Solange

Hi, Pamela, how lucky for residents to have you looking for ways to enrich their lives! What a profound effect these loners will have in their lives.
Here are a couple of tips: try to find out through their relatives what sort of endeavors they were up to as younger people (alternatively ask them to fill the Social and Cultural Profile). Then, equipped with the information you could introduce them to one other person that shared the same interest, - later you may introduce another person - so they would benefit from each other in equal measure. Connecting two people that enjoyed Books (Literature), Vintage Cars, Hobbies, Card games, Chess, watching Sport on TV, gardening, artistic pursuits, and other activities may stimulate and revive their love for the activity or Hobby. The acquaintance with one other person is non-threatening and may expand their capacity and willingness to click with each other. They will need a staff member at the introductory meeting until they feel comfortable with each other.
You could also try asking them for help to run an activity; they invariably accept and who knows? They may enjoy it and come for more. All the best!

You are absolutely right Linda, I have had the same experience.

Hi Jean, I am sorry about your loss. You must be an experienced Activity Professional because your plan is rather good. Congratulations! A few activities you could incorporate into your schedule would be movies, drawing, jigsaw puzzles, shows (I love Lucy, Laurel & Hardy), YouTube concerts (Tina Turner, Michael Buble), Reminiscing: School Days. I wish you all the best with the new residents.

Hy Carolyn, it seems to me that she is lacking enthusiasm. Lack of enthusiasm leads to a lack of attitude. Then again, it could be that she is just feeling temporarily out of depth with her tasks. It happens. - it is not easy to motivate residents. Perhaps if another staff member would help her to organize a group activity she would feel supported and change her frame of mind. After all, we all want to be proud of the work we do and be acknowledged for it. As you said the floor is challenging and she must be feeling drained and frustrated. If staff is not available perhaps a volunteer could help her out.

Hi Amy, Welcome! I hope your stay is productive and long.

Hi Bernie, how ingenious! I loved the changing names! Well done!

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/

Hi Karen, yes, it is very distressing for residents but 'lockdown' is for their own protection. The new year is here and perhaps we see the restriction easing soon. Meanwhile, patience and understanding are needed. Try to console residents, and empathize with their feelings.

Hi Lisa, it is good that you can express your feelings, don't apologize. Losing residents is heartbreaking. Let's hope that the new year brings better times for us all. Keep safe, and happy New Year.

Excellent ideas Jill! Thank you for sharing. Happy New Year!