Hi Catherine, I know what you are saying; it is very challenging to engage residents actively in activities. My suggestions would be to keep trying different levels of difficulty. If your clients suffer from second or third stage dementia it is better not to present too many activities that require spoken answers. Try puzzles, sorting by color and size; singing, coloring, easy crafts and daily living activities. By doing this sort of activities they eventually gain some confidence and you can go on to other things. Continue with the smaller group sessions, with the help of volunteers if possible. This way participants can have the attention and assistance they require. All the best!
Golden Carers is a wonderful resource. I really like the idea that more of it is going to be in video format as this grabs my participant's attention! Even after 20 years in the activity director role, the ideas in Golden Carers are often refreshingly innovative and really useful, even on the fly. Your help is invaluable! Many thanks!
June Spry Leverton Activity Director United States