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Hi Wendy
I suggest sensory activities and music activities
https://www.goldencarers.com/sensory-stimulation-for-dementia-care/4184/
https://www.goldencarers.com/how-to-plan-music-activities-for-dementia-care/3192/
I have found that persons with Advanced dementia show small subtle signs you are reaching them maybe a smile
You may have to do one to one within a group
Find out what each person reacts to, and address them individually, but related to the whole group
Often you have to be the facilitator and express what you think they are thinking
You need to try to include everyone be excited about what you are doing. Tried to engage everyone.and be enthusiastic
You might want to try that simple game, https://www.goldencarers.com/red-or-black-card-game/7051/ but remember you are the facilitator so after each one has a turn make sure you make a big deal of it

Hi Tina
You may want to try some sensory activities
https://www.goldencarers.com/sensory-stimulation-for-dementia-care/4184/
Also, read that article about Activities for those with late stage dementia. Be sure to read the comments as well.
https://www.goldencarers.com/15-activities-for-late-stage-alzheimers-disease/4640/

Hi Tayla
Sensory activities may work
https://www.goldencarers.com/search/?search_tag=Activity&search=Sensory

Hi Anna, I think sensory activities are what you are looking for
https://www.goldencarers.com/search/?search_tag=Activity&search=Sensory

Hi Anatole
I think sensory activities work well
https://www.goldencarers.com/search/?search_tag=Activity&search=Sensory
I also like interactive short stories
https://www.goldencarers.com/read-aloud-activities-for-the-elderly/4858/

I have been an Activity Director for 2 years, nursing staff feels that I am not doing enough for late stage dementia residents. There are 4 residents that sit in a recliner and want to sleep all day. I have provided head set with music, hand massages, file & polish nails, read poetry and several other things. Does anyone have any suggestions on more sensory activities or what can I say to the staff that comment weekly. The are the Director of Nursing and ADON.
I have one full time staff and 2 staff that work 16 and 20 hours. They never compliment
just constant complaints.

you could try pet therapy, sensory activities involving smell and sensation, cooking, sorting acivities (we have a lady who loves craft so I get her to sort our craft supplies, she loves it and it stops her wandering), visit from kindergarten or school children, invite high school music or drama students to perform.

Hi Lori
I want to say how lucky you are to have gotten a grant
How much money do you have to spend because the sensory touch tables are somewhat pricey
Do you have to spend the money on a table or could it be other sensory activities?
What about a sensory room?
https://www.goldencarers.com/snoezelen-rooms-and-sensory-environments-for-dementia-care/3848/
Here are some other ideas from golden Carers

https://www.goldencarers.com/10-ways-to-use-sensory-boxes-multisensory-spaces-/4380/
If you want to buy a table here are some ideas but I have not used any of them so I cannot recommend one over the other. I guess you have to do your research.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Alzheimer%27s+activity+tables&rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS744US744&oq=Alzheimer%27s+activity+tables&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i546j0i30i546j0i546j0i30i546j0i546.1373j0j7&hl=en-US&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#ip=1
Let us know what you decide on and how it works out

Hi Sylvia
Here are some examples of sensory activities
https://www.goldencarers.com/search/?search_tag=Activity&search=Sensory%20activity
I think you’ll find these articles most helpful
https://www.goldencarers.com/12-tips-for-writing-progress-notes/5442/

https://www.goldencarers.com/how-to-write-progress-notes/3299/

Yes, can you please give me more example of sensory activities I can share with the residents?
And documentation process.

Thank you.

Hi Tina, here are other ideas for residents with advanced cognitive issues: A pile of fabric on top of a table where 3 or 4 residents are sitting; choose fabrics (new or old) in different textures: silk, wool, organza, lace, cotton, crepe, chenille, chiffon, cashmere, jersey, leather, spandex, taffeta, etc. Request donations from residents' relatives and staff from your monthly newsletter. The fabric should be cut in lengths that residents would have the urge to fold after feeling the fabric, (40cm or 15 inches). 'Feeling' may bring specific emotions, and a sense of calm and coziness. Many will reminisce of happy times gone by and some may get teary for the same reason. Place the fabric within reach of everyone on the table. Supervision is necessary. Another idea is sensory activities: ask a group of residents to identify herbs and kitchen spices. You may play a guessing game with fruit (cut the fruit into small pieces and let residents taste and name the fruit (hide the whole fruits from them).
Also, Montessori-based activities are specific for advanced dementia: puzzles (28 pieces maximum), gardening, singing, exercise, etc. Montessori activities are mostly one-one and you would need volunteers. Take a look at these links.
https://www.goldencarers.com/10-principles-of-the-montessori-approach-for-dementia-care/4542/ https://www.goldencarers.com/9-principles-of-the-montessori-approach-for-dementia-care/5847/https://www.goldencarers.com/20-practical-activities-for-people-living-with-alzheimers-disease/3778/

We move her around all over the home.
It is fantastic, the residents also have a good laugh when I ask her to play a song and she tells me that she is 'having trouble understanding me right now. Please try in a little while'
I use her for multi-sensory activities also and ask her to give me the sound of eg 'the waves and seagulls' .
When a resident wants to hear a song I show them a printed cue-card with her name on it so that they can ask her to play it. They love her as much as I do.

Hi Jennifer
Golden Carers has many ideas
https://www.goldencarers.com/dementia/
A lot of it is trial and error
Music and reading are good
ideas
Sensory activities are good
https://www.goldencarers.com/sensory/
I like balloon and ball games also

Pumpkin picking
Pumpkin painting
Pumpkin carving
Hats and wigs day
Harvest
Working with things from the nature forexample leaves painting
Auyumn picknick
Sensory activities, taste differrnt flavours (autumn themed)

Let me suggest the cue card
https://www.goldencarers.com/comments/7566/
Do activities where are you do not have to speak like more physical activities using the cue cards to help you communicate
You could also try sensory activities
Everyone likes a manicure or hand massage

I, too, like sensory activities for dementia residents. We have a game called "Follow your Nose," which has 30 different scents--I sometimes just get a small group and let them smell all the different ones, keeping track of favorites. These scents, such as "Pine tree" and "mowed grass" can spark memories and get them talking. Even looking at the beautiful pictures from magazines such as "Country" and "Birds and Blooms" can be a good activity. There's also a "fabric swatch' available from S&S World wide that has several different colored/textured swatches of fabric on a ring. You can discuss the different colors and textures. One thing I am working on is a sensory bag in which you put in common, familiar items such as clothespins and erasers--you have people reach in the bag and try to guess what the item is they are handling. Aromatherapy and hand massage with a nicely-scented lotion is also great.

I am a new member and I'm enjoying reading about all these great ideas. I am especially drawn to the tactile and olfactory sensory activities as most of my clients suffer from various degrees of hearing, visual and fine motor impairments.
Thank you so much

Hi Raola, here's one article that may have some ideas you can use:
https://www.goldencarers.com/20-activities-for-the-visually-impaired/4205/

Many of the sensory activities are suitable too:
https://www.goldencarers.com/sensory/

Hi Tonia,

These articles may have some ideas you can use:

https://www.goldencarers.com/15-activities-for-late-stage-alzheimers-disease/4640/
https://www.goldencarers.com/15-sensory-activities-for-late-stage-alzheimers/3968/
https://www.goldencarers.com/20-practical-activities-for-people-living-with-alzheimers-disease/3778/

Some of these sensory activities may be suitable too:
https://www.goldencarers.com/sensory/

Hi
Sensory activities come to mind. Have you tried any of these?
https://www.goldencarers.com/search/?searchterm=sensory

I do not know if you want to have a sensory room. Here is a good suggestion from Marnie
https://www.goldencarers.com/comments/8186/

Have you tried Namaste activities
http://www.notredamehealthcare.org/signature-programs/namaste/

Focus on what your residents still have. If you want to do a group, then do 1:1 within a group where you are the facilitator acting as the intermediate interactor.

Let me know if you need more info
Susan

Try sensory activities. Such as baking biscuits. Then letting him feel them, smell them taste them.
Make a fidget box of an activity that he used to do that he enjoyed.

Hi Amy, here are some sensory activities ideas for you to try: hot and cold drinks to share, Touch & Feel different fabric textures, sensory ‘toys’ – age and stage appropriate. You may also find some sensory activities on the link below. Good luck with the re-doing. Best wishes. https://www.goldencarers.com/search/?searchterm=sensory+games

Hi my name is Kelly
Do you have some suggestions for sensory activities for a blind client with good cognitive skills

Hi Adele
Welcome to a worthy profession! The Activities Program should be as varied as possible so clients can choose what appeals to them. I would say, a Program that offers a mixture of activities to cater for social, physical, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and personal to suit the needs of clients. Also, try to have two or more activities going at the same time (which sometimes is not possible if you are on your own). It is important to have volunteers to give you a hand; to come once a week to read (poetry, short stories, religious texts) for a small group of two or three clients while you manage the main group. Sensory group activities are excellent to reminisce and socialize. Here are some ideas for sensory activities: Nail grooming, scent guessing, sensory pouches, soap making, sensory boxes, foot spa, essential oil massages, fabric scraps sorting, sensory lap quilts, taste guessing, and many more. Check Golden Carers for examples of Program Activities. Best wishes!

Hi Heather, indeed one-on-one sessions for clients living with Alzheimer’s is the best solution but alas not often possible for many reasons. Also large groups do not work with high-care clients. Every client is an individual and to provide meaningful activities require creativity and MANPOWER. You are on the right path with sensory activities, music, and movement. You may add washing dishes (plastic dishes), washing and hanging clothes (dolls' clothes or small items), baking simple dishes. However I would suggest you get some help from volunteers or clients’ relatives to lead small groups. This way you could have three small groups going at once. Hopefully management will notice the three groups working well and give you more support. Best wishes.

Hi Reita, you are going through a difficult phase in your life. I have been there myself and I understand how you feel. I assume your mother is still living at home. Here are a few options: you may search for adapted version of games she enjoyed in the past. Offer sensory activities such as a hand or shoulder massage, participating in some cooking, or making scented sachets as gifts for family and friends. Here are a few more ideas:
1. Offer her a plant (vegetable or flower) to look after; buy it small so she has the satisfaction of seeing it grow.
2. Maybe a friend/neighbour /grandchild can come and play a game of cards once a week.
3. Find a podcast that interests her; science, book review, gardening, poetry.
4. Your local Botanical Gardens may run a visually impaired garden session.
5. A church based craft or sitting exercises group.
6. Drum classes are becoming very popular with the elderly.
7. Knitting and crocheting are options but if your mother is not interested she may enjoy recycling yarn by unravelling old sweaters into bowls for charity.
Best wishes, I hope the above gives you food for thought.

Are your clients having respite from being a carer of a relative with dementia? do a leisure profile for your clients even if brief will guide you in a choice of person centred activities
Good recreation activities are cards, board games, newspapers and magazines. Try some outside activities enjoying the garden etc, encourage help with the meal and suggestions on what to cook.
However if your clients are very frail or have dementia you might need to plan some sensory activities and activities related to their level of cognition.

Just need some ideas for visually impared clients. My visually impared clients attend with other clients who have no vision problems and it is sometimes hard to have them playing the same game. I can think of large cards so they can play with others. Sensory activities. Could I have some more ideas please.

I'm all for sensory activities, but let's remember that sometimes we set residents up to "fail" as 80 percent of those with Parkinsons Disease and Alzheimers have no sense of smell. We need to look to other forms of sensory stimulation for them. Footspa with gentle foot massage is a winner for us!