New LVN to Dementia Unit seeks advice

[saintsgirl22]

Hi All,

I have been in the medical field for 10+ years, but am a new LVN. I am currently the Wellness Director for an assisted living facility, and we also have a dementia unit. I've had the required dementia training, but nothing is better than hands on and I've never worked withe the elderly let alone dementia residents. My question is, we have recently admitted some VERY active dementia residents to our unit and our caregivers are running out of activitie ideas (our activities director isn't much help) to keep them entertained, do you have any ideas that keep the more active ones busy? Any ideas will be appreciated. Thanks.

[suebird3]

Welcome to allnurses.com! I also work with some dementia patients, and it can be interesting.

I moved your post to the LTC Forum for more exposure; hope it helps. Enjoy the site!

Suebird

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

You have to have the activity fit the resident's cognitive status. Some of the people like big things for gross motor...some like to make noise....some just like to fiddle with things....fold towels, "read" magazines, sing along. It always amazes me that the people who don't know what day it is or where they are can remember ALL the words to a song written in the 40's. Any time I have to watch a big bunch of residents on the dementia unit, we have a sing a long...not only is it fun, but all that breathing is great for their respiratory status. And...it doesn't cost anything!(that's the cheap Yankee in me talking)

[Paulette RN]

I have found a few things over the years that seem to provide some measure of activity for dementia residents. We have put a few small tables or bookshelves along or at the end of hallways. We put things such as animal books or books that depict older scenes, old jewellry such as big beaded necklaces, bracelets, different textures items, such as stuffed animals on there so they can rummage. We usually have to collect things along the way to restock. We have also gotten old sweaters and unravelled them so that they can wind the yarn into balls. We have found that quiet activities tend to allow the residents some down time. If you can get them to sit long enough, just gathering them into a secure area and having tea and toast or something else to eat is also comforting for some. We have also had volunteers in the evening to do hand massage and therapeutic touch on some. We also do alot of baking. We allow them(those able) to mix, get their hands into the dough, and do the dishes.

Anyhow, hope it helps.

[vloho]

Dont argue with them . If at all possible go along and gently redirect

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Based on personal experience with working with the elderly, I have found that demented patients are much like little children. The demented little old ladies can tell you all about their weddings that occurred 80 years ago, but cannot remember how to do little tasks (feeding, clothing, how to get to the dining area, etc.). Some of the demented residents will be much higher functioning than others. Some utilize nonsensical speech, whereas others are capable of having intelligent conversation. I cannot describe it all. The best thing to do is experience these demented people for yourself.