choice? Yes______ No_____ What can be done to help you participate in activities that you enjoy? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Activities Most Valued and Well Attended: 1 4 2 5 3 6 Are the activity staff and volunteers well trained? Yes______ No______ Are equipment and supplies for activities to be adequate and well maintained? Yes_____ No______ Suggestions to enhance the Program:

pg. 24

Activity Participation Form

Name of Activity____________________________________________________ Date of Activity_______________Time of Activity________________________ Location of Activity_________________________________________________ Description of Activity __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Residents involved in Activity (List names) ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Level of Participation (alert, active, sleepy, agitated, resistant, passive, abandoned activity) __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Activity Revision or Discontinuation Need Yes____________ No__________ Comments: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name(s) of Activity Staff Involved: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

pg. 25

CHECKLIST FOR ENSURING A GOOD ACTIVITY PROGRAM __________ A qualified Activities Coordinator is on staff or otherwise available

__________ Other staff are designated to assist in implementing activities program

__________ An Activities Coordinator’s Guide is available in the home

__________ At least 10 hours of a variety of planned group activities are offered weekly in

addition to individual activities

__________ Index cards or a Recreational Activities Questionnaire is on file on each resident

upon admission

__________ A Monthly Calendar is prepared in large print and posted in a prominent location

by the first of every month. Calendar is updated as needed.

__________ Activities are evaluated every 6 months.

__________ Opportunity is provided to each resident for an outing at least every other month

__________ A physician’s statement is on file regarding ability of any resident to participate in

activities if there is a question regarding a resident’s ability.

__________ No residents are required to participate in activities against their will

__________ Volunteers and community involvement is encouraged

__________ A list of potential volunteers is kept updated

__________ Activities are varied (social and recreational, diversion and intellectual, work-type

and volunteer)

pg. 26

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

pg. 32

Volunteer Service and Work-Type Activities Volunteers provide an important link between the community and the residential care home

resident. Many volunteers get involved in the activity program because they have special

talents and skills to contribute. Many others assist residents who have disabilities, to participate

in activities. Friendly volunteer visitors provide one-to-one relationships for residents.

Regardless of their specific roles in the home, volunteers must be recruited, oriented, and

supervised to be used effectively.

• Through close contact with community agencies tasks may be identified that are useful to

them that residents can perform such as assisting with folding letters for mass mailing and

making follow-up phone calls; and donating crafts to others in need. Staff may help

residents to sponsor fund raising events such as bake sales to purchase and donate to “Toys

for Tots”, schedule tutoring sessions for children who need help with school work; adopt a

block where the home is located to keep it debris-free; develop a community garden and

share products with the neighborhood.

• Residents may be actively involved in planning, implementing, and evaluating all program

activities as well as making change recommendations. They could be encouraged and given

the opportunity to assist staff (without substituting for staff duties) with essential home

functions such as serving lunch and snacks. Decorating the home and keeping the

environment orderly in appearance.

pg. 33

Health Related Activities

• Support of healthy mobility of participants should be emphasized in all activity planning.

Based upon each person’s physician’s assessment, in-door and outside games and

competitive events should foster small and large motor activity such as mini-Olympic

games, short distance partner walks, creative dance, and daily exercises.

Residents should not be pressured to participate in activities. Refusal to participate should be

documented and place in resident’s file. Continuing efforts should be made by staff to identify

with the resident, their choice of activities. Such efforts should also be documented.

PLAN FOR RECRUITMENT & IMPLEMENTATION OF VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

To establish and maintain a varied and interesting activities program in adult care homes

requires an enormous amount of enthusiasm, ingenuity, and effort.

A great way to enhance your activities program is to recruit volunteers to enliven and motivate

interest. Residents enjoy new faces and fresh ideas. Volunteers can bring these much-needed

attributes to your program.

There are numerous methods you can use to recruit volunteers. However, not all of them will

be appropriate for your organization or your specific needs.

Rick Lynch and Steve McCurley, authors of Essential Volunteer Management, (Heritage Arts

Press) suggest that there are three basic ways to recruit:

Warm Body Recruitment

pg. 34

When you need a large number of volunteers for a short period time and the qualifications of

the task are minimal, you might engage in "warm body recruitment." This involves a broad

dissemination of information, including:

• Distribution of brochures

• Posters

• Speaking to groups

• Notices in appropriate media

• Word of Mouth

Targeted Recruitment

The targeted campaign requires a carefully planned approach to a small audience. Use this

method when you are trying to recruit volunteers that need to have specific skills or not

commonly found characteristics.

A targeted campaign requires, at the outset, that you answer several questions:

• What do we need?

• Who could provide this?

• How can we communicate with them?

• What would motivate them?

Working through such questions will help you identify and locate the volunteers that you need.

Once you locate a source of such volunteers, simply take your recruitment message directly to

them.

Concentric Circles Recruitment

This type of recruitment requires you to identify populations who are already in direct or

indirect contact with your organization and then to contact them with your recruiting message.

Such populations include:

• Your clients, their families and relatives.

• Alumni of your program/s.

• Friends of your current volunteers and staff.

• People in your organization's neighborhood.

• People who have been affected by the problem you are attempting to solve.

pg. 35

Concentric Circles recruitment involves people who are already familiar with your agency or the

problem you address, or who are connected through friends or staff members. It is more likely

that you will succeed in persuading them to volunteer than complete strangers. In sales terms,

there is a big difference between a "cold" call to a stranger than a "warm" call to an

acquaintance or a friend.

Your Recruitment Message

No matter which recruitment method you use, you must have a compelling message. Your

message explains why your agency is worthy of a potential volunteer's time. Make your

message short, simple, and direct, communicating the need for the volunteer's service and the

good he/she can do. Stress the need of the community for the service, but also delineate the

benefits the volunteer will receive. These include doing good, but there may be skills and

valuable experience that the volunteer will gain.

Asking

Finally, be sure to directly ask people to volunteer. The most effective way to do this is to have

your staff or volunteers ask their friends and acquaintances to volunteer. Be sure to provide

them with the information they need to make an effective "ask."

Recruiting Volunteers Online

While finding volunteers the old fashioned way through referrals and local contacts still works

best, the use of online volunteer matching sites is growing, and is a way of at least doing a first

quick cut of possible volunteers.

Here are the some of the most widely-used volunteer matching sites:

pg. 36

Steps in getting ready for volunteers:

• Identify exactly what volunteers will do: provide transportation and supervision on outings,

lead games, exercise or dancing, conduct craft and art classes or assist with training in basic

living skills.

• Identify the kind of persons to recruit and the community resources available in your area

where volunteers can be found: family members, retired older adults, school students,

church groups, civic clubs, local technical colleges, garden clubs, NC State Commission for

the Blind, library services, Boy and Girl scout clubs, Art Councils, Grey Ladies, Pink Ladies,

Candy Stripers, local high schools, Council on Aging, etc.

• Screen each volunteer or group for suitability in the program.

• Identify a staff member (activity coordinator) who will direct the volunteer program. This

person should serve as a liaison between residents, administration, and volunteers, and

must be convinced of the value of the program.

• Identify the cost of the program. Establish a budget for 12 months and follow through with

needed financial support. Identify free supplies from the community.

• Prepare the staff. Let the staff participate in program planning and help staff to regard

volunteers as helpful rather than bothersome.

pg. 37

VOLUNTEERS RETENTION STRATEGIES

Orientation:

Schedule a tour of the facility. Identify bathroom facilities, coat closets, and storage areas for

staff and where supplies are kept. Talk about the day and time volunteers are expected to be in

the facility. Discuss any rules that are pertinent, such as, confidentially in residents’ records,

residents’ rights, facility policies, and fire safety.

Training

Provide a job description with specific duties explained. Orient the volunteers to the residents

and how their needs can be best fulfilled. Have staff available to help volunteers until they feel

comfortable performing tasks on their own. Discuss any difficulties associated with the job.

Supervision

Provide guidance for staff on a continuing basis.

Evaluation

Make staff available to discuss what the volunteer is doing and how it is working out. The

conference could be just a few minutes a week; however, the time will be well spent in helping

to develop a more effective volunteer.

Records

Have volunteers keep a record of days and time spent in facility.

pg. 38

Recognition

Hold a function once a year to honor volunteer, (lunch or dinner). Provide buttons, badges, or

certificates. Have volunteers of the month. Make the volunteers feel that their contribution is

valuable. Encourage acceptance of volunteers by the staff. The real recognition is being made

to feel like a member of the team – that the volunteer is helping.

pg. 39

AN EXERCISE PROGRAM

pg. 40

Many elders in residential care homes may have certain health conditions that could limit them

from participating in some exercise programs. However, these same residents can benefit from

other exercise if given the opportunity. Residential care homes need to offer progressive

exercise programs with a wide range of choices such as Cardiovascular, Strength Training,

Flexibility, Balance, and Coordination. A variety of exercise programs are all important for an

exercise program to be effective and successful.

Most residential care facilities limit exercise programs due to the risk of injury. The key is to

always obtain physician approval and continuously monitor the resident to ensure

appropriately participate in exercise programs.

Research has proven that at least 75 percent of people age 65 yeas do not exercise at

recommended levels, despite the known health benefits: Exercise has proven benefits such as

endurance, strength, mood, flexibility, and possibly increased cognitive function. The human

body weakens with age, but with specific elderly exercises joint aches can be relieved, and the

elderly can feel stronger and able to be more active.

Safety is always very important. Elderly exercises must always be supervised. Exercises should

also be a very low impact and uncomplicated. Gradually over time, with regular exercise,

elderly people can regain physical abilities and increase balance and coordination.

There is a wide variety of elderly exercises that are appropriate for residential care homes. The

best ones for increasing the heart rate are aerobic exercises, and the elderly can do sessions

with a set of continuous and simple movements. If the goal is to maintain weight or lose body

weight, aerobics is the way to go. Residents will also have the added benefits of increasing

muscle strength, flexibility, mobility and circulation.

Another path to fitness is through Yoga, which is a fantastic form of elderly exercise. Yoga is

suitable for anyone with any amount of movement at all, and everyone can be encouraged to

take things slowly, and only go as far as they feel comfortable. A class consists of a series of

gentle stretches, usually last a few minutes. They start with poses and breathing techniques,

pg. 41

and the relaxation is deep and satisfying. As a result of practicing yoga regularly muscles will be

elongated, residents will be more flexible, feel more relaxed and have more energy every day.

A certified yoga instructed should be contacted for yoga lessons.

Circuit training is also a popular exercise program your residents can do. Circuit training is a

combination of light weight training and aerobics. Machines are used to do various movements

with some resistance and the goal is to work on every muscle group in the body. Movement of

any kind is the key, and it has to be regular for benefits to be received.

It is always a great idea to do a warm up walk for up to ten minutes before you start any work

out. When residents are ready, begin with small weights for some bicep curls, followed by some

shoulder extensions. Residents can you can sit down for both of these exercises.

There are elderly exercises to work on targeted areas everywhere in the body such as the legs

and back. Depending on their current levels of strength and flexibility a program can be

designed that is right for your residents. A physical therapist, your local gym, fitness center or a

personal trainer can be a great resource in designing an exercise program for your residents.

Below is a sample exercise program you can start at your residential home.

pg. 42

Get Ready To Exercise!

Fit for your life

pg. 43

Hip Extensors

Purpose To strengthen the muscles in the buttocks and lower back

1. Stand holding onto the back of the chair and bend forward about 45’ at the waist with ankle weights in place.

2. Lift one leg straight out behind you as high as

possible without bending your knee or moving your upper body.

3. Lower your leg to the starting position and repeat

with alternating legs.

pg. 44

Hip Abductors

Purpose To strengthen the muscles at the side of the hips and thighs which pull your legs out to the side

1. Stand erect holding onto the back of the chair with weights around your ankles.

2. Without bending your knee or waist move one leg

straight out to the side, making sure that your toes are always pointing forward.

3. Lower your leg to the starting position and repeat

with alternating legs.

pg. 45

Hip Flexors

Purpose To strengthen the muscles which bring the knee towards the chest.

1. Stand erect holding onto the back of the chair with ankle weights in place.

2. Without bending at the waist or letting go of the

chair, bring one knee at a time as close to your chest as possible.

3. Lower to the starting position and repeat with

alternating legs.

pg. 46

Knee Flexors

Purpose To strengthen the muscles in the back of the thigh

1. Stand erect holding onto the back of the chair with ankle weights in place.

2. Without moving your upper leg at all bend one

knee so that your hell is as close to the back of your thigh as possible.

3. Lower your leg to the starting position and repeat

with alternating legs.

pg. 47

Plantar Flexors

Purpose To strengthen the ankle and muscles in the back of the calf

1. Stand erect holding onto the back of the chair with ankle weights in place.

2. Raise your body us as high as possible on your toes

without letting go of the chair.

3. Lower your body slowly to the starting position.

4. When this is too easy, lift your body weight using only one leg at a time alternating right and left legs.

pg. 48

Shoulders

Purpose To strengthen the upper arms and shoulders

1. Stand erect in a chair with your arms hanging at your sides and weights around your wrists.

2. Raise both arms straight out to the side and try to

touch your hands over your head.

3. Lower your arms back down the same path to the starting position then repeat.

pg. 49

Leg Lifts

Purpose To strengthen the muscles of the lower abdomen

1. Wearing leg weights sit in a chair and slide forward so that your buttocks are near the front edge of the seat and your back is resting against the chair back. Hold onto the seat with both hands.

2. Lift both feet 2 to 3 inches off the floor then

straighten your legs out in front of you holding them together in the highest position for 1 to 2 seconds.

3. Slowly lower your legs back to the starting position.

4. If this is too difficult remove the leg weights or lift

only one leg at a time until you are able to lift them together.

pg. 50

Triceps II

Purpose To strengthen the muscles at the back of the upper arm which extend the elbow.

1. Sit erect in a chair with weights strapped around your wrists.

2. Raise your arms straight over your head and then

bend one elbow so that your wrist is resting behind your neck.

3. Raise it back upwards to join the other arm.

4. Repeat alternating arms.

pg. 51

Triceps I

Purpose To strengthen the muscles at the back of the upper arm which extend the elbow

1. Sit erect in a chair with weights strapped around your wrists.

2. Bring your hands to the front of your chest with

elbows pointing out.

3. Straighten one arm so that the weights are directly over your head.

4. Lower to the starting position. Alternate your arms

between lifts.

pg. 52

Knee Extensors

Purpose To strengthen the quadriceps muscle at the front of the thigh

1. Sit erect in a chair with the back of your knees resting against the chair seat and the weights strapped around your ankles.

2. Raise one foot in front of you until your knee is as

straight as possible.

3. Lower slowly to the starting position.

4. Repeat, alternating legs between lifts.

pg. 53

Biceps

Purpose To strengthen the upper arm muscles which flex the elbow

5. Sit erect with your arms at your sides wearing weights around your wrists.

6. Bend one arm at the elbow to lift the weights

towards your shoulder.

7. Don’t move the upper arm or shoulder during the lift.

8. Lower the weights slowly to the starting position.

9. Repeat with your other arm. Alternate arms

between each lift.

pg. 54

Dorsiflexors

Purpose To strengthen the muscles of the shin which flex the ankle

1. Sit upright in a chair with your knees bent at 90’.

2. Slip one foot under the strap of the Sportdeck. Adjust the strap snugly.

3. Point your toes up as far as possible then lower

them back to the starting position.

4. Alternate legs between each set.

pg. 55

Fun Activities for Adult Care Home Seniors

Outdoor activities for seniors must be age appropriate taking into account the participant’s

physical health and mental capacity. Below are some outdoor activities for active seniors.

1. Nature activities: Fishing, gardening, bird watching, zoo and hiking are fun activities at any

age. Always ensure residents are appropriate for such activities

2. Letterboxing: Letterboxing is a fun outdoor activity that combines hiking and treasure

hunting.

3. Sports: Sports activities are very much popular among male residents. It is always best to get

a doctors approval for residents to play sports. Such activities can include miniature golf,

soccer, or tennis. Residents can also join a senior league, senior center games, recreation

centers, or YMCA.

4. Exercise: Exercise can be a fun activity for residents as well as a workout. Exercises do not

have to be strenuous and can be great fun or amazing relaxation, depending on the type you

choose. Examples include water aerobics, walking, yoga, or Tai Chi.

5. Photography: Photography can be fun individual or group activity for seniors. Seniors can

take pictures of family members, animals or plant to be posted at residence or home

pg. 56

Indoor Activities:

Indoor activities for seniors must also be age appropriate taking into account the participant’s

physical and mental capacity. Below are some indoor activities

1. Scrapbooking: Help residents Gather photos and mementos together in one place and take a

fun walk down memory lane.

2. Journaling: Residents can write their thoughts or past fun events down in a book for

emotional therapy or as creative exercise.

3. Tap dancing, group dancing: Indoor activities do not always have to be sedentary. Help

residents dress up for dance occasions.

4. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner club: help residents gather a group of friends and meet on a

regular basis for at a favorite restaurant for a good meals and good conversation.

5. Jewelry making: Jewelry making is an easy and fun activity for female residents to string

beads onto cord to make necklaces and bracelets.

6. Book club: Organize a book club for the seniors. Refreshments can be offered

7. Concert night: Have a local choir or scouting troop perform for the residents. It may be even

more fun to organize a karaoke night.

8. Pottery and working with clay: Shaping clay provides exercise for the hands and it also offers

a stimulating sensory experience.

9. English tea party: If you have access to a garden, let the seniors have tea outdoors. You can

also simply improvise by decorating with real or artificial flowers.

Creativity is the keep when planning activities for residents in adult care homes. Always try to

tap into the knowledge of other activity or recreational directors in the area. If possible use

recreational therapy students as volunteers. They posses a wealth of knowledge than can help

enrich the lives of our residents.

pg. 57

Therapeutic Activities for Residents with Dementia

Residents with dementia need to feel productive, useful and involved. However, a resident with

dementia needs help in organizing her day. Therefore activity programming for her is

fundamentally different than activities for other residents.

A successful dementia care program requires quality therapeutic programming. Therapeutic

programming means that unless a resident is sleeping or resting, he or she should be involved

in some life skill or leisure activity.

Based on the philosophy of therapeutic programming, every purposeful activity or life skill that

a resident engages in is therapeutic. Therapeutic programming for the resident with dementia

is based on a 24-hour day. Opportunities for therapeutic activity can be found in activities o

daily living, housekeeping, meal preparation, family visits, religious events, holidays, and social

outings.

Activities for people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia disease can be extremely

difficult. However, there are activities that cab provides a meaningful experience for such

residents.

People with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia have a diminishing capacity to

remember the most recent occurrences, have difficulty making association between things, and

may not remember the relationship they have with someone they recognize who is very close to

them.

It is the general belief that such residents no longer have the capacity to learn or a way to have

meaningful and stimulating interactions with people. Many caregivers, family and friends ask are

not sure what activities are appropriate or meaningful for residents with Alzheimer’s.

Recent research and practice by Dr. Cameron Camp at Myers Research Institute in Beachwood

Ohio suggests people with Alzheimer's can learn. It is critical to fully understand dementia to be

able to develop an effective therapeutic activity program for residents.

pg. 58

What is Dementia

Dementia is a collection of symptoms including memory loss, personality change, and impaired

intellectual functions resulting from disease or trauma to the brain. These changes are not part

of normal aging and are severe enough to impact daily living, independence, and relationships.

With dementia, there will likely be noticeable decline in communication, learning,

remembering, and problem solving. These changes may occur quickly or very slowly over time.

The progression and outcome of dementia vary, but are largely determined by the type of

dementia and which area of the brain is affected. Diagnosis is possible through advanced brain

imaging, clinical examinations, and diagnostic testing.

Common signs and symptoms of dementia include:

• Memory loss

• Impaired judgment

• Difficulties with abstract thinking

• Faulty reasoning

• Inappropriate behavior

• Loss of communication skills

• Disorientation to time and place

• Gait, motor, and balance problems

• Neglect of personal care and safety

• Hallucinations, paranoia, agitation

The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease impairs memory, thinking and

behavior. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 50 to 80%

of dementia cases. While memory loss may start out mild in early stages, the disease worsens

over time. Eventually, it can restrict a person’s ability to carry on a conversation or even

respond to people or surroundings.

Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60-70 percent of cases of dementia. Alzheimer's is divided into

three stages. They are mild, moderate, and severe or stage 1, stage 2 and stage 3.

pg. 59

3 Stages of Alzheimer’s disease

Mild/Early 2-4yrs Frequent recent memory loss, particularly of recent

conversations and events. Repeated questions, some problems

expressing and understanding language. Writing and using

objects become difficult. Depression and apathy can occur.

Drastic personality changes may accompany functional decline.

Need reminders for daily activities and difficulties with

sequencing impact driving early in this stage.

Moderate/Middle 2-10 yrs Can no longer cover up problems. Pervasive and persistent

memory loss impacts life across settings. Rambling speech,

unusual reasoning, confusion about current events, time, and

place. Potential to become lost in familiar settings, sleep

disturbances, and mood or behavioral symptoms accelerate.

Nearly 80% of patients exhibit emotional and behavioral

problems which are aggravated by stress and change.

Slowness, rigidity, tremors, and gait problems impact mobility

and coordination. Need structure, reminders, and assistance

with activities of daily living.

Severe/Late 1-3+ yrs Confused about past and present. Loss of recognition of

familiar people and places. Generally incapacitated with

severe to total loss of verbal skills. Unable to care for self. Falls

possible and immobility likely. Problems with swallowing,

incontinence, and illness. Extreme problems with mood,

pg. 60

behavioral problems, hallucinations, and delirium. Patients

need total support and care, and often die from infections or

pneumonia.

Other Models for understanding Alzheimer’s disease symptoms

Your doctor may also use a diagnostic framework with five, six, or seven levels. Progression

through these stages may last from 8 to 10 years. Although it is rare, some live nearly 20 years

from the time neuron change first occurs.

The seven stage framework includes the following dimensions:

• Stage 1 – No impairment. Memory and cognitive abilities appear normal.

• Stage 2 – Minimal Impairment/Normal Forgetfulness. Memory lapses and changes in

thinking are rarely detected by friends, family, or medical personnel. Half of those over

65 begin noticing problems in concentration and word recall.

• Stage 3 – Early Confusion/Mild Cognitive Impairment. Subtle difficulties impact

functions. Try to hide problems. Problems with word retrieval, planning, organization,

misplacing objects, and forgetting recent learning affect home and work environments.

New learning, complex planning and organization may be impacted. Depression and

other mood disturbances can occur. Duration: 2-7 years.

• Stage 4 – Late Confusion/Mild Alzheimer’s. Problems handling finances result from

mathematical challenges. Recent events and conversations are increasingly forgotten.

Still know selves and family, but have problems carrying out sequential tasks, including

cooking, driving, and home management tasks. Ordering food at restaurants,

independent shopping, and other sequential tasks are affected. Often withdraw from

social situations, become defensive, and deny problems. Need increasing assistance

with the “business” of independent living. Accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease

possible. Lasts roughly 2 years.

pg. 61

• Stage 5 – Early Dementia/Moderate Alzheimer’s disease- Decline is more severe, and

requires assistance. No longer able to manage independently in community. Unable to

recall personal history details and contact information. Frequently disoriented to place

and or time. A severe decline in numerical abilities and judgment skills leaves patients

vulnerable to scams and at risk from safety issues. Even if able to dress, feed, and

perform other basic daily living tasks, require supervision. Loss of current information is

inconsistent and personal history is no longer reliably recalled. Duration: average of 1.5

years.

• Stage 6 – Middle Dementia/Moderately Severe Alzheimer’s disease- Total lack of

awareness of present events and can’t accurately remember the past. Progressively lose

ability to dress and bathe independently. Bowel and bladder incontinence often occur,

repetitive verbal or nonverbal behaviors are present, wandering, suspicion, and other

dramatic personality changes are common. Can’t remember close family members but

know they are familiar. Agitation and hallucinations are particularly present in the late

afternoon or evening. Late in this stage, need care and supervision but can respond to

nonverbal stimuli, and communicate pleasure and pain behaviorally. Lasts

approximately 2.5 years.

• Stage 7 – Late or Severe Dementia and Failure to Thrive. Severely limited intellectual

ability. Communicate through short words, cries, mumbles or moans. When speech is

lost, also lose ability to ambulate without help. Health declines considerably as body

systems begin to shut down, swallowing is impaired, and the brain is no longer able to

interpret sensory input. Generally bedridden, increased sleeping, seizures possible. No

longer responds to environmental cues and requires total support around the clock for

all functions of daily living and care. Duration is impacted by quality of care and average

length is 1-2.5 years.

pg. 62

What is Therapeutic Activities for Alzheimer’s Residents?

Therapeutic Activity is a Planning structured individualized or group activities that involve and

interest people with Alzheimer’s. Therapeutic activities may reduce many of the more

disturbing behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, such as agitation, anger, frustration,

depression, wandering or rummaging. Experts report that therapeutic activities should focus

on the person’s previous interests, cue the person to old and recent memories and take

advantage of the person’s remaining skills while minimizing the impact of skills that may be

compromised.

What kinds of therapeutic activities are best?

Successful activities support a person’s sense of self – bringing out their skills, memories and

habits – and reinforce the person’s sense of being in a group, which can provide friendship,

mutual support and spiritual connectedness.

Any number of activities may be beneficial depending on the individual, and different activities

may affect certain symptoms but not others. (For example, music therapy may improve eating

in some people but not others.) Any former hobby or interest of the person is a candidate, from

gardening, cooking, painting and drawing, to singing, playing musical instruments or listening to

music, etc. Routine is essential: Activities that are done regularly, perhaps even at the same

time every day if possible, may help establish routine and increase the person’s sense of

stability.

Some of the therapeutic activities that have been shown in rigorous research studies to reduce

certain problem behaviors in people with Alzheimer’s are:

• playing music of the person’s choosing

• one-on-one interaction

• playing videotapes of family members;

• walking and light exercise

• pet therapy

pg. 63

Several programs that combine various therapeutic activities have also shown favorable results

in people with Alzheimer’s. These include a multifaceted program of music, exercise, crafts and

relaxation, and structured sessions combining meditation, relaxation, sensory awareness and

guided imagery, so-called mind-over-body techniques designed to calm and soothe.

Therapeutic programming involves a four-part process.

Step 1: Complete an assessment of the resident:

• Past primary occupation and other jobs

• Community involvement

• Hobbies

Step 2: Find related activities that the resident finds appealing and stimulating and make

changes to the resident’s past activities.

Step 3: Structure activities to meet the resident’s current and changing abilities

Step 4: Modify activities based on the resident’s preferred role and choice. Activities need to

reinforce the resident’s position or role

The role of Caregivers in Therapeutic activity programs:

Caregivers play a critical role in ensuring that dementia patients have appropriate and enough

therapeutic activities around the clock. However, most residential care homes do not ensure

that caregivers are adequately trained to deal with the complex neurological and central

nervous system differences associated with dementia residents. Caregivers who lack the

appropriate training often confused these difficulties with cognitive or social dysfunctions. As

such it is very important for staff to understand dementia disease, such as the mental, auditory

and visual processes, and sensory disturbances that affect dementia residents, the symptoms

and behaviors associated with the disease, the behavior intervention and management skills

pg. 64

needed to provide care for dementia residents, person centered care models, excellent and

appropriate communication skills with dementia residents and other intervention models

available.

Below are some of the activities appropriate for residents with dementia.

1. Group Ball Rolling Activity

Objective: To helps dementia seniors with coordination, focus and a fun way to interact

with each other. This also gives the more capable seniors some responsibility and a

sense of accomplishment.

Items needed: Find a ball colorful medium size ball

Activity Process:

a. Object is to roll the colorful ball across the table to each other.

c. Get a long table and have the dementia seniors sit around it.

d. When one person’s name is called, have her roll the ball to someone else.

e. If a dementia senior is having trouble playing, ask other seniors to help him by keeping

the ball rolling.

pg. 65

2. Bargain Hunter’s Shop and Snip Activity

Objective: This activity helps the senior exercise his memory by bringing up recollections

that are pleasant and interesting to him.

Items needed: Scissors, colorful newspaper ads or magazines, a small box

Activity Process:

a. Give the seniors scissors and newspaper sales ads.

b. Ask them to search for a list of items such as cars, clothes, T.V.’s, etc.

c. Have them cut out each item and place in their own box.

d. The person who finds the most items on the list wins.

e. Encourages dementia patients to share their clippings and to help each other as they go

down the list.

f. Afterwards, the snipped items can be used for art activities such as the creation of a

montage.

3. Memory Game Activity

Objective: Helps dementia residents with interaction, memory and reminiscence of fun

events

pg. 66

Items needed: None

Activity Process:

a. Sit around a table with residents and other staff

b. Encourage the senior to talk about a fun memory or event.

c. Make a table on a sheet of paper, write resident’s names and list event under each

name.

d. As the conversation dwindles, keeps the thread going by saying "That’s interesting. I

want to hear more."

e. Ask other staff to share with residents similar events that were fun

4. Sorting Activity

Objective: This game provides hours of busyness when you are limited by your creativity. It is

also an easy way for visitors such as teens and young people to work and interact with the

seniors.

Items needed: playing cards, puzzle pieces by color or coins

Activity Process:

a. Have Seniors sort things such as playing cards by suits, checkers, and puzzle pieces by

color and coins with visitors such as family members, volunteers.

pg. 67

5. Children’s Games

Card games such as Old Maid and Crazy Eight’s are easy and fun for dementia seniors who can

still concentrate on a child’s level. You can also bring in games like Candy land and Chutes and

Ladders.

6. Animals

Objective: Seniors interact well with an animal and pet therapy helps with loneliness and

relaxation.

Animal therapy is gaining popularity, is a fun activity for seniors and can help with boredom.

Dogs have always been popular but a quiet soft animal like a rabbit is also appropriate.

Aquariums are ideal for creating a soothing, tranquil, meditative place to relax and connect

with nature, in your home or office.

pg. 32

Sample Activity Calendar for residential care homes:

March 2014 Calendar SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

March 30 10:30 Sunday Snack Samples 11:30 Sunday Brunch 1:15 Prize BINGO w/ Golden Homes 8:00 Evening Movie (In the Pub)

March 31 9:00-1:00 Podiatrist Here Today! PLEASE SIGN UP!!! 10:15 Easy Motion Monday Exercises 10:45 Refreshments & Get to Know your Neighbor 11:00 Jumbo Crossword Puzzle 1:45 Complimentary Manicures 2:30 Gourmet Coffee & Conversation 4:00 Drinks in the Pub

Happy Birthday Sybil Waites!

March 1 10:00 Exercise Video 10:45 Saturday Snack Social 1:15 Speed BINGO with Golden Homes 3:00 Refreshments Served w/ Music 3rd Floor Activities Room 6:00 Entertainment w/ Ilja Moston in the 1st Floor Meeting Room 8:00 Movie Night in the Pub

March 2 10:30 Sunday Snack Samples 11:30 Sunday Brunch 1:15 Prize BINGO w/ Golden Homes 2:00 Entertainment w/ Pianist Bo Chitty (1st Floor 2:45 Sunday “Sundaes” w/ Music in the 3rd Floor solarium 8:00 Evening Movie (In the Pub)

March 3 10:15 Easy Motion Monday Exercises 10:45 Refreshments & Get to Know your Neighbor 11:00 Jumbo Crossword Puzzle 1:45 Complimentary Manicures 2:30 Gourmet Coffee & Conversation 4:00 Drinks in the Pub 7:45 Entertainment w/ Cameron Hizer 1st Floor Meeting Room

March 4 Bank Open Today 10:15 Stretch & Relax Exercise Class 10:45 Morning Snack Social 11:15 Higher Learning: 11:00-12 Blood Pressure

March 5 10:15 Chair Aerobics Exercise Class 10:45 Morning Munchies 11:15 Fun With “Dumb Laws” 1:45 Afternoon Appetites & An Expressive Art Class 2:45 Bridge Basics w/ Wine & Cheese

March 6 9:30 Beauty Salon Opens 10:30 Men’s Cardio Kick Exercise Class 11:00 Current Events w/ Food for Thought 11:00 Bible Study w/ Rev. Charles Qualls (1st FL) 2:00 Women’s “Table Talk” High Tea Social 3:00 Karaoke Hosted by Bruce Refreshments

March 7 10:30 Muscle Works Exercise Class 11:00 Jumbo Crossword Puzzle 11:30 Writing Class in the Private Dining Room 2:00 Bigelow Tea Demonstration w/ Marty Kushner 3rd Fl 3:15 Men’s Club Poker with Bennie

March 8 10:00 Exercise Video 10:45 Saturday Snack Social 1:30 Prize BINGO w/ Golden Homes 3:00 Refreshments Served w/ Music 3rd Floor Activities Room 8:00 Movie Night in the Pub

pg. 33

Checks 1st Fl 2:00 Afternoon Appetites Create a Snack Social 3:30 BIG Prize BINGO!

Happy Birthday

Lib Buntin!

4:00 Cocktails in the Pub

Happy Birthday Ginny

Liman!

Served 3rd Floor 7:00 Movie in the 3rd Floor Solarium

4:00 Happy Hour in the Pub

March 9 Daylight Savings Time Begins 10:30 Sunday Snack Samples 11:30 Sunday Brunch 1:15 Speed BINGO w/ Golden Homes 2:00 ENTERTAINMENT W/ Singing Steve 8:00 Evening Movie (In the Pub)

*Set your clocks forward 1 hour*

March 10 10:15 Easy Motion Monday Exercises 10:45 Refreshments & 11:00 Jumbo Crossword Puzzle 2:30 Gourmet Coffee & Conversation 4:00 Drinks in the Pub

March 11 10:15 Stretch & Relax Exercise Class 10:45 Morning Snack Social 11:15 Headline News Circle Club 2:00 Support Group w/ Nancy Penn “Growing Younger & Sharing” 3:15 Yiddish Discussion (2nd Floor Balcony) 3:30 BIG Prize BINGO! 8:00 Academy

March 12 10:15 Chair Aerobics Exercise Class 10:45 Refreshments Served 11:15 Fun With Word Scramble 12:00 Newcomers Luncheon 1:00 Afternoon Appetites & an Expressive Art Class 2:45 Trivial Pursuit w/ Wine & Cheese 4:00 Oprah Club

March 13 9:00-1:00 Podiatrist Here Today! PLEASE SIGN UP!!! 9:30 Beauty Salon Open 10:30 Men’s Cardio Kick Exercise Class 11:00 Readers Digest w/ Food for Thought 1:00 Culinary Presentation w/ Chef Webb In the Pub 3:00 Singing Sensation Bruce & Refreshments Served 3rd Floor 8:00 Great Courses Video (Pub)

March 14 10:30 Muscle Works Exercise Class 11:00 Jumbo Crossword Puzzle 11:30 Writing Class (Private Dining Rm) 1:45 Music Enrichment & A Fruitful Social 3:15 Men’s Chat & Refreshment Social 4:00 Happy Hour in the Pub 8:00 Shabbat Service (1st Floor)

March 15 10:00 Exercise Video 10:45 Saturday Snack Social 1:30 Golden Homes BINGO! 2:00 ENTERTAINMENT w/ BILL GOLDEN 3:00 Refreshments Served w/ Music 3rd Floor Activities Room 8:00 Movie Night in the Pub

pg. 34

Award Movie Night-Pub

March 16 Palm Sunday 10:30 Sunday Snack Samples 11:30 Sunday Brunch 1:15 Speed BINGO w/ Golden Homes 2:00 St. Patrick’s Day Party w/ Irish Tunes by Frank Geiger 8:00 Evening Movie (In the Pub)

March 17 St. Patrick’s Day 10:15 Easy Motion Monday Exercises 10:45 Refreshments & Get to Know your Neighbor 11:00 Jumbo Crossword Puzzle 1:00 IL St. Patrick’s Day Party 1st Floor 2:30 Gourmet Coffee & St. Patrick’s Day Fun Facts Social 4:00 Drinks in the Pub

March 18 Bank Open Today 10:15 Stretch & Relax Exercise Class 10:30 Hearing Clinic Here Today 10:45 Morning Snack Social 11:15 Higher Learning: Fiber Facts 2:30 Afternoon Appetites Create a Snack Social 3:30 Speed Prize BINGO!

March 19 10:15 Chair Aerobics Exercise Class 10:45 Refreshments Served 11:15 Fun with “AHA Jokes” 1:30 Afternoon Appetites & an Expressive Art Class 2:15 Bridge Basics w/ Wine & Cheese 3:00 Residents Meeting 4:00 Cocktails in the Pub

March 20 Spring Begins Today! 9:30 Beauty Salon Opens 10:30 Men’s Cardio Kick Exercise Class 11:00 Current Events w/ Food for Thought 2:00 Women’s “Table Talk” High Tea Social 3:00 Karaoke Hosted by Bruce Refreshments Served 3rd Floor 7:00 Movie in the 3rd Floor Solarium

March 21 10:30 Muscle Works Exercise Class 11:00 Jumbo Crossword Puzzle 11:30 Writing Class (Private Dining Rm) 1:45 Music Enrichment & A Fruitful Social 3:00 EASTER EGG HUNT w/ KIDS IN THE MEETING ROOM 3:15 Men’s Club Poker with Bennie 4:00 Happy Hour in the Pub

March 22 10:00 Exercise Video 10:45 Saturday Snack Social 1:15 Golden Homes BINGO 3:30 Refreshments Served w/ Music 3rd Floor Activities Rm

pg. 35

March 23 Easter 10:30 Sunday Snack Samples 11:30 Sunday Brunch 1:15 Speed BINGO w/ Golden Homes 2:45 Easter Sunday “Sundaes” w/ Music & Fun 8:00 Evening Movie (In the Pub)

March 24 Happy B-Day Morie Andrew 10:15 Easy Motion Monday Exercises 10:45 Refreshments & Conversations with 11:00 Jumbo Crossword Puzzle 2:30 Gourmet Coffee & Conversation 4:00 Drinks in the Pub

March 25 10:15 Stretch & Relax Exercise 10:45 Morning Snack Social 11:15 Headline News Circle Meeting 2:30 MARCH BIRTHDAY PARTY!! 8:00 Academy Award Movie Night-Pub

March 26 10:15 Chair Aerobics Exercise Class 10:45 Refreshments Served 11:00 Fun With “Dumb Law’s” 1:45 Afternoon Appetites & an Expressive Art Class 2:45 Trivial Pursuit w/ Wine & Cheese 4:00 Oprah Club

March 27 9:30 Beauty Salon Opens 10:30 Men’s Cardio Kick Exercise Class 11:00 Readers Digest w/ Food for Thought 2:00 Women’s “Table Talk” High Tea Social 3:00 Singing Sensation Bruce & Refreshments Served 3rd Floor 7:45 “Senior” Prom w/ Ray Shaw 1st Floor Meeting Room

March 28 10:30 Muscle Works Exercise Class 11:00 Jumbo Crossword Puzzle 11:30 Writing Class (Private Dining Rm) 1:45 Music Enrichment & A Fruitful Social 2:00 Staff Meeting 3:15 Men’s Chat & Refreshment Social 4:00 Happy Hour in the Pub

March 29 10:00 Exercise Video 10:45 Saturday Snack Social 1:15 Golden Homes BINGO 2:00 MUSIC TRIVIA w/ DENISE MCSPADDEN (3rd Floor) 3:30 Refreshments Served w/ Music 3rd Floor Activities Rm

pg. 36

October 2010 - Activities Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 9:15 - Exercise

10 - Coffee Club 2 - Craft 4 - Scrabble 7 - Window Art

10 - Trivia 2 - Music with Rodney 3 - NJ Church 7:30 - Movie Night

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 2:30 - DFCC Church 4 - Iced Tea Social 7 - Name that TV Theme Song

9:15 - Exercise 10 - Classic TV 2 - Scenic Ride 4 - Wheel of Fortune 7 - Book Club

10 - Shopping 2 - Quilting Club 4 - Name that Beatles Tune 7 - Deal or No Deal

9:15 - Exercise 10 - Ghostwriter Craft 2 - Birthday Party 4 - Birthday Trivia 7 - Outburst

10 - Knitting/Crochet Club 10 - Treehut 1:30 - Rosary 2 - Oktoberfest BINGO 3:30 - Oktoberfest Social 7 - SF Church

9:15 - Exercise 10 - Coffee Club 2 - Halloween Movie 4 - Word Game 7 - Brain Games

10 - Chicken Soup for the Soul 2 - LWA Church 4 - Concentration 7 - Movie Night

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 2 - HOP Church 4 - Iced Tea Social 7 - Perfect 10 Social

10 - Virtual Travel 3 - Resident Council 4 - Trip to Library 7 - Magazine Hunt 8 - Classic SNL

10 - Shopping 2 - Scenic Ride 4 - Craft 7 - Wii Games 8 - Classic SNL

10 - Manicures 2 - Dave Sheppard 4 - Quilting Club 7 - Word Game 8 - Classic SNL

10 - Treehut 10 - Knitting/Crochet Club 1:30 - Rosary 2:30 - Creature from the Black Lagoon

10 - Coffee Social 2 - QOP BINGO 4 - Spooky English Class 7 - Halloween Craft

10 - O'Fallon Church 2 - Dictionary Quiz 3 - Current Events 7 - Movie Night

pg. 37

7 - Family Feud 8 - Classic SNL

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2 - GHB Church 4 - Iced Tea Social 7 - Cadillac's Birthday Discussion

SHOPPING CART 10 - Baking 2 - Halloween Jingo 4 - Halloween Crossword 7 - Pictionary

9:15 - Exercise 10 - Shopping 2 - Halloween Movie 4 - Paddle Ball 7 - Deal or No Deal

9:15 - Exercise 10 - Autumn Scenic Ride and Out to Lunch 2 - Halloween Craft 4 - Wheel of Fortune 7 - Scattergories

10 - Knitting/Crochet Club 10:15 - Tree Hut 1:30 - Rosary 2 - Lee Carter 4 - Bat Races 7 - SF Church

9:15 - Exercise 10 - Coffee Club 2 - Name that Beach Boys Song 3 - Good Vibrations 7 - Word Games

10 - Mary's Melodies 2 - Current Events 3 - Sai Organ BINGO 7 - Movie Night

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 2 - Halloween Word Scramble 4 - Iced Tea Social 7 - How did he do that?!

10 - Halloween Word Search 2 - Pet Pals 2 - Trip to Library 4 - Men's Group 7 - Ghost Stories

10 - Shopping 2 - Ghostbusters 4 - Scavenger Hunt 7 - An Evening with St. Louis Ghosthunters

9:15 - Exercise 10 - Manicures 1:30 - Scenic Ride 3 - Pumpkin Carving 7 - Scary Movie Trivia

9:15 - Exercise 10 - Knitting/Crochet Club 10:15 - Treehut 1:30 - Rosary 3 - Ghostball 7 - Family Feud

9:15 - Exercise 10 - Halloween Parade 2 - Pumpkin Roll 3:30 - Halloween Party 7 - Spooky Spelling

2 - Candy Corn Art 3 - Current Events 7 - Candy Corn Social

31 1 2 3 4 5 6 10 - Reminiscing 2 - Who is that Mystery Villain? 3 - Witches Brew Social 7 - Movie Night

pg. 38

Activities Calendar Wed 10/27/10

9:30 AM

Facials The ultimate pampering.....facials given by Dee Gurdo, our expert

Mary Kay consultant. Free to all residents.

Wed 10/27/10 2:00 PM

Senior Citizens Our favorite Senior Citizens around Waterville come in to play a great game of

Bingo with the Residents. Refreshments served immediately after.

Wed 10/27/10 2:00 PM

Senior Citizens Our favorite Senior Citizens around Waterville come in to play a great game of

Bingo with the Residents. Refreshments served immediately after.

Thu 10/28/10

pg. 39

2:00 PM

Exercise In the MDR. Come on down and work those muscles to help remain mobile and

feeling great. Remember, if you don't use it, you lose it.

Thu 10/28/10 2:30 PM

Bowling Always a fun time. Everyone is welcome to attend and it's also great practice for

our league members.

Fri 10/29/10 10:00 AM

Catholic Mass Catholic Mass held in the Main Dining Room.

Fri 10/29/10 2:00 PM

Happy Hour/Wii Drinks, snacks, and great company. We will also being playing some competitive

games of Bowling and Baseball on the Nintendo Wii. In the MDR.

Sat 10/30/10 10:30 AM

Shopping Cart

pg. 40

Many items available to be purchased. The cart is taken around the facillity and items delivered to residents. Anything not readily available can be ordered and

will be purchased upon request.

Sun 10/31/10 1:00 PM

Bookmobile Books and magazines are taken from room-to-room and offered to all residents.

Mon 11/01/10 9:30 AM

Ladies' Manicures What woman wouldn't love to be pampered? A free and beautiful manicure

given by our dedicated volunteers.

Mon 11/01/10 10:00 AM

Mens' Manicures The men need to be pampered too, of course! Nails properly taken care of in the

MDR.

Mon 11/01/10 2:00 PM

Cards Residents get together in the Center Dining Room for a nice, competitive game

pg. 41

of pitch.

Mon 11/01/10 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Sing-A-Long This is a party every Monday in the Main Dining Room with Alice, Dave and

Suzanne! If you are a vocalist, a hummer or just a listener, you will have a great time! No problem if you don't know the words, we can supply them if you like. A

fun and relaxing hour of musical memories.

Mon 11/01/10 6:30 PM

Ceramics Residents choose from a wide variety of pieces to paint. Great as gifts or

decorations for their rooms.

Tue 11/02/10 11:00 AM

Exercise In the MDR. Come on down and work those muscles to help remain mobile and

feeling great. Remember, if you don't use it, you lose it.