Recreation is related to former life style. As this varies from one person to another, it is suggested that carers write out an activities care plan, if respite care will be provided by different carers. This will enable consistency of approach and care with ideas for recreation suited to the needs of the person with dementia. Recreation may include an adapted version of a game of cards, seeking answers together for crosswords, residual craft skills, collage, outings to the zoo, walking barefoot along the beach, visiting an art exhibition or taking a train trip. Metro and National Parks Association publication for ideas.
Activities play a significant part in the prevention and intervention of challenging behaviours.
Again this is very helpful information for a respite carer. Sometimes it can be something very simple, eg. holding onto or stroking a fur fabric pillow, a net bag with marbles or coins, drying cutlery, use of an abacus or taking soaked stamps off envelopes for a charity. These general guidelines are based on abilities characteristically retained. Only the carer, through trial and error, can be specific in offering appropriate activities. This HelpNote was written by Elizabeth Wright, former Coordinator of the Association's Family Visiting Area.