Floor Scrabble

Decided to do a modified version of Scrabble. 

Sometimes, a big challenge to playing normal games w/the elderly is simply that the game pieces are too small and/or the print is too small as well. 

Hence - floor Scrabble: 

Super simple to make. Just print out the letters and laminate. 

I didn't put any point values on the letters. And my staff did more of a crossword puzzle than an actual game. 

But, you know, you could do whatever you wanted. 

Yup. 

There ya go. 

Peace. 

Round Table Reading

Round table reading is a montessori style activity that can be done w/residents of varying level of cognitive impairment.

According to Michelle S. Bourgeois, a professor of speech and hearing at Ohio State University and the author of "The Sunshine on my Face," "people who were literate maintain their ability to read until the end stages of dementia."
http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/22/many-alzheimers-patients-find-comfort-in-books/?_r=0

Round table reading is the same as "buddy reading" in school. Everyone one is given the opportunity to read a page.

Of course, when you are working w/residents w/varying levels of cognition, physical abilities, and motivation, you respect them for where they are in that moment.

Often, activity professionals and other caregivers just do not understand how round table reading can ever be a successful activity.

This, as most other activity programs, is not something that you can simply place in front of people then walk away from. You may even have to stand and move around the table assisting as needed.

People are successful in different ways on different days. There may be an individual who can read every page. Someone else may only be able to read a word or two and need assistance. Another, may be able to turn the page w/the group. While another may need assistance w/turning pages and may simply enjoy looking at the pictures and listening to the story.

Not every story has to have pictures. The books presented were designed for mid to low level Alzheimer's.

You can purchase  read along books too. The following are pictures of ones I made. They were time consuming but simple to make with the help of the internet. Basically, I just copied, pasted and printed.

The most challenging aspect of this activity is helping your workers to be into it. I've worked with only a few people who have "gotten it" and only a couple of them who had the knack to make this  enjoyable and empowering for the residents.  It's really helpful to celebrate the small things and be enthusiastic.

Additional resources: 

Should People with Alzheimer's Read?

books to purchase

Remembering snow days

This is a guided imagery exercise that you can do with your clients in a nursing facility. All exercises are appropriate for seated clients.

As always, encourage your residents to work according to their best abilities. The script seems lengthier and more time consuming than it actually is. Everything depends on how much energy you as an activity leader are willing to put into the program.

Check with the doctors, therapy and nursing departments to learn about contraindications &/or necessary modifications for your group. 

You are welcomed to print and share w/anyone. The material is copyrighted; so, please give credit where it's due.

Allegedly, embedding a pdf in blogger is ooohhh so easy ....... not.

Therefore,

follow this link