What makes you feel respected? 

Resident activities are a critical part of our everyday culture at Arthur's. But what kinds of activities are the most important? How can you decide what's most impressive for your loved one?

  

We have found over the years that most of our residents feel the most respected when they are still needed, when their expertise or willingness to help is tapped into. Rather than playing bingo at 10 AM, we might ask a resident to help us clear the table, or wipe off their placemat, or help us get our student's math homework graded. We try to find out what each of our resident's areas of interest are, and tailor tasks to their current abilities. We've had residents assemble carriage bolts and nuts to assist with "maintenance projects", put together PVC pipes and connectors to help us "fix the sink", count coins, cut out coupons, fill small containers with rice or elbow macaroni, sweep, fold napkins, etc. when we expressed gratitude for their assistance, you can see their faces light up with satisfaction.

This isn't always the case, of course. One time I asked Marilyn to get the milk out of the refrigerator, and she said, "what am I paying you for?"! These are the kind of "mistakes" that we are more than willing to make. We like to keep our residents engaged, but if we ever offend someone, we are quick to apologize and try another task more appropriate to their current abilities.

Of course, we have lots of games, old movies, and other sources of entertainment available! We are happy to sit down and read the newspaper with a resident, play a board game, Or dance to some music! Whatever brings our residents moments of happiness is what we will do!

People who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, or a different disease that results in cognitive decline, need activities that are flexible to match their changing needs. Sometimes we can ask a resident to hold onto something for us and place an object in their hands. Fidget blankets are useful for some people, and in later stages, simply being in the same room as others to watch the activity and feel supported.

The staff at Arthur's strive to treat the people in our care with dignity and respect at every stage. Come and visit us, have a cup of coffee, and you can see for yourself!