| Activities Directors Quarterly ® | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Publications American Journal of Disaster Medicine Opioid Management
Society Journal of Neurodegeneration & Regeneration Activities Directors' Quarterly for Alzheimer's & Other Dementia Patients American Journal of Recreation Therapy |
Winter 2006; pages 3-3
Winter 2006; pages 4-9 Abstract There are many challenges to implementing recreational activities in the nursing home. In addition to cognitive impairments, older individuals with dementia are likely to have physical impairments or medical conditions that limit their ability to engage in certain activities. This article describes the best practices we have learned while implementing tailored recreational activities in the nursing home environment. Our four-year project is funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research and is being conducted by a team of interdisciplinary investigators. Nursing home residents enrolled in this study are in moderate to severe stages of dementia and have a wide range of functional impairments. A case study illustrates our approach to working with these residents.
Winter 2006; pages 11-17 Abstract In this article, we describe our experiences conducting reminiscence groups in three different settings of older adults with physical and cognitive impairments. We describe the composition and setting of each reminiscence group, how we developed each group, and our observations. We conducted these groups not as activities directors but as two professional social workers who have worked extensively with the elderly, with training in teaching, psychology, and group work.
Winter 2006; pages 19-22 Abstract The elderly residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities deserve every opportunity to have a rich quality of life, full of dignity and joyful moments. Reducing the risk of falling is a major factor in maintaining a high quality of life for this population. Quality of life also must include feelings of self-worth and well-being.
Winter 2006; pages 27-34 Abstract The goal of this article is to provide an overview of the primary factors that shape dementia-driven behaviors along with specific strategies for mitigating these often upsetting or disruptive behaviors.
Winter 2006; pages 35-38 Abstract Offering an exercise program developed specifically for residents with dementia can be of benefit to the residents as well as to the owners of the communities. The goal of an exercise program for individuals with dementia is to provide structure in their daily routine, help decrease behavioral disturbances, and maintain quality of life as long as possible.
Winter 2006; pages 39-48 Abstract Just as physical exercise offers benefits to the older adult, so too do exercises for the brain. Research is starting to show that by stimu- lating the brain in various ways one can increase one’s cognitive functioning or “health.” In the following pages, we present a series of tested and successful brain exercises for low-functioning residents. Activities Directors Quarterly Spring 2006, Volume 7, Number 2
Spring 2006; pages 3-4
Abstract The revised surveyor guidance for surveying activities requirements in long-term care facilities will become effective on June 1, 2006, and will be incorporated into Appendix P of the State Operations Manual. This revision addresses the guidance’s interpretive guidelines, investigative protocol, and determination of compliance. In this article, we will provide an overview of the guidance’s key points, as well as checklists to help ensure thatall nursing home surveyors are fully trained in the revised guidance by the implementation date.
Spring 2006; pages 10-23 Abstract The recreation club concept was developed and evaluated as a stigma-free alternative to adult daycare for older people with memory loss living in a community. The structure is based on dementia-care research that shows people fluctuate through periods of apathy and restlessness within the same day. Exercise, cognitive stimulation, therapeutic cooking, psychosocial clubs, and relaxation protocols were linked into a four-hour program to improve quality of life. Significant change was observed in levels of depression and perceived stress, while cognitive status and instrumental activities of daily living showed minimal decline in a two-year period.
Abstract June, July, and August activities
Spring 2006; pages 27-41 Abstract There are many arts and crafts activities for individuals with probable Alzheimer’s disease (pAD). Given the age range and gender (often female) of most participants, crafts are popular group activities because they draw upon skills that many women have practiced in their younger years, and because many women enjoy the sense of community created through collaborative craft sessions. To add interest to craft activities and to improve their salience as goal-directed, social commitments, we added a long-distance, intergenerational component. Individuals with mild-to-moderate dementia of the Alzheimer’s-type (DAT) participated in pen-pal exchanges with their “adopted grandchildren.” The main goals of intergenerational pen-pal programs are: 1) to foster a sense of “connectedness” to others, 2) to improve motivational components of arts and crafts activities, and 3) to “over-practice” basic skills associated with specific arts activities so that they are maintained over the course of decline from DAT. A broad overview of the program is provided here, with specific details about planning activities and supervising a session with persons who have pAD. The impact of this type of program on child and elder participants is also discussed.
Spring 2006; pages 42-48 Abstract The program “nurturing dolls” (Dear Aunt Polly and Dear Uncle Pete™) will be highlighted as a program to treat the dementia-related behaviors of depression and anxiety for people with Alzheimer’s disease. A program protocol is provided, as well as information on how to purchase the Dear Aunt Polly and Dear Uncle Pete™ dolls. Activities Directors Quarterly Summer 2006, Volume 7, Number 3
Summer 2006; pages 3-6
Abstract The revised surveyor guidance for surveying activities requirements in long-term care facilities will become effective on June 1, 2006, and will be incorporated into Appendix P of the State Operations Manual. This article addresses the guidance’s investigative protocol and determination of compliance.
Summer 2006; pages 12-26 Abstract This article describes the steps taken to revise an existing life review intervention, originally developed for European Americans, in order to make it culturally relevant for community-dwelling older adult African Americans. The Cultural Life Review Program (CLRP) utilized the basis of the African- American elder’s life experiences, including specific incidents, icons, and activities. Themes from the focus groups suggest that this type of intervention, using culturally relevant activities, brought greater recognition to the meaning of the participants’ experiences as African Americans.
Abstract September, October, and November
Summer 2006; pages 31-34 Abstract Dance programs have been shown to improve memory, self-confidence, physical agility, and health, and to foster emotional well-being. In addition, participation in group dance classes provides a sense of community and a social outlet. Line dancing has holistic benefits for seniors. Dancing programs implemented for individuals with dementia have yielded positive outcomes.1 The above-mentioned benefits relate to seniors in general, but they can apply to those in the early stages of dementia as well. In addition, the experience of familiar music for those suffering from dementia has been shown to produce memory recall of past events.2
Summer 2006; pages 35-44 Abstract Although structured group activities are key to fostering meaningful engagement in nursing home residents’ daily lives, studies have found that residents spend fewer than two hours a week in activities groups. In order to increase the frequency and duration of residents’ meaningful activity engagement, activities directors may want to design therapeutic environments that will engage residents in self-initiated activities. In this paper, the definition and key elements of therapeutic environments are presented. A case example describes how to transform an unused common area into a therapeutic environment that is rich in activity resources.
Summer 2006; pages 45-47 Abstract Undesirable mood and behavior problems such as agitation and aggression are common in older adults with dementia. Relaxation techniques, including guided imagery, can help reduce these behaviors and promote positive emotional states. This article offers an example of a guided imagery session that can be easily implemented in most any setting.
Summer 2006; pages 48-50 Abstract This article will introduce an innovative, low-tech activity (Memory Magic) for adults with dementia in adult day care, assisted living, and nursing home settings. Memory Magic is an engaging activity that can be utilized in a variety of settings with individuals in varying stages of dementia.
Summer 2006; pages 51-56 Abstract Memory Exchange is a monthly theme program that encourages resident engagement through reminiscence and was developed to allow residents of skilled nursing facilities the opportunity to recall memories and recapture the emotions that they once experienced. All staff can utilize the Memory Exchange themes to build relationships and familiarize themselves with resident interests. Through this program, residents are able to realize the goodness in their lives, resolve old conflicts, and improve their self-esteem, bringing greater overall satisfaction to their lives. Activities Directors Quarterly Fall 2006, Volume 7, Number 4
Fall 2006; pages 3-4
Abstract The revised surveyor guidance for surveying activities requirements in long-term care facilities became effective on June 1, 2006, and has been incorporated into Appendix P of the State Operations Manual. This revision addresses the guidance’s interpretive guidelines, investigative protocol, and determination of compliance. In this article, we will provide an overview of the role and requirements of activities directors, as well as checklists to help ensure that all nursing home surveyors are fully trained in the revised guidance by the implementation date.
Fall 2006; pages 9-18 Abstract In recent years, there has been a focus on improving the quality of life for individuals who reside in nursing homes, including by maintaining community relationships. This paper outlines the benefits of intergenerational programs for older adults in skilled nursing facilities. Individuals without dementia as well as individuals with mild to moderate levels of dementia will benefit from participation in the intergenerational program.
Fall 2006; pages 19-22 Abstract A cursory glance at the recent tables of contents in issues of Activities Directors’ Quarterly reveals some of the common issues that today’s activities directors face, including reminiscence groups and “brain fitness exercises” (Winter 2006), therapeutic activities (Spring 2006), and line dancing to foster residents’ meaningful engagement (Summer 2006). Using music in a skilled nursing or assisted living facility can contribute to each of these areas. Music challenges recall capacity for reminiscing, or “brain fitness,” and music groups may encourage physical movement (dancing) and social engagement. Facilitating active music-making activities is not just for music therapists or certified music practitioners, nor does it have to “break the budget.” Given the benefits and enjoyment that music may provide, especially to the mild to moderate (mid- to high-functioning) resident with probable Alzheimer’s disease, it is recommended that music groups be established when possible throughout the programming schedule. The goals of providing music to these residents may include increased participation, increased socialization/interactions, decreased isolation patterns, increased emotional expression, and increased physical exertion.
Abstract This activity is ideal for residents who wander away from the dining room while waiting for meals or who are experiencing weight loss due to wandering, depression, passivity, or agitation. The program actively engages residents in a cognitive activity that has the potential to stimulate appetite. The game works best when played in the dining area for about 20 minutes immediately before a meal.
Abstract Activities for December, January, and February
Fall 2006; pages 31-39 Abstract Arts activities were planned for mid- to high-functioning patients who were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of five different artist-led activities that encouraged participatory interaction. The arts represented were as follows: music, collage, dance, painting, and sculpture. The patients who participated were residents in a controlled environment specifically designed for promoting independence while providing 24-hour care for persons diagnosed with AD.
Fall 2006; pages 40-48 Abstract The purpose of this art appreciation activity is to help participants learn about an artist or type of art form and then have them utilize the information in a project reflecting the theme, using their senses of hearing, sight, and touch.The lecture section of the art appreciation program can be enjoyed by individuals at any stage of dementia. The hands-on portion can also be successful with individuals at all levels if there are adequate staff and/or volunteers to help those individuals who need more assistance and supervision. |
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