ACTIVITY PLANNER: ENGAGING ACTIVITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA
AUTHORS-Jacqueline Quirke and Gabrielle Koop
In my recent discussions with graduates in Leisure and Health they indicated that major challenges are in coming up with planned activities in either placements while students or as staff in a new job. Some felt that the practical aspects of their work had to be learnt on the job. This new book from J.Quirke and G.Koop of B&S books may be a very useful tool for them and other leisure professionals.
The most useful aspect of this book is that the process of planning and writing up an activity procedure is already done and only needs the therapist to adapt, organise resources, be ready to put the activity in their weekly program and implement.
This resource book is targeted for individual clients and small groups whether in residential care, community centres in the client’s home. I found that staff in the community are often lacking in resources for providing leisure in the home and in a respite centre. Community centre Managers tell me that they want care staff to do more than provide the physical care so this book could be a useful start.
Each activity is noted with suitability for stages of dementia 1, 2 or 3 ( 3 being latter stage).
The activities are listed in sections as cognitive, creative, physical, sensory, occupational and cultural and there is a great variety in this comprehensive book.
There are references to the Never too old to Learn series and their other books Starting Points 1, 2 for content material.
My favourite programs in this book are the ones here based on poetry. Our older clients all had to learn poetry by heart as school and the memory of that lingers. By giving people a short poem to read and discuss is very relevant.
As the number of clients with dementia who we work with in aged care increases steadily, we need to have achievable up-to-date programs ready to implement. This book is a great time saver for any leisure professional or student.
To purchase this book go to bsbooks.com.au