Reminiscing helps residents with cognitive impairment
Friday December 14, 2007 -- Deron Hamel
Although creating meaningful programming for residents with cognitive impairment can be a challenge, staff at Southampton Care Centre in Bruce County has been using an activity for several years which has proven effective.

Brenda Misch, activity director at the Jarlette Health Services-owned long-term care home, says the home’s “therapy kits” have been successful at engaging residents with cognitive impairment in activities which help with cognitive skills.

These kits include items which are related to a resident’s former occupation. For example, if a resident was a carpenter, a kit could be made with up with items such as a tape measure, small hammers and levels. A resident who sewed would be provided with a kit including items like fabrics and patterns.

Included with each kit is a list of questions to ask residents about the articles inside. Aside from staff members and volunteers, family members are encouraged to utilize these kits, which are aimed at helping residents reminisce and talk about the work they used to do or a hobby that interested them.

Because occupations are central to people’s lives, the memories of their jobs are usually not lost, notes Misch. Items featured in therapy kits often bring back pleasant experiences.

“They may not be able to tell you what it was used for, but the recognition is there,” she says.

Misch cites a story of one resident who enjoyed fishing and who has a therapy kit designed for him consisting of a fishing magazine and a fishing hat. During one-to-one time with this resident, staff members will play a cassette tape of outdoor music so the resident can relive the experience.

“You can touch on a lot of senses,” says Misch. “You could even top it off with some fish and chips.”

Like Misch, Julie Clarkson, life enrichment co-ordinator at OMNI Health Care-owned West Lake Terrace in Picton, says staff members need to learn as much as they can about a residents past when it comes to one-to-one programming.

One resident at West Lake had been a machinist and likes to be kept busy all the time, explains Clarkson. To accommodate his needs, life enrichment staff got him protective gear so he can sterilize handrails. He also clears tables after meals and pushes the tea cart for staff.

“(Creating programming) is about learning what their past experience might have been and trying to incorporate it into their every day lives,” she says.