gathered during the evaluation of a staff-
initiated program to provide activities for
people with dementia within a residential aged
care facility.
residents with dementia in appropriate group
activities, especially given the constraints on
resources and the wide range of ability of
individual residents. The Lifestyles team of
an aged care facility in Adelaide's northern
suburbs developed group-based sessions
for residents with moderate to very severe
dementia to overcome some of these
challenges.
provide a range of activities that were thought
to stimulate a variety of senses during a
once-monthly 45 minute session. 14 resident
participants were observed prior to; during;
and after participation in one Sensory Day
session. There were significant differences
in the number of minutes participants were
constructively engaged during 12-minute
observation windows; pre-session (M=.57, SD
= .85), during session (M = 5.93, SD = 2.37),
post-session (M = .93, SD, 2.92). Significant
differences were also observed in the number
of minutes participants were judged to be in
a positive mood; pre-session (M = .36, SD =
.93), during session (M = 5.50, SD = 2.64),
post-session (M = .64, SD = 2.13). Evidence
collected regarding changes in agitation level
and sleep disturbance was inconclusive.
to constructively engage residents with severe
and very severe dementia in group based
activities and that participation can have visible
effects on mood.
Dementia Care Specialist Amana Living
severe dementia are at risk of isolation and
sensory deprivation. Similarly, one of the most
popular forms of therapeutic activity for people
with dementia over the last decade has been
the promotion of "sensory stimulation". Such
activities can range from the simplicity of hand
massage to the technological complexity of a
sensory modulation environment.
this approach is the assessment of the
individual's sensory needs and preferences
prior to engaging them in therapeutic activities.
Without appropriate assessment, it is all too
easy to assume that sensory stimulation
is needed. In fact some individuals may
be hypersensitive to an over stimulating
environment and are thus withdrawing to
"escape". Assessment provides the ability to
discern who may be hypersensitive to their
environment and who may need structured
sensory stimulation.
have a profound impact on the provision of
many aspects of care. Not only is a more
individualised activity programme possible
but also the increased understanding of
challenging behaviours and capacity to provide
tailored strategies to support well- being.
with increasing frequency in adult psychiatry,