Give me something to do. Please!

Some important things are missing in dementia care. I think most of us in the field would agree that eradicating boredom is one of them. We all need something to do; especially people with dementia related diseases.

Human engagement, meaningful activities and compassion are pertinent in daily therapeutic programming. In my 25 years experience, I believe that it's not about "participation". You shouldn't make someone do something that they don't want to do. Is that even beneficial? I think not.

What about valuing people's choices? Validating their decisions. Otherwise, we're actually saying, "I don't really care what you want, I want you to do this right now". Not good. Definitely not good.

Let's look at what's important to their well being.

It's our approach that's important. How are we inviting each person to experience an activity? You can encourage someone with eye contact, positive gestures and mirroring. Make it fun, not authoritarian.

In my observations over the years, I have seen some dementia care staff treat people with dementia like children. We can't think that this is helpful. It's not. That approach only makes the person feel unimportant, undignified and ultimately depressed. Let's change that.

Currently, I am in the process of writing a step-by-step, daily schedule for activity directors, recreational therapists, caregivers and professionals to enhance their current programming with meaningful activities that improve quality of life.

Let's not miss the important things in caring for people with dementia.