Activities & Engagement Programming Flashcards

A dementia practitioner notices a resident who was once a musician becomes agitated during group activities. Which intervention best uses the resident's life history?

Answer: Offer individualized music therapy with familiar songs from the resident's era

Life history-informed programming uses past interests and skills to create meaningful engagement, and familiar music can reduce agitation in dementia.

Which sensory stimulation approach is most appropriate for a person with late-stage dementia who has limited verbal communication?

Answer: Snoezelen/multi-sensory environment therapy using light, texture, and scent

Snoezelen therapy provides non-demanding sensory input that can promote relaxation and engagement in individuals with severe cognitive impairment.

What is the primary goal of a reminiscence group activity for people with dementia?

Answer: Foster emotional well-being and social connection through long-term memories

Reminiscence therapy leverages relatively preserved long-term memory to support identity, emotional connection, and quality of life.

A care team is planning activities for a resident with moderate Alzheimer's disease. Which approach aligns with the PDCA (Person-Directed Care Approach) framework?

Answer: Assess the resident's preferences, past roles, and current abilities before planning activities

Person-directed care requires assessing individual preferences, life history, and current capacities to co-create meaningful activity plans.

During a gardening activity, a resident with dementia tries to eat soil. What is the most appropriate immediate response?

Answer: Calmly redirect the resident to a safe tactile alternative such as potting soil in a sealed container

Safe redirection maintains engagement while eliminating harm risk, preserving dignity and the therapeutic value of the activity.

Which activity format is most effective for maintaining engagement in a person with dementia experiencing sundowning?

Answer: Calm, familiar, and structured activities scheduled before the sundowning window

Calm, familiar activities earlier in the day help reduce the agitation associated with sundowning by avoiding overstimulation during vulnerable hours.

What does the term 'meaningful occupation' mean in dementia activity programming?

Answer: Engagement that aligns with a person's values, roles, and sense of identity

Meaningful occupation in dementia care refers to activities that resonate with the individual's past roles, values, and sense of self, promoting well-being.