Try, Try Again

Hello everyone, If at first you don’t succeed…well, you know the rest: Try, try again! How often do we ask residents to join us for exercise class or another activity, have them say “no”, and we say “ok” and move on to the next person. Then after a few “no thank-you’s” from them, we give […]

Cues to Move

Hello everyone, The environment plays a large role in encouraging physical and functional activity of residents in your communities. Some of the most common things we find lacking are cues in the environment to promote activity. Things like hand weights, foam swim noodles, elastic bands, stationary bikes, and other exercise equipment are great to have […]

Approaches to Address Apathy

Hello everyone, We’ve mentioned that apathy is a common challenge for people who have dementia, and is often overlooked because the person with apathy is not generally disruptive to staff or other residents. It is important to remember that apathy is different from depression, as a person who is apathetic is not necessarily sad, but […]

Success Stories on Managing Apathy

Hello everyone, A few weeks ago, we asked you to share some of your strategies for helping residents with apathy become more involved in activities. Gina Gentilini-Borzilleri, the Activities Director at Lorien Elkridge in Maryland, sent us a few wonderful examples of things she has tried with residents where she’s has had success! We thought we’d […]

Activity Suggestions from the National Institute on Aging

Hello everyone, The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has some good tips on how adapt activities for people with Alzheimer’s disease so they can enjoy them too. Household chores like baking, doing dishes and folding laundry can provide a sense of familiarity and calm. The article also gives great suggestions that your residents’ family members […]