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Michelle 24th Mar 2023 Activity Director

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 26th Mar 2023 Activity Director

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 28th Mar 2023

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 4th Apr 2023 Diversional Therapist

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 4th Apr 2023 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 4th Apr 2023 Life Enrichment Coordinator

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