Introduction

For the person with Alzheimer's, activities structure the time. Activities also can enhance a person's sense of dignity and self-esteem by giving purpose and meaning to his or her life.

Planning activities should focus on the:

• Person

• Activity

• Approach

• Place

Focus on the person

Activities should be appropriate to the person and reflect his or her interests.

• Keep the person's skills and abilities in mind

• Pay special attention to what the person enjoys

• Consider if the person begins activities without direction

• Be aware of physical problems

Choosing an activity

Well-planned activities can improve the quality of life of those with dementia.

• Focus on enjoyment, not achievement

• Encourage involvement in daily life

• Relate to past work life

• Look for favorites

• Change activities as needed

• Consider the time of day

• Adjust activities to stages of the disease

Your approach

Your approach to activities can bring meaning, purpose joy and hope to the person's life.

• Offer support and supervision

• Concentrate on the process, not the result

• Be flexible and patient

• Be realistic and relaxed

• Help get the activity started

• Break activities into simple, easy-to-follow steps

• Assist with difficult parts of the task

• Let the individual know he or she is needed

• Stress a sense of purpose

• Don't criticize or correct the person

• Encourage self-expression

Create a supportive place for the activity

Create a safe, comfortable and supportive environment for activities.

• Make activities safe

• Change your surroundings to encourage activities

• Minimize distractions that can frighten or confuse the person

Planning the day

A planned day allows you to spend less time and energy trying to figure out what to do from moment to moment. To pick activities and organize the day for the person, think about:

• What activities worked best and which didn't? Why?

• Were there times when there was too much going on or to little to do?

• Were spontaneous activities enjoyable and easily completed?

• Was the person bored or distracted? Is it time to introduce a new activity?

Example of a daily plan:

Morning

• Wash, brush teeth, get dressed

• Prepare and eat breakfast

• Discuss the newspaper or reminisce about old photos

• Take a break, have some quiet time

Afternoon

• Prepare and eat lunch, read mail, wash dishes

• Listen to music or do a crossword puzzle

• Take a walk

Evening

• Prepare and eat dinner

• Play cards, watch a movie or give a massage

• Take a bath, get ready for bed