Dementia and recreational activities : Development of recreational activities plan for dementia

Abstract

This researched-based development project focuses on the planning of the recreational activities intended to residents of the dementia for a nursing home. As dementia causes dependency for daily activities depending upon the level of severity of the problem (cognitive impairment and physical disability), it decreases overall quality of life. The quality of life can be maintained and improved by providing them meaningful recreational activities. Recreational activities are one of the effective nondrug treatments for them which enhance physical, mental and social well-being as well as help to reduce caregivers’ stress level. The nursing home needs a proper recreational activity plan. As part of qualitative research method, two different series of focus group interviews were conducted to generate valuable and meaningful information from the caregivers and staff members of the nursing home. The first one was conducted before the development of the recreational activity plan and the second one was conducted after the implementation of the developed recreational activity plan to get the feedback. The developed recreational activity plan targeted to the demented residents are found to be suitable to the organization and meaningful to the residents. Organization can launch the planned activities for long term.