Activities on the GO
There are many types of 1-1 activities that can be done with residents in their rooms, in the dining areas and in small clusters of two or three. In an effort to meet the needs and interests of the residents, large group events are becoming limited. So we are now looking for interesting programs to offer residents in 1-1 venues. These programs are only limited to the imagination of the activities staff. The themes and supplies serve as a vehicle for conversation with the residents. Food carts should also include adaptive food preparation (ie Thickening agent, diced and easy to adapt foods). Keep in mind that not every cart is for everybody, the point of this program is to visit residents that do not normally participate in group programs so there may be some people that would need some adaptation. The information found here should serve as a starting off point for the activities department.
When planning 1-1 activities keep in mind that it's the process of the activity, not the end result. When having sensory programs with mid to late stage Alzheimer residents you are there to socialize and reminisce. The props and materials should serve as a vehicle for conversation and discussion. You may find that the conversation will take you and the resident somewhere completely different than where you thought you would go. Touching, smelling and hearing the materials will trigger memories that are unique to the resident.
Basic Supplies
Carts – These can be two or three tiered carts or used Med Carts
A variety of fabrics to cover the carts some seasonal, some themes
Portable Oven, toaster oven, microwave
Storage containers for supplies
Golf Pencils, pencil sharpener, markers, crayons, pens
Baskets of various shapes and sizes
Portable tape/CD player
Batteries
Crock Pot
Sweet Dreams Cart
Supplies:
Small Styrofoam cups
Port Wine/Warm Milk
Dryer Sheets
Lavender Scented Oils
Tape/CD Player Relaxation Music
Books
Short Stories
Chocolate Mints
Purpose: To enhance resident's ability to relax and prepare for bedtime
Taking this cart around playing relaxing music and offering residents some “bedtime” refreshments. The dryer sheets can be rubbed on the inside of a residents pillow for sensory stimulation. The lavender oils lightly placed serve to relax the residents. Residents may even want to have someone read them a short story or just wish them a good night. They may even enjoy getting a mint on their pillow like a fancy hotel.
Puzzler Cart
Supplies:
Copies of Crossword Puzzles, Word Searches, School Worksheets
Pencils
Pencil Sharpener
Seasonal Word Games
Copies of Hidden Pictures
Purpose: To bring puzzles to residents who enjoy doing them
Many people enjoy doing puzzles and word games. Using the Puzzler Cart to encourage them to keep up with their interests. The pencil sharpener will also allow them to keep their wits sharp. This activity serves as a vehicle for conversation and to encourage residents to maintain their interests. There are many places on the internet to get worksheets, word searches and crossword puzzles. A good source and great magazine is “Games” magazine to use for this cart and as a reference for group programs.
Sports Fans
Supplies:
Copies of TV schedules of favorite sports programs
Crock Pot
Hot Dogs/Rolls/Condiments
Small Bags of Popcorn
Information about favorite teams
Fabric with sports themes
Purpose: To inform residents about their favorite sports and to serve refreshments of a “sports” theme
Prepare the hot dogs in the crock pot to keep them warm and make bags of popcorn ahead of time. This is a fun cart that can be used for many purposes. The TV schedules should be enlarged on the copier so that they can read them. Also decorating the cart for the Super Bowl or World Series would also lend to a 1-1 celebration.
Keep in touch Cart
Supplies:
Rubber Stamps/Ink Pads
Baby Wipes
Blank cards and envelopes
Stamps
Blank Postcards
Pens
All occasion cards
Short poems and sayings
Used cards
Scissors
Purpose: For residents to keep in touch with family and friends. For residents to make their own cards for family Birthdays
Investing in rubber stamps and stamping supplies sounds expensive, but well worth the investment. They can be used forever if properly cared for. When using them, immediately wipe them off with the baby wipes and they will keep a long time. Have residents make their own cards to send to friends and family. Use the short poems and sayings for the inside of their cards. You can utilize used cards for inspiration or cut them and paste them into the cards that you are making. You can also assist with writing letters, post cards and other cards. This is also a great cart for volunteers to visit with residents. Residents of all abilites can rubber stamp. You can also purchase inexpensive paper place mats and have residents stamp them for their meals.