Educational Concepts for Active Living
Dementia Care Specialists

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    Tending the Desire to Contribute

    I’m a fair bit late on posting some of the ideas that were discussed in Richmond, VA, a few weeks back (at the Alzheimer’s Association Educational Conference sponsored by the Greater Richmond chapter)…but it’s better late than never!  Especially considering how relevant our program topic was to the Thanksgiving holiday.  The presentation titled “Tending the Desire to Contribute: A Spotlight on Giving in Dementia Care” explored the inherent value of and instinctual response to being a contributor… thinking of others… participating in acts of service… being a part of something bigger than yourself.

    At one point in the session, groups worked together to identify ways we (as caregivers) have or could encourage those with dementia to contribute (in either a complex or simple context).  Here’s a neat list of what was brainstormed:

    • Ask well-placed questions and listen to the person’s stories
    • For a long-term care community:  Establish a recycling program, encouraging people to give what they can every two weeks (newspapers, aluminum cans, magazines, etc.)
    • Ask for help! - to complete a recipe, to do dishes, to set the table, to sew buttons on clothing, to arrange flowers, to fold laundry, to decorate for the holidays, etc.
    • Seek advice and recommendations – allow the person to play the role of “expert” when possible
    • Establish chores to encourage the feeling of being responsible and useful – such as the taking care of a pet (cat, dog, bird, etc. – one woman described how she helps others participate in the care of butterflies).  Also consider hobbies as a center point for chore work (gardening, watering, cooking, preparing ingredients, knitting and donating things to children’s hospitals, making toys for children at Christmas), etc.
    • Ask for suggestions on how to complete theatrical “scenes” (drama therapy taps into creativity and imagination)
    • Partner the old with the young to promote inter-generational friendships
    • Involve elders in newer technology (i.e. use an iPad/Skype for long-distance communication and conversation)
    • Use Google Earth to show old haunts and talk with the person about places from their past
    • Give one another hand massages
    • Ask someone to play the piano (or an instrument of choice) for the crowd
    • Drag out old nameless and dateless family photos to see if the person can recall details – this is not a test, though.  If the person struggles in any way, just reassure and adapt the moment to creatively imagine fun stories for each picture!
    • If it is well-received, allow the elder to nurture and interact with life-like babies (open discussion about memories of being a mother)
    • Volunteer at an animal shelter, local not-for-profit or cause-related organization
    • Make puppy and kitty treats and then let the elder deliver these to animal shelters
    • Involve the person in helping you problem solve something that is baffling
    • Help the person write a letter to a family member for a special occasion

    So many great ideas!  Obviously, though, each person with dementia is different with varying capabilities.  Nothing listed above is full proof.  That’s true.  But, it’s also true that each and every one of us – with memory loss or not – benefit from the act of GIVING.  As caregivers, let’s zoom out and see what we can do to help those with dementia reap these benefits!

    - Rachel

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