Cognitive Activities
Many individuals who reside in a long term care facility are cognitively active people who simply need help with cares and safe living. It is imperative that activities be provided that will stimulate their brains, exercise their thinking and problem solving abilities, and provide enjoyable entertainment. The brain is a muscle that will deteriorate without use so it is vitally important that we provide daily workouts.
The best setting for these activities is a large round table, giving everyone the ability to see and hear everyone else. It is best if this table is in a room that can be closed to reduce noise and distractions.
When assembling a group of individuals for a cognitive activity, keep in mid that participants should be somewhat equal in ability. This may only be determined by practice as some quiet and withdrawn people are quite knowledgeable and enjoy the game setting, while others you assume to be appropriate for the setting, display confusion and lack of recall. Provide adequate opportunity for each participant to respond to questions. This is done by turn-taking. Do not rush the answers as it can be difficult for some to form the words or retrieve them quickly. If time is too long, provide a clue, such as the first sound of a letter. If that still doesn’t work, ask the group for help. All these activities should be fun, filled with energy, sharing and laughter, and can easily fill 45 minutes to an hour.