It's September and to kick off this Alzheimer's Month I have written this blog to help with creating meaningful activities for residents living with dementia.
Every activity that you initiate must be adapted to include as many residents as possible. There are usually ways that you can ensure that every resident benefits from the activities provided in some way. Knowing how isn't always that clear.
Using my HELPS Approach can really help.
As a care home activity coordinator, you have the opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of residents, especially those living with dementia. By personalising activities to fit each resident's unique histories, experiences, lifestyles, preferences, and strengths (HELPS), you can create engaging and meaningful experiences that enhance their wellbeing.
H = Histories: Understanding each resident's background
To tailor activities effectively, start by delving into each resident’s history. This involves learning about their past, including their where they lived (for social history) and their family life.
Visit the local post office, or take a bus ride into the town centre. Provide books which show historic photographs of their local town(s).
Understanding each resident's history helps you create activities that resonate deeply with their identity, making them feel seen and valued.
E = Experiences: Building on past experiences
Every resident brings a lifetime of experiences that can enrich their participation in activities. By tapping into these experiences, you can design activities that feel familiar and satisfying.
Identify residents who have shared experiences, World War II (even for those not old enough to have been adults at this time, their experiences may be memorable), flying a plane, holidays, running a local dance hall, and so much more.
By building on past experiences, you allow residents to reconnect with parts of themselves that dementia may have obscured, providing a sense of accomplishment and joy.
L = Lifestyles: Adapting to current routines
Each resident has a unique lifestyle that should inform the types of activities you offer. Understanding their daily routines, social habits, and preferred pace of life is crucial. Incorporate activities into residents’ existing routines. If a resident enjoys quiet mornings, consider offering calming activities like reading, gentle music sessions, or light gardening during that time.
Some residents may thrive in group settings, while others might prefer one-to-one interactions or solitary activities. Tailor your approach based on whether a resident is more introverted or extroverted, offering suitable opportunities for social engagement or peaceful reflection.
By aligning activities with residents’ current lifestyles, you create a sense of normalcy and comfort, making the activities feel less like a chore and more like a natural part of their day.
Preferences: Respecting individual choices
Respecting residents’ preferences is key to successful activity planning. When you honour their likes and dislikes, you empower them to engage more fully and joyfully. Be aware of music preferences and food preferences, etc.
Offer choices that align with each resident’s likes and dislikes.
Acknowledging and respecting preferences not only boosts participation but also fosters a sense of autonomy and respect for the resident’s individuality.
S = Strengths: Focusing on what they can do
Finally, focusing on residents’ strengths rather than their limitations is essential in dementia care. By tailoring activities to their abilities, you encourage success and positivity.
Design activities that align with the resident’s current abilities. For example, a resident with limited mobility might enjoy handcrafting activities that require fine motor skills, while another with cognitive challenges could benefit from simple, repetitive tasks that are easy to follow.
Recognise and celebrate small accomplishments, whether it’s completing a task or simply engaging with the activity. Positive reinforcement encourages continued participation and boosts self-esteem.
By focusing on strengths, you create opportunities for residents to feel capable and proud, which enhances their overall wellbeing and willingness to engage.
The HELPS approach, focusing on Histories, Experiences, Lifestyles, Preferences, and Strengths, provides a comprehensive framework for personalising activities for residents with dementia. By tailoring your approach to fit each resident’s unique profile, you can create meaningful, engaging experiences that resonate with who they are as individuals.
As you continue to implement this approach, remember that personalisation is an ongoing process. Stay flexible, observant, and responsive to each resident’s needs, and you’ll be well on your way to enriching their lives with activities that are not just engaging, but truly meaningful.
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