Work that still matters
Creating meaningful, sensory activities for people living with dementia can be challenging, particularly when many traditional options feel more suited too children than adults with a lifetime of lived experience behind them.
at Cooinda aged Care Facility in Coonabarabran, a specially made activity board is helping bridge that gap, offering residents something familiar, purposeful and real to engage with.
The idea was brought to life by Mitchell Brain, a Coonabarabran local who recently returned to his hometown and signed up as a volunteer at the facility.
“I just wanted to create something people would recognize and be engaged in,”
Mr Brain said.
Measuring 1.8 metres wide and 90 centimetres high, the activity board sits under a shelter in the facility’s gardens and is packed with around 30 different hands-on activities.
“The basic idea is to have people engaged in what’s on the board,” he said.
“So you push and pull and press things.”
[Image of The activity board encourages engagement, movement and familiarity for dementia patients. (Supplied: Cooinda Coonabarabran)]
Built using real mechanical components, the board includes items such as spark plugs and parts from an old lawnmower engine.
The materials were chosen to reflect the backgrounds of many residents.
“I made sure it was safe and wanted it to last forever,” Mr Brain said.
engaging Activities Help People with Dementia Maintain Brain Function and Purpose
Activities that engage both the mind and body, such as hands-on tasks, are proving vital in supporting people living with dementia, offering cognitive stimulation and a sense of achievement. At Cooinda Coonabarabran, a residential aged care facility, residents – many of whom are former farmers – are finding purpose and continued engagement thru practical activities like maintaining the grounds and working with their hands. https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2023-11-24/cooinda-coonabarabran-dementia-care-activities-farming-life/103124916
Bruce McDermaid, from the Dubbo Dementia Alliance, emphasizes the importance of such engagement. “Engaging in any sort of activity is wonderful for people with dementia as it engages the brain,” he explained. Research supports this, demonstrating that continued mental stimulation can help to prolong cognitive function and overall quality of life. https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/living-well-with-dementia/staying-active
According to Mr. McDermaid, “A lot of studies have shown that if you use the brain, it extends the use of your brain, your activity and your lifestyle a lot longer.”
Beyond cognitive benefits, hands-on tasks offer a crucial sense of accomplishment. As dementia progresses, everyday tasks can become increasingly challenging. Successfully completing these activities, even those considered “normal” by others, provides a significant boost to self-esteem and a feeling of purpose.
This is particularly impactful for individuals who have spent their lives engaged in manual labor. “Especially for men who have used their hands all their lives and possibly never done a crossword in their life, these are the things that will stimulate them and give them a challenge and a sense of purpose throughout the day,” McDermaid stated. Activities aligned with past skills and experiences are frequently enough the most meaningful and effective in maintaining engagement and well-being for people living with dementia. https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-life/meaningful-activities
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