Scott Silknitter - Activities 101 for the Family Caregiver: How to Engage

Disclaimer

This book is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from a qualified physician about medical concerns and do not disregard medical advice because of something you may read within this book. This book does not replace the need for diagnostic evaluation, ongoing physician care and professional assessment of treatments. Every effort has been made to make this book as complete and helpful as possible. It is important, however, for this book to be used as a resource and idea-generating guide and not as an ultimate source for plan of care.

ISBN # 978-1-943285-03-7

Copyright 2015 by R.O.S. Therapy Systems, L.L.C.

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part.

Published by

R.O.S. Therapy Systems, L.L.C.

Greensboro, NC

888-352-9788

www.ROSTherapySystems.com

This book is the first in the Activities 101 for the Family Caregiver book series and is a general guide on how to engage the person you care for. It is based on the principles and approaches used in the training of Activity Professionals in Long-Term Care settings.

With the assistance of Cindy Bradshaw and Dawn Worsley, who have been working in the field of Activities for a combined 50 years, we have written this book for you in hope of providing helpful How Tos for activities for your loved one.

We hope you find it useful and encourage you to have other family members and caregivers of your loved one read this in order to be consistent with approaches, verbal cues, physical assistance and modifications that produce positive results.

From our family of caregivers to yours, please remember that you are not alone and to never give up.

Scott Silknitter

Activities refers to any endeavor, other than routine Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), in which a loved one participates. Activities are intended to enhance your loved ones sense of well-being and to promote or enhance physical, cognitive and emotional health.

The concept of using activities in a medical setting has origins in history as far back as the 1530s. Even Florence Nightingale gave advice to her nurses that discussed simple ideas on the delivery of activities. Nightingale went on to discuss the importance of using musical instruments and the use of small pets with patients for comfort and enjoyment.

In the institutional setting of today, Activities has grown into a profession where Certified Activity Professionals and their staff plan and execute activity programs for the residents and seniors in their care.

This book was made for the millions of families and informal caregivers who care for their loved ones at home. It is based on the principles and approaches used by the professionals in skilled settings. This was done for two reasons.

Provide family caregivers the knowledge and tools to allow them to engage their loved one so that both can enjoy the benefits of activities.

Offer a starting point that will provide continuity of approach, care, communication and information-gathering to minimize changes and acclimation time if your loved one does have to move from home to an institutional setting.

If you choose to use the services of a home care agency while caring for your loved one at home, please ask if they have a Home Care Certified professional on staff and make sure that the caregiver you choose has received basic training on Activities and how to engage your loved one. This will assist with continuity of approach, communication and planning that will benefit both you and your loved one.

Our goal is to help you deliver meaningful programs of interest to your loved one that focus on physical, social, spiritual, cognitive and recreational activities. Therapeutic programs can also promote self-reliance and provide opportunities for creativity, self-expression, self-satisfaction, fun and self-fulfillment. Some programs could specifically address managing stress, strengthening interpersonal skills, opportunities to learn new skills, or enhancing skills your loved one already possesses.

Caregiver Benefit of Activities

Activities result in less stress for the caregiver as well as less stress for your loved one. When your loved one is participating in activities, there will be less of a need to respond to behavioral issues. This will allow for more opportunities to engage positively with one another.

Social Benefit of Activities

Activities offer the opportunity for increased social interaction between family members, friends, caregivers and the one being cared for. Activities create positive experiences and memories for everyone.

Behavioral Benefit of Activities

Activities can reduce challenging behaviors when the activity conducted is interesting to your loved one. Offer activities at a skill level that allow your loved one to enjoy the activity.

Self-Esteem Benefit of Activities

Activities offered at the right skill level provide your loved one with an opportunity for success. Success during activities improves how your loved one feels about themselves.

Sleep Benefit of Activities

As part of a daily routine, activities can improve sleeping at night. If a loved one is inactive all day, it is likely they will nap periodically. Napping can interrupt good sleep patterns at night.

Standard Approach Benefit of Activities

Being a primary caregiver is a 24/7 job. Without help, you are always on call and run the risk of becoming physically and mentally exhausted.

When you do bring in help, make sure all of your loved ones caregivers (full-time, part-time, family and friends) use the same approach for activities and interaction that you do. With a common approach, there are significantly less opportunities to disrupt routines and make unsettling changes that affect you and your loved one long after the help has left.

A common approach is key. Demand it!

Not all family members may understand or accept an issue your loved one may have. This can create conflict. Some adult children may deny that parents have a problem or how serious the problem may be. Family members who visit occasionally may not understand or see all of the symptoms that primary caregivers see daily. They may underestimate or minimize the responsibilities or stress. If it helps to avoid a conflict or stress, please have the family members read this book prior to a visit so they can begin to understand the monumental task that you face as a caregiver.

Friends may also have a difficult time accepting the symptoms of a disease or issue. Use visits and interactions as teaching moments and to let the visitors know that they will not catch it just from being around your loved one.

It can take a while to learn new roles and responsibilities. It is critical, however, to have as many family members and friends involved in your loved ones life as possible. This is not just to show your loved one they are cared for and loved, but also to give you, the primary family caregiver, the occasional and much needed break.