Working with Nature

How quickly 2010 is underway! In the past couple weeks that have come and gone, it has been my privilege to talk with some other professionals who are also passionate toward improving the lives of those who have dementia. In discussing our various approaches toward making that happen, we all agreed that dignity and respect must be at the heart of our work.
As I continue this week to go through the products chosen to be included in the Brainy Day Activity Program, it is my hope that I can share how we tried to honor that focus.
There are so many people who enjoy nature in one way or another. When reminiscing with seniors I have heard time and again of some amazing gardens that were planted, and have discussed types of flowers, herbs, plants and trees. One gentleman loved to look through books containing pictures of butterflies because it reminded him of his butterfly collection. Other interactions have included dialogue about fishing, whales in Alaska, watching Animal Planet, times at the ocean or other bodies of water and even hiking and mountain climbing.
With dementia, those who found solace in nature can continue to experience the pleasure and comfort by engaging in activities that can still provide the satisfaction yet be made adaptable to whatever the present level of ability.
When possible, it is advantageous for a person who enjoyed walking to continue to do so. Adjusting the walk so that it may be shorter in length, or at a slower pace will help the person still benefit from the exercise while giving them the chance to enjoy the nature they love. Travel videos from the library can bring back memories of previous nature trips or voyages. Nature magazines like Birds n’ Bloom can help a person through all the bright and colorful pictures it contains. There are programs at small zoos and farms where a person can have a shorter trek and still enjoy the chance to be around animals. This is especially nice for the person who grew up on a farm. Some of those small garden kits are good as a simple answer for chance to work in soil. I believe that TV is not always the best solution for engaging a person with dementia, although there are animal, nature and travel programs that can be worthwhile especially if they are shared with the individual.
In the Brainy Day Activity Program, the answer to meeting some needs of those who like nature came through a butterfly and flower activity product. They are bright and wooden and they can be connected to allow for a creative outlet. Depending upon the degree of dementia, the activity can be adapted for sorting, color matching, counting, reminiscing and creating patterns. Because they are so colorful, most adults are attracted to them immediately.
Nature activities are another way to detour dementia. Sometimes just sharing a sunrise or sunset while sitting by a window, or having the person have the responsibility to fill bird feeders so you can watch the birds together is a way to create moments of togetherness. When teaching ways to communicate and interact when a person has diminishing cognition due to dementia, we advise using the senses as a source of cueing. Nature is an excellent sensory activity. If the person you are trying to stimulate used to enjoy nature in one way or another it is worth giving it a try. Mary Ann