Hi, HIlma, thanks for your concern regarding the recreation staff. Many Nursing Homes have the Activity Coordinator to be present in the daily nursing hand-over for that reason; to be aware of who is unwell or have been diagnosed with depression. She/He then passes the information to other shifts. Otherwise, Activity staff learns (Diploma, Cert. IV or equivalent) to recognize signs of depression in residents while interacting with them, either in groups or one on one. If symptoms are severe they let clinical staff know. They also keep records on each resident regarding lifestyle pursuits (Care Plans) including activity attendance. So if a resident stops attending activities, it is the job of Activity staff to find out why and record it in the Care Plan. Nursing staff can play a vital role in making Activity staff feel part of the team by giving them moral support; by showing them that they approve and appreciate their work. Thank you.
Hi Lyn, there are many activities that will keep elders content and well as fulfilled at home:
1. Cutting pictures from old magazines and calendars for themed posters like Easter, Father’s Day, etc.
2. Making Pom-Poms (and flags) in the colour of countries you wish to celebrate.
3. Cooking and decorating cakes
4. Starting a succulent garden
5. Modeling clay: making small vases and jewelry boxes as gifts
6. Watching Golden Carers ‘Armchair Travels’ with a family member
7. Colouring artists paintings emulation from Golden Carers
8. Make a booklet of 10-12 pages from Golden Carers' activities to do them together with a friend or family member. Post them or have them picked up: Crossword, Word Search, Spot the Differences, Finish the Proverbs, Quizzes, Anagrams, Hidden Objects, Who Am I? , Work Ladders, Riddles, etc.
9. Listening to music and dancing or sitting exercises
10. Cutting squares of old clothes to make a patchwork rug.
Here are a few more to anyone interested and specific for men: sanding a chair, learning to make sailors knots on YouTube, watching Football on TV, listening to Beer Songs on Spotify, Making paper airplanes, doing Maths: creative thinking exercises from Golden Carers.
Hy Che'lyn, it depends if and on what stage of dementia they are. Here are a few specific for men: sanding a chair, learning to make sailors knots on YouTube, watching Football on TV, listening to Beer Songs on Spotify, Making paper airplanes, Maths: creative thinking exercises from Golden Carers, sorting by colour or shape, fiddle boxes.
Pot Luck Quiz 7