Working as an activities coordinator in a Dementia Care Home Bridgwater is a busy, important but hugely rewarding role. Here are some tips for those engaged in coordinating activities for the elderly:
- Organization
Being organized can help you stay calm when planning ahead. Creating a basic plan to establish daily and weekly routines is a useful tool. Edit information whenever you find new materials, timings, locations, results and benefits, for example. Keep the updated information with you to help you and team members when you are in a meeting, organizing an event or activity.
- Daily Activities
Always promote your activity. Use an activity board and place it in a prominent location. It allows visitors easy access to information so that they can be aware of the activities that are available for the residents, so they can join them or offer to volunteer. It also assists carers to know of the timings of the activity. For more information on Care homes Taunton, visit a site like https://www.notarohomes.co.uk/care-home/aspen-court-dementia-nursing-home/
- Integrated Care
Partaking in simple everyday tasks can be hugely beneficial for some. Knowing your residents will help you to identify those who will enjoy participating in the tasks of daily life around the home. Can they help with the laundry? Could they help in the garden? What about setting the table?
- Do not Rush
Being an activity coordinator is a busy position but try not to rush or look stressed. Dementia sufferers can often sense when a person is stressed out or in a hurry, and it can often put them on edge too. So, try to slow things down and be calm, particularly when in a conversation or being asked a question.
- Environment
The environment should be simple and clear but interesting. Remove faded old pictures or dusty, dried flowers. Too much information on the wall can also be confusing. If you have inherited countless piles of old books and CDs, have a clear out. Finding the right cd among hundreds can be a waste of time. Ask residents to help sort the titles.
- Fresh Air
Humans absorb most of our vitamin D from sunlight. Food only contains minimal amounts of vitamin D, such as fish, eggs and cereals, so where feasible, encourage people to visit the outdoors for sunshine and fresh air. Just make sure the residents stay hydrated.
- Simple Activities
When you are presenting activities of the group, some people may be satisfied with a smaller task: sorting, stacking, winding wool, put goods into and out of containers. This helps to keep the hands busy and may soothe agitation.
- Fundraising
Fundraising can be easy. Do not try to do everything yourself. Make a mini questionnaire to find out who wants to help and what types of activities they would enjoy helping out with. Once you decide on the event, enlist the help of all those who would like to get involved and share out the roles and responsibilities.