May grip the paper if it is placed in the hand but may not be able to release the grip; or may not take hold of the paper. From time to time we invite charities, carers and those in care professions to contribute to our blog to provide an insight into what they do and how we work together to improve people's lives. NAPA runs an NCFE distance learning course – Intermediate Certificate in Provision of Activities in a Care Setting – and also offers open and in-house courses on a range of topics, including massage and seated exercise. Other further education colleges also offer the NCFE course. Can plan to carry out an activity, hold the goal in mind and work through a familiar sequence; may need help solving problems. The focus of the approach is on providing meaningful activities that don’t have to be structured but do need to stimulate the senses, encourage participation, boost self-esteem and fulfil one or all of the five universal emotional needs. Assessment tools

Pool Level Activity (PAL) Instrument | QCS Digital Pool Level Activity (PAL) Instrument | QCS

However, it is not uncommon to find relatives, other older people, managers and staff members resistant to the idea of using dolls, because they think it seems patronising or demeaning in some way for the person, or they are worried about outside visitors’ reactions.Spector, A., Thorgrimsen, L., Woods, B. and Orrell, M. (2006) Making a difference: An evidence-based group programme to offer cognitive stimulation therapy to people with dementia, London: Hawker. The three steps to introducing the philosophy into a care setting are vision, education and implementation. The Eden Alternative UK offers education, national and in-house training and supports staff teams to achieve these steps. A therapeutic approach Simple assessment tools can help staff to understand the types of activities that might benefit a person with dementia. Two of the best-known examples are the Pool Activity Level (PAL) Instrument (Pool, 2007) and the Cardiff Lifestyle Improvement Profile for People in Extended Residential Care (CLIPPER) (Powell, 2007). Is aware of appropriate interaction, can chat coherently and is able to use complex language skills.

Pool Activity Level (PAL) Checklist - QCS Pool Activity Level (PAL) Checklist - QCS

Some depend on using a particular practical resource, some emphasise skilful assessment before planning activities. Others promote a programme, philosophy or therapeutic intervention. National Association for Providers of Activities for Older People. ‘Activity allsorts’ (includes 101 things to do). London: NAPA.Activities need to be broken down and presented one step at a time, multisensory stimulation can help hold the attention. Bell, V., Troxel, D., Cox, T. and Hamon, R. (2004 and 2007) The Best Friends book of Alzheimer’s activities, vol 1 and 2. Baltimore, MD: Health Professions Press. The Spark of Life Club is an approach developed in Australia which is designed to improve the social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of people with dementia. At the end of this feature, you can see a list of companies and organisations that produce catalogues of products and resources that could inspire you. The PAL instrument positively shaped my practice as an occupational therapist and continues to do so today. If you support people living with dementia and their caregivers this is the book for you - it combines expertise, with evidence and practical guidance for anyone with an interest in dementia care.

Pool Activity Level (PAL) Instrument for Occupational - UK The QCS Pool Activity Level (PAL) Instrument for Occupational

Care UK’s activity teams share what they have found to be helpful when supporting people with dementia in everyday activities, arts and crafts, maintaining independence, special occasions, health and wellbeing, and reminiscence. Agar, K. (2008) How to make your care home fun: Simple activities for people of all abilities, London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Cognitive stimulation therapy, or CST, involves 14 sessions of themed activities which run over a seven-week period. Sessions aim to actively stimulate and engage people with dementia, while providing a positive learning environment and the social benefits of a group. CST groups can be led by anyone working with people with dementia, such as care workers, occupational therapists or nurses, and can take place in settings including care homes, hospitals or day centres. Pool, J. (2007) The Pool Activity Level (PAL) Instrument for occupational profiling: a practical resource for carers of people with dementia (3rd edition), London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Dementia is a growing challenge. It is estimated that by 2025, the number of people with dementia in the UK will be more than 1 million. As one of the most important health and social care issues facing the world, continuous post-diagnostic care and support are vital.The CLIPPER assessment tool was developed by Jennie Powell (2007). It considers 41 activities that could occur during a typical day. Caregivers note which activities occur, how often, and how the person seems to feel about each activity. The Best Friends approach was developed in the mid-1990s by Virginia Bell and David Troxel in the United States. Simply put, the model suggests that what a person with dementia needs most of all is a friend, a ‘Best Friend’. leisure activities, therapies, therapy and treatment, activities of daily living, cognitive impairment, dementia; Hurtley, R. and Wenborn, J. (2005) The successful activity co-ordinator: A learning resource for activity and care staff engaged in developing an active care home, London: Age Concern Books.

Pool Activity Level (PAL) instrument for occupational profiling. a The Pool Activity Level (PAL) instrument for occupational

This provides a unique profile of an individual’s likes and dislikes. A care plan can then be carefully tailored to create the best possible quality of life for that individual. CLIPPER is published within Jennie Powell’s 2007 book, Care to communicate (see ‘Further reading and resources’ below). A programme approachAware of others in the group and will work alongside others although tends to focus on own activity. Technology has so much to offer people living with dementia and their carers; access to information, advice and entertainment as well as reassurance for a carer who does not live near a loved one. Used sensitively and thoughtfully, technology enhances rather than replaces human relationships and interactions. The QCS Pool Activity Level (PAL) Instrument is widely used as the framework for providing activity-based care for people with cognitive impairments, including dementia. The Instrument was recommended for daily living skills training and activity planning in the National Institute for Clinical Excellence Clinical Guidelines for Dementia (NICE 2006). It is an essential resource for any practitioner or carer wanting to provide fulfilling occupation for clients with cognitive impairments. Powell, J. (2007) Care to communicate: Helping the older person with dementia, (2nd edition), London: Hawker. This book includes the CLIPPER assessment tool with forms to photocopy.