Forum Discussion

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Natasha 7th Apr 2015 Occupational Therapist

Hello,

I work at an Adult Day Centre. We are looking at making mealtime placemats for each client to indicate their individual needs/equipment etc.

Has anyone tried placemats before? Would love to hear how they worked out and any suggestions.

Thanks,

Natasha

Robyn 9th Apr 2015 Activites Assistant

Hi Natasha, I also work at a Elderly Day Programme in the community in NZ. We have individual placemats used at lunchtime only. I think it is a great idea as they get to choose what pictures relate to themselves. It also has their name on them to make it easy for staff seating the clients for lunch and the client recognising their placemat. We do have the odd one who likes to take them home in her handbag :)

Sally 13th Apr 2015

Hi Natasha, I work in a High and Dementia Care nursing home in Central Western NSW we also have placemats with pictures and names on them. I work in the Lower Care area and the placemats are a good conversation point for the residents and helpful for the staff.

Natasha 13th Apr 2015 Occupational Therapist

Hi Robyn,

Thank you for replying to my question.

I like how you had the clients personalise their mats and involved them in the process. Do you have an example of the mats or a template by any chance?

Thanks,

Natasha

lyn 18th Apr 2015 recreation therapist

Hi Robyn,
I too would be interested in example or a template for making place mats for the residents, any ideas would be appreciated.
I would just like to add how wonderful every one is in sharing their ideas for the whole work force interested in the community.
Thankyou all for a great team spirit.
Cheers Lyn.

Robyn 19th Apr 2015 Activites Assistant

Hi ladies, we do not have a template really, we just use the following.
A4 coloured paper/card
Cut out pictures from calendars, used cards etc. We ususally theme base them. Some clients have bought in photos of their family.
Then we laminate it and use a marker pen to neatly write their name on it after it has been laminated. This way it can be re-used if the clients leaves, by cleaning the name off.
Clients can choose there own pictures to have a placemat made or we pre make them and let the client choose one of those. It really depends on the client and their abilities.
Sorry I do not have any photos on me, but the placemats are very simple and as fancy or plain as you or the client likes.
Thanks Robyn

Solange 21st Apr 2015 Diversional Therapist

Hi Robyn, thank you for sharing. Best wishes!

lyn 21st Apr 2015 recreation therapist

Hi Robyn,
thankyou for sharing this information to us all, at least we have a guide to work from now. I have asked staff for old picture calendars of all sorts and will be using these.
Cheers Lyn.

Natasha 29th Apr 2015 Occupational Therapist

Hi all,

We made the placemats and they look fantastic.

I will try and post a photo under activity ideas.

https://www.goldencarers.com/activities/member-activities/mealtime-placemats/

Kind Regards,

Natasha

Jean 18th May 2015 Recreational Activities Officer

We have the placemats :) We did an activity where we researched each residents name and its meaning. Name on the front with their birth flower ( or stone) and name meaning or origin on the back, the residents love them :)

Clare 17th Jun 2015 Respite Option Facilitator

You do not need a template just use micro soft publisher or net ask each person what they like include person's name then up load pix print out on a4 then laminate.If a particilar person is pc savy maybe they can do it for you.

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