Dementia Training to Promote Involvement in Meaningful Activities

Introduction

Welcome to Dementia Training to Promote Involvement in Meaningful Activities. The purpose of this training program is to increase the skills and abilities of those who work with older adults with dementia in long-term care settings to involve them in enjoyable and meaningful day-to-day activities. You can use this training as an individual, or your facility can offer it in a group setting, if desired.

In this training, we will primarily use the term “activity.” Note that the terms “activity” and “program” or “recreation program” are interchangeable in different environments, so please apply whichever term is most appropriate for your environment.

There are many benefits to remaining physically and mentally active in later life. Staying active and engaged in things that are enjoyable has a huge influence on how we feel about ourselves – including our self-worth and sense of identity. The risk of disability associated with inactivity is significant, particularly for those with dementia. Engaging persons with dementia in meaningful activities can reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, increase positive behaviors, and improve quality of life.

All personnel in long-term care settings have many opportunities to recognize unmet activity needs among persons with dementia, apply appropriate activity assessment methods, adjust care routines to include enjoyable activities, and monitor outcomes related to activity involvement. The care team includes a broad and inclusive group of people: nurses and nursing assistants; social workers; activity, recreational, occupational, and physical therapists and their assistants; people who work in dietary, housekeeping, administrative, and other supportive roles; and family members and the older adults themselves. Everyone who comes into contact with persons with dementia will benefit from understanding their needs, as well as methods to provide respectful, high quality, and individualized care.

Instructions for Use

How to Use This Training Program

The training program is presented in four parts to allow you to divide the training into smaller pieces that you can do in a limited amount of time. Each part includes the same basic components, and each is intended to be used in the same way. This program takes approximately 7 hours to complete.

First, print the handouts that go with that part of the training so that you can refer to them and use them for notes. Each part has its own set of handouts.

Next, view the video presentation. As you do, review the handouts as well. They provide supportive information and additional details, and are also designed to be used as reference materials later on.

After watching the video, complete the recommended work place exercise. We consider this a critically important part of your learning. Using knowledge in practice is the only way to change care, and care outcomes.

You will find additional supportive materials and resources in the Appendix for Part 2 and Part 4. These materials are provided for your reference and use – but are not required for using the approaches to activity involvement that are recommended in the training. We suggest that you review them to see what may apply to you and your setting.

We have designed this dementia training program to be “action-oriented.” The tools provided are intended to help you put your learning into practice as you work through the training.