NAPA runs an NCFE distance learning course – Intermediate Certificate in Provision of Activities in a Care Setting – and also offers open and in-house courses on a range of topics, including massage and seated exercise. Other further education colleges also offer the NCFE course.

Pool Activity Level (PAL) instrument for occupational profiling. a The Pool Activity Level (PAL) instrument for occupational

Membership of NAPA also offers valuable discounts on activity products from some key catalogues. Getting involved with NAPA can offer anyone with an interest in improving activities the support, encouragement and training they need to keep going. Roe, P. (1998) Let’s talk, Milton Keynes: Speechmark. This includes discussion and prompt cards for use by groups in a range of settings.

A programme approach

Pool, J. (2007) The Pool Activity Level (PAL) Instrument for occupational profiling: a practical resource for carers of people with dementia (3rd edition), London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Activity resources and approaches for dementia - SCIE Activity resources and approaches for dementia - SCIE

Is aware of appropriate interaction, can chat coherently and is able to use complex language skills. Practitioners can learn to provide CST for people with dementia by following the CST manual by Spector et al (2006) or attending CST training (see www.cstdementia.com). An emphasis on philosophy While individuals may have different views on the use of dolls and children’s toys with people with dementia, it is now widely recognised that dolls can offer a very powerful therapeutic benefit if used at the right time and in the right way. Some depend on using a particular practical resource, some emphasise skilful assessment before planning activities. Others promote a programme, philosophy or therapeutic intervention. The CLIPPER assessment tool was developed by Jennie Powell (2007). It considers 41 activities that could occur during a typical day. Caregivers note which activities occur, how often, and how the person seems to feel about each activity.

The Spark of Life Club is an approach developed in Australia which is designed to improve the social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of people with dementia. The National Association for Providers of Activities for Older People (NAPA) is a membership charity that promotes the importance of activity for all older people. It offers members regular bulletins full of practical activity ideas including quizzes, discussion topics and art activities. Hilary Woodhead, Executive Director of NAPA (The National Activity Providers Association) The QCS Pool Activity Level (PAL) Instrument is the foundation of activity and engagement. This essential resource is a 'must have' for Activity Providers. The Instrument gives us a framework and practical toolkit for person centred practice, and something we have needed for a very long time; the PAL Engagement Measure. I am excited to see the difference it will make to the practice of Activity Providers, and ultimately, the wellbeing of people living with dementia. More interested in the making or doing than the end result, needs prompting to remember purpose, can get distracted.

Explaining the Pool Activity Level (PAL) Instrument - Rompa Blog Explaining the Pool Activity Level (PAL) Instrument - Rompa Blog

The focus of the approach is on providing meaningful activities that don’t have to be structured but do need to stimulate the senses, encourage participation, boost self-esteem and fulfil one or all of the five universal emotional needs. Assessment toolsMay grip the paper if it is placed in the hand but may not be able to release the grip; or may not take hold of the paper. Aware of others in the group and will work alongside others although tends to focus on own activity. Body language may be inappropriate and may not always be coherent, but can use simple language skills. Dementia is a growing challenge. It is estimated that by 2025, the number of people with dementia in the UK will be more than 1 million. As one of the most important health and social care issues facing the world, continuous post-diagnostic care and support are vital.

Pool Activity Level instrument to support meaningful (PDF) Using the Pool Activity Level instrument to support

However, it is not uncommon to find relatives, other older people, managers and staff members resistant to the idea of using dolls, because they think it seems patronising or demeaning in some way for the person, or they are worried about outside visitors’ reactions. The PAL Instrument uses a strengths-based approach, opposed to where we only focus on the difficulties people with dementia might have and disable them. It contains a valid and reliable assessment tool for assessing the overall level of individual cognitive and functional ability. A PAL Guide that describes how to support the person at that level of ability is produced from the completed assessment. The PAL Instrument is a widely used framework in care settings across the UK and around the world.

An emphasis on philosophy

A number of different approaches within dementia care offer helpful ways to develop meaningful activity and improve quality of life for people with dementia. National Association for Providers of Activities for Older People. ‘Activity allsorts’ (includes 101 things to do). London: NAPA.