Show #306 Airing Sunday, 8/7/05
Memory loss affects every aspect of the lives of those who suffer from it. But individuals can exercise their minds and stay connected by using the “engagement approach” to daily activities. Here to explain “engagement therapy” is the very engaging Meredith Pasco, executive director of Arden Courts of Parma.
Question: What kinds of activities are good for people with memory loss?
Answer: We use a method called engagement approach that is based off of the principle of Montessori schools, which encourage individuals to become self-reliant and work up to the level of their abilities.
The engagement approach recognizes that everything a person does is an activity and "an opportunity to build on remaining skills and abilities." Activities are broken down to the level where those with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia are still able to be successful.
Question: What kind of activities are you talking about?
Answer: A wide variety. We try to make the most of normal daily routines-like bathing and meals-because these life skills are important activities in the person's day.
Other activities are productive and make the individual feel useful and needed, such as tasks and chores. Or leisure and social activities with family, friends, pets, etc. Finally, we encourage activities that provide insight into the individual and allow them to express themselves in a creative way, such as poetry, art, cooking, crafts, gardening, music, and spiritual exercises.
Question: And you break these activities down into small steps? Can you give us some examples?
Answer: Sure. If you go up to someone with memory loss and ask them to brush their teeth, they might be overwhelmed. But breaking it down into smaller actions may bring about success. "Let's walk to the bathroom." "Pick up the toothbrush. Now the toothpaste." Likewise with an activity like setting the table. That may be too complicated, but if the person is cued to first put out the place mats, then the dishes, they will be able to complete the task.
At first the cues may be written, such as taping the tooth-brushing instructions on the bathroom mirror. As the disease progresses, the cues might have to be verbal.
Question: I also understand that sometimes a person background, experiences and relationships are used to create activities they may enjoy.
Answer: Yes, we try to integrate the person's background, culture, work experience and relationships into the activities, because life involved more than just keeping busy.
For example, if the person always enjoyed fishing, we might give them a tackle box to put together/work with. Folding clothes into laundry baskets and arranging flowers are other examples.
We also have people look through a box of pictures, some of family members, others of people they don't know, to say, "This is my son," "This isn't my son," etc.
Question: Why are activities like these in engagement therapy so important for those with memory loss?
Answer: Everybody needs a reason to get up in the morning and create work. Activities relieve boredom and frustration those with memory loss might feel.
Many of the activities we described use procedural memories-things one has done for years out of routine. Activities such as these can help individuals maintain those abilities longer.
They help the person realize that success is possible. The activities are designed to be failure-free, to create a positive experience and reinforce self-esteem.
"Engagement therapy" can help someone you love with memory loss stay engaged in life. For more information, give Arden Courts a call. My thanks to Meredith Pasco.
