Activities for Dementia Unit

OUr act. dept. talks to pts. about past events. They try to stimulate their long term memory. Say, the depression, games they played as children. Dementia pts. usually remember events of LONG ago. Try asking them about their first job/life's work, farming, old cars etc.

http://www.reminisce.com/Default.asp?r_d=y These magazines have some really great short stories and memories from back in the day. They help bring back old memories and can lead to discussion.

Things like beading and laundry folding also are good activities. We do a lot of hand massages and manacures too.

Our activities department does music therapy, for early dementia, sing alongs, mid stage play part of an old familar song and have them remember the name of the song, end stage where communication is very limited, play old familar songs and talk about things that were happening at that time. Look up headline news the same year as each song was popular.

Many love to shake a tamborine or rattle morrocas to the beat of the songs. Pet visits from local dog or cat clubs, pets must be current on all vaccinations and certified therapy pets for safe visits.

Play old familiar songs, like Bing Crosby, Doris Day.

How about what they remember about collecting 1. green stamps ,their first tv or telephone. what dating rules they followed or what they did on dates to stay out of trouble . take a famous picture and discuss what they were doing when that year or when they first saw it . what they remember about that person place or thing .exersise by waving colorful scarves.I love it all have fun

Thanks, everyone. This is great.