About Gift of Enrichment

Creating an Environment Where Every Person Can Thrive

Sensory Outings Co has been providing person-centered dementia activities for over 11 years to memory care communities in the Denver metro area (e.g., Ascent Senior Living, Atria Senior Living, Brookdale Senior Living, Christian Living Community, Juniper Village, MorningStar Senior Living.  We have worked with over 1000 dementia residents, from introverted to extroverted, angry to happy, with early to late-stage dementia, and we know how to engage, enrich, and involve them in the process. Many Activity Director or Life Enrichment Coordinator and family caregivers loved our dementia activities so we want to share they with you.   

We were invited by the Colorado Activities Professional Association to give presentations at the state conference in 2018, 2020 and 2024 on our program: “Connecting Montessori Method and Dementia Activities”.

We wrote a booklet entitle “Keep Them Smiling”. The booklet provides guidance and support to caregivers and focusses on the planning and presentation of dementia activities for a group, along with highlighting the advantages and outcomes of a person-centered care approach.

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Person-Centered Activities for a Group of Memory Care Participants: Puzzles

Person-centered puzzle activities are ideal for individuals with all stages of dementia, as they provide joy, mental stimulation, and a meaningful sense of accomplishment.

Early Stage Dementia D1:
For individuals in the early stages, puzzles like Tetris and Cubic-style challenges can be highly beneficial. These games require strategic thinking and visual-spatial skills, which help keep the mind active and engaged. Jigsaw puzzles with moderate complexity are another great option, as they provide a stimulating yet manageable challenge.

Middle Stage Dementia D2:
As individuals progress to the middle stages, simpler jigsaw puzzles with larger pieces can be a perfect fit. Photo puzzles featuring familiar images—like family members, animals, or landscapes —add a personal touch, fostering emotional connection and reminiscence. These activities can be supplemented with gentle verbal cues to encourage participation.

Late Stage Dementia D3:
For those in the later stages, puzzles can be adapted to emphasize sensory and emotional engagement. Large photo puzzles or tactile puzzles with textured pieces work well. The emphasis here shifts to creating moments of joy and calm.

The beauty of these activities lies in their flexibility, allowing us to tailor them to each person’s preferences and capabilities. By incorporating familiar themes, individualized prompts, and appropriate levels of challenge, we can ensure participants feel valued, understood, and included.

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Meaning

The Gift of Enrichment serves as a beacon of hope and support for caregivers and their loved ones. It strives to:

• Bridge Gaps: Address the disconnect often found in dementia care by providing resources that truly reflect the needs and preferences of individuals.
• Enhance Well-being: Improve the quality of life for those with dementia through meaningful activities that promote mental, emotional, and physical health.

Values

1. Compassion: Treating each individual with empathy and kindness, understanding their unique needs and circumstances.
2. Personalization: Offering tailored activities that reflect the interests, cognitive abilities, and physical skills of each person, ensuring they feel valued and understood.
3. Empowerment: Promoting self-worth and independence through activities that enable individuals to express themselves and maintain their dignity.
4. Innovation: Continuously seeking creative and effective ways to engage and enrich the lives of those with dementia, staying ahead with innovative care practices.
5. Community: Building a supportive network for caregivers, whether professional or family members, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

By focusing on these values, The Gift of Enrichment is not just offering services but creating an environment where every person can thrive, feel connected, and maintain their sense of self.