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Michelle avatar

I have been an Activity Director for 2 years, nursing staff feels that I am not doing enough for late stage dementia residents. There are 4 residents that sit in a recliner and want to sleep all day. I have provided head set with music, hand massages, file & polish nails, read poetry and several other things. Does anyone have any suggestions on more sensory activities or what can I say to the staff that comment weekly. The are the Director of Nursing and ADON.

I have one full time staff and 2 staff that work 16 and 20 hours. They never compliment

just constant complaints.

Susan avatar

Hi Michelle

It sounds to me like you’re doing a good job

Here are some other ideas that might help you

https://www.goldencarers.com/search/?search_tag=Activity&search=Sensory

Perhaps these residents are over medicated, and that is why they are sleeping so much

Also, there is a school of thought that you should let those with

late stage dementia sleep

In addition, it has been lmy experience that nurses, butt in to Activities are not handling their staff very well

Have you ever gotten a tag from the state survey Activities???

In 2006, the activity guidelines were changed so that all staff is responsible for activities

Michelle avatar

Hi Susan,

Thank you for responding and the information. I have not received a tag, thank goodness.

The nurses should be staying in their own lane. :)

Judy  avatar

Hi Michelle,

It can be difficult with residents who are in the late stages of dementia. Often these residents can not sleep at night due to their dementia, hence they often are medicated to help them settle in the end. This could be part of the reason they are often sleepy the next day. If they are awake enough they may enjoy being pushed outside into the garden ( if the recliner is on wheels and safe to push).

Roxanne avatar
Roxanne Life Enrichment Coordinator

I use to work as a memory care coordinator....I did one on ones. I used music, I did hand massages and talked to them in a soft calming way, but most just want to sleep. But I always have music for everyone....I can get guys out of rooms while the women do crafts, if I'm playing music.

Roxanne avatar
Roxanne Life Enrichment Coordinator

I use to work as a memory care coordinator....I did one on ones. I used music, I did hand massages and talked to them in a soft calming way, but most just want to sleep. But I always have music for everyone....I can get guys out of rooms while the women do crafts, if I'm playing music.

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Jamie Chopan
Recreation Therapy United States Flag
Jamie Chopan

I just transferred from being a CNA to Therapeutic Recreation. I am a Pinterest queen but needed new ideas. Thank you so much, this has helped me plan May's calendar with ease. Well worth the money and I can use the pictures to make new concentration games that my residents enjoy. Again thanks so much and I will be able to add some games myself