The Memory Unit OT

Believe it or not, I’ve evaluated and treated individuals with dementia with goal of promoting new learning. There is actually evidence that suggests that new learning can occur in individuals with mild to moderate dementia/memory impairment with 100 correct repetitions of a task. One Hundred.

I’ve actually used this technique with some of the residents I’ve treated in the SNF setting. It worked the best when teaching resident how to get to and from her room when her room was relocated within the facility. We practiced walking from her, to the dining room, and back one hundred times over the course of about a week or two. The nurses all thought I was crazy, but this strategy fully worked. By time of discharge from OT services, my resident could get herself back to her room after meals without staff assistance.