principles into practice network

Purposeful activities for individuals with dementia

Topics covered in this article: Dementia, Participation & involvement

  by Mary Hattie, Mental Welfare Commission

As the Mental Welfare Commission highlighted in the report "remember I'm still me" the provision of meaningful activities for individuals with dementia not only enhances quality of life, it also improves physical and mental health.

Over the past few months Commission practitioners have identified a number of examples where staff have been creative and have gone "that extra mile" in supporting individuals with dementia to continue to pursue hobbies or continue with activities which they enjoyed prior to coming into residential care. Their efforts have made a real difference to the quality of life of the individuals involved, allowing them to continue to feel valued and fulfilled despite the limitations of their illness.

Some of the examples we came across included:-

• Within one care home in Glasgow staff had helped one man bring in his ham radio and got an aerial put up, so he could keep in touch with all his previous contacts. They also arranged the tools and materials for him to restore small items of furniture in his room, as this had also been an interest.
• In Edinburgh staff had arranged for an elderly lady to be reunited with her pet dog, which had been in kennels for almost 2 years due to the lady being unable to care for it without assistance. Staff had put in place a care plan for the dog. This ensured that the owner was supported to feed and walk her pet regularly and staff knew how to deal with "accidents". Due to the frailty of both parties a portable raised platform was provided to enable the dog to climb to a height where her owner could lift her up without the risk of either party falling.
• In one Lanarkshire care home 2 gentlemen continued to enjoy regular fishing trips with staff support.

We also found examples of individuals being supported to continue to pursue their interest in football through attending local matches.

Each of these examples has one thing in common. They are superficially very simple, but they are all based on staff taking the time to find out about the individual, their likes and their strengths. By understanding what is important and enjoyable to the person and finding ways to reduce or manage any risks involved individuals can be supported to continue with a wide variety of activities whilst in nursing or residential care.