Alzheimer's question

[Bigmama]

Hello all!! I just took on a charge nurse position (LVN) on an Alzheimer's unit @ a LTC. Anyone have any good ideas for activities for these folks? We do have an activity director for this unit but apparently she's not very enthusiastic about her job and administration asked if I could come up with some ideas.

[elkpark]

Is your Activity Director a real OT or RT, or just someone who worked her way up or knew someone in administration to get the job? If she is not actually educated/credentialed in occupational therapy or recreation therapy, maybe y'all could get (pay) an OT or RT to come in and consult (on a limited basis) about your unit's activity program, to get the program set up and going and then your regular person could keep it going after that.

If she's "not very enthusiastic about her job," maybe she'd be happier working somewhere else and you could get someone into the position who would be enthusiastic ... :wink2:

[chadash]

Dance! Put on some old records, or have someone play a piano, and take a pacer or wanderer by the hand and trip the light fantastic!

Watch it with crafts, no small parts that can be eaten (small ceramics have cookie like qualities).:smiletea2:

Folding laundry is a favorite for some.

[nightmare, RN]

Depends on their attention span!Some of ours play Bingo,flower arrange,make things to be sold on May day at the stall.Some like making pancakes.They all like music especially local music that they know the words to.DVD's and videos are a bit hit and miss but the local interest ones get them reminiscing about days gone by.Do you have a reminiscing room? full of old objects that can get them talking about when they were young.

[Bigmama]

Thank you all for ypur replies! Yes she did get the job because she knew somebody..And we can tell her heart's not into the job. These are some good ideas..I really appreciate the impute.

[gracenotes1]

I don't know how big your unit is--but activties for them must be individulaized. What works for one might not work for another.

It is sad to think that someone is getting paid to do such an important job and they don't like it. People like that tend to have no patience and to work with Alzhiemer's patients--one has to have alot of patience and compassion. I would keep my eye on that person!!

The patients won't respond well to her. They can tell a fake smile and fake love when they see it. She might even get a black eye!!

Abuse is a fine line--I would really watch her--