Resource for Caregivers to Engage, Enrich, and Involve People with Dementia in Person-Centered Activities
Giftofenrichment.com is a person-centered activity program designed for individuals with dementia that a caregiver or LEC/AD can adapt for at home or a memory care community. Shift your perspective on dementia care by transitioning from group-based activities to personalized, individualized experiences. Our philosophy is based on Montessori Method principles.
1. Activity Categories will be used for our Activity Search and as themes or key elements to guide your daily activity calendar. Here are the Activity Categories including examples of associated activities.
Creative Art:Easel and watercolor painting, loops & loom (hotpad).
Search for Person-Centered Activities by Dementia Level, Interest and/or Hobbies and Activities Categories.
Members can access detail search results for planning activities, cognitive skills, and finding where to purchase them.
The Montessori Method:
Create a Calm Environment: Make sure the setting is quiet and free of distractions to help the participant focus on the task.
Always Invite the Person: Make each person feel special, "Let's do an activity together". Positive interaction.
Adapt the Level of Difficulty: Tailor the complexity of the shapes or patterns to the individual’s abilities. Some people may enjoy simple, repetitive designs, while others may appreciate more complex challenges.
Take Breaks: If the participant shows signs of frustration or fatigue, encourage a break. You can always return to the activity later.
Offer Frequent Encouragement: Even if the participant doesn’t complete a specific pattern or shape, offer praise for the effort they put in. Focus on the enjoyment of the activity, not the outcome.
Celebration of Success: Celebrate the completion of words and progress, providing positive reinforcement and encouragement.
Browse Video Resources
Videos that help train the caregiver on planning and presenting personalized dementia activities.
Explore our videos on "How to Create a Sensory Enrichment Station."
Reflecting on my mother’s experiences in various assisted living
communities, I remember how the Memory Care Director would ask for details about her
likes— hobbies, work, foods, colors, and music to create personalized care plans. While we appreciated their interest, it became clear that the Memory Care Team struggled to implement individualized activities based on my mother's hobbies, work, music, etc. This gap in personalized care inspired me to focus on the individual. Over 11 yrs of experience with Sensory Outings Program, we ensured that our resources match the person’s interests and their physical and cognitive abilities. These resources are for Memory Care Director, Life Enrichment Coordinator, Activity Director, Professional Caregivers and Family/Friend Caregivers.
Academic & Technical: Have experience in science, mathematics, engineering, and advanced degrees.
Arts/Crafts: Creating art, painting, sculpting, knitting, sewing, or crafting.
Cooking/Baking: People enjoy making cookies, cakes, pies, and dinners, as well as engaging in baking task that involve measuring cups and spoons.
Fitness and Exercise: Engaging in yoga, walking, cycling and other physical activities for health and enjoyment.
Gardening: Cultivating plants, flowers, or vegetables is a relaxing hobby.
Music: Played musical instruments, singing, composing, or listing to music.
Photography or videography: Have artistic interests working with people or landscapes or art forms like lighting, designs, and patterns
Reading/Writing: Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or any genre reading remains a widespread hobby. Teacher and journalist.
Sports: Interest in soccer, baseball, football, bowling, golfing and more.
Traveling: People love to travel by plane, car, train, or RVing to destinations in the USA and internationally.
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