 Believe in the power of diversional tasks |
| Learn the resident's routine, not yours |
| Look for signs and symptoms of potential behavioral needs |
| Take the time to hear what the resident is saying, both
verbally and behaviorally |
| Prevention and anticipation is the best "medicine" |
| Be aware of over stimulation as their stress threshold is
less tolerant than ours |
| Integrate quiet times into daily care |
| Greet resident warmly, by name. Loud and enthusiastic is
not always best, this can overwhelm some residents. |
| Utilize environmental programs, when in place - take through
sensory trails, reality areas and experience them with the
resident |
| Verbally involve the resident in daily care |
| Let them know what activity is scheduled and what they may
expect when they get there |
| Offer them diversional tasks as planned |
| Make sure they have their "babies", sensory pillows or Spinoza
Bear |
| Give meaning to activities, when offering them, by relating
them to the resident's past |
| Make a sensory experience out of morning ADL's and getting
dressed |
| Take advantage of diversional supplies and materials |
| During "down" times, while waiting for meals to arrive and
change of shift, conduct a spontaneous reminiscent group |
| Anticipate the need, don't react to the behavior |
| Bring someone a cup of herbal tea |
| Transport to and encourage participation in scheduled activities |
| Communicate with team members regarding what is working
and what is not |
| Point out visual mobiles and other stimulation devices placed
in room |
| Find at least one minute every day to introduce quality
of life interactions |
| Make the commitment to create a life and a home that enables
our residents to be the individuals they are |
