Hi all, After some advice. We have a lady here, who does nothing but walk up and down the corridors all day. She sometimes hits for no reason, will hit if you try and help her get out of her chair, and generally seems angry. Wondering has anyone else found an activity or diversion with a resident who has similar habbits as this? She has responded to balloon game sin the past and some singing, but thinking of something that can help break her out of this cycle. Any advice will be great! Many Thanks! Bronagh
Hi, Bronagh, challenging behaviour is really complex to understand. Don’t feel guilty, sometimes we forget that aggression is a legitimate part of dementia. Finding suitable activities is the key to change her angry mood. For instance, the Montessori Approach activities often elicit positive engagement when it is on a one-on-one basis. However, you may not have the time (perhaps a volunteer could help you?). Another intervention would be asking for help; residents love to feel they are contributing: folding clothes, matching socks, washing dishes (plastic dishes), cutting fabric or paper (safety scissors), re-arranging a bookshelf, sorting by colour, or cleaning an old handbag full of surprises (comb, bobby pins, hair rollers, etc).
I co-own and operate a small assisted living home in Pittsfield, NH (U.S.A.). We consistently seek ways to improve upon our senior activity program, providing a diversified balance of a purposeful and enjoyable time of recreation, crafting, exercise and others to reach all of our residents. I must say, it's been a challenge. This past October I began researching options online and came across your site, subscribing for a year to see what you were all about. Let me tell you, you have not disappointed! Your site is a priceless resource that we are extremely thankful for. We find a significant increase in resident participation and look forward to the new ideas that each month brings. Our residents love the changes!
After some advice. We have a lady here, who does nothing but walk up and down the corridors all day. She sometimes hits for no reason, will hit if you try and help her get out of her chair, and generally seems angry. Wondering has anyone else found an activity or diversion with a resident who has similar habbits as this? She has responded to balloon game sin the past and some singing, but thinking of something that can help break her out of this cycle. Any advice will be great!
Many Thanks!
Bronagh
not have the time (perhaps a volunteer could help you?). Another intervention would be asking for help; residents love to feel they are contributing: folding clothes, matching socks, washing dishes (plastic dishes), cutting fabric or paper (safety scissors), re-arranging a bookshelf, sorting by colour, or cleaning an old handbag full of surprises (comb, bobby pins, hair rollers, etc).