Forum Discussion

Hi Hilma
Every facility is different every budget is different so to compare one to another does not always work also way things are run a different in different places so what I did mean at work for youI do know
I do know that working in a stressful environment is very difficult on staff
They should be given long breaks are able to talk to people about the situation because decompressing with them is better than at with the residents
You may want to rotate staff however usually people with dementia do not like change in staff
You may want to invite the administrator or a boss to the floor when things are particularly bad so they can see it firsthand
You also may want to recruit volunteers that you would have to train to be with these residents

We are a dementia home with a capacity of approx 43. Working hours are 10AM - 5:30PM (shared by 2 of us 7 days a week)
11:15AM -11:45AM
Morning exercise x 3 times a week Mon, Wed, Fri. This is structured exercise x 2 times and a fun session eg bouncing around a balloon x 1.
LUNCH (12:30)
Tea, coffee, music or chat or nap (in lounge)
2PM - 4PM interest group/clubs eg craft (various), multi sensory themed reminiscence, knitting, bingo (regular, music or picture to suit different ability), indoor or outdoor gardening depending on the weather, pamper session, dominoes (or other board games as per ability) These activities include a tea break.
4PM - 5PM Jigsaw puzzle, colouring, group sing along etc
Not everybody attends so I use bits and pieces of time in between to visit and chat to people who do not participate. Always chat to new residents as they settle and find out if they have any interests that we can include as the multi-sensory themed reminiscence sessions are the best and can meet a wide range of residents. We have about 50 topics, last week we chatted about visits/holidays to Ireland (because of St Patricks Day I showed pictures of places in Ireland, played Irish music, they had had Irish stew for lunch), this week I will talk about travelling on buses (heavy parcels, children, wet raincoats, standing waiting for the bus in the cold etc whatever memories they have)

Wow Jean
Thank you for this helpful detailed information

Thank you all.

Sorry Susan, I do go on a it tooooo much about the multi sensory reminiscence activity when I am given an opportunity but it is soooo successful that I can't resist and want to spread the idea.

That is wonderful Jean
I am sure many people appreciate it
What do you think about this article I know a lot of people like it
https://www.goldencarers.com/10-sensory-activities-for-men/7100/

This is an example of our daily activities. Our team works 9-5 monday to friday and the carers run simple activities at the weekend. Breakfast is 8am, Morning tea is 10.30, lunch is 12.30 and afternoon tea is 3pm.
I hope this helps

Hi Jules
Thank you for sharing these outstanding activities and the calendar