The following information has been taken from ARCH National Respite Network & Resource Center’s Website

Activity programming is fundamental in Alzheimer/dementia care because it maximizes independence for the participant while focusing on his or her strengths and abilities. A care/service plan for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia takes into consideration the individuals needs of the person.

Whether provided by family, friends, home care agencies, respite homes, or adult day centers, activities for someone with Alzheimer’s disease must be based on the person’s capabilities, physical health, behavioral status, and personal preferences. First and foremost, the participant must always be recognized with respect and dignity. Secondary, if an activity is to be meaningful, it must have a purpose, be voluntary, feel good to the participant, and offer the person with the disease a reasonable chance of success.

Activities should be planned to address the needs, history, strengths, and challenges of each individual. They should reflect as much as possible the person’s preferred lifestyle while providing a sense of usefulness, pleasure, success, and as normal a level of functioning as possible.

The physical, social, and cultural environment should be designed to encourage support independence while promoting safety. Finding appropriate staff to provide respite is also essential. Staff should be trained in dementia-related skills before working with those with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.

For a person with dementia, an “activity” can take many forms. It may be as simple as a personal encounter such as eye contact, an exchange of greetings, shared laughter, or a hug. Group activities are also extremely important, because socialization with others in a recreational activity such as, exercise, a mental stimulation game, or music helps minimize isolation.

Whatever the activity, it should be:

• Environmentally conducive. Offering the participant a chair in from of a window that looks onto a bird feeder may encourage bird watching, while offering a chair at a table with others and a snack may encourage social interaction.
• Repetitive. Personas with Alzheimer’s disease may enjoy helping with simple daily housekeeping routines similar to those they did in the past. Examples include folding laundry, setting or cleaning the table, dusting, raking, and sweeping. Repetitive tasks can make the person feel useful and productive.
• Routine. Consistency in routine is calming to the person with Alzheimer’s disease. During the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease a daily routine that incorporates person care activities can successfully provide structure to the person’s day. Planned, scheduled activities that take account the person’s current abilities and are done on a regular basis can help the participant feel successful and happy.
• Spontaneous. For someone who is anxious or restless, a spur-of the-moment invitation to have a cup of tea or take a walk, for example, may distract him or her and diffuse the situation.
• One-on-one. Person-to-person interactions are useful for participants whose attention is difficult to maintain, and such interactions provide private time in which to build relationships.