4 Language Swaps to Make Starting a Therapy Session Easier on The Memory Unit

Who’s been there? You’re about to start a session with a Resident on The Memory Unit. You say “It’s time for therapy”, but you’re Resident is not interested.

“I don’t need therapy”

“I don’t want to exercise”

“No, I’m not doing that today”

Sometimes the phrase “it’s time for therapy” just doesn’t fly with individuals living with dementia. Whether it’s because they don’t understand why they’re on program, they don’t recognize you, or because they just don’t want to do it, WE have to be the ones to modify what we’re doing in order to maximize their success.

These simple language swaps can help your Patients and Residents transition into an activity with you, and from there you’ll have greater opportunity to shift directly into your full session plan.

1. Offer Something you Know they Enjoy. This might be getting a cup of coffee, playing a game, listening to music. Start the session off with a take that is meaningful to the Resident. And remember that any of these activities can be turned into a full therapeutic task with a little Activity Analysis.

2. Offer to Go to a Preferred Room or Space. Some Residents have that one spot on the unit or in the building that they just love. IT might be their own room, the activity room, even a certain sunny window. Transitioning to a place of comfort (or avoiding moving to a new location if they’re already in that favorite spot) can put your Residents at ease and help them to feel safe during the transition into a therapy session.

3. Initiate a Gross Motor Task. Sometimes all we have to say is “Let’s take a walk”. The unfortunate reality of Skilled Nursing Facilities and Nursing Homes is there are not a lot of opportunities for walking and gross motor movement. Which makes offering a walk (or even a ride around the facility in a wheelchair) can feel really exciting and comforting.

4. Make Your Resident Feel Needed and Essential. Dementia doesn’t quickly take away the deep human desire to feel needed and wanted. So when we approach someone living with dementia by saying “I need your help with something”, they often feel motivated to help (in whatever capacity they can).

Have you used these language swaps? Or any others that work really well for you? I’d love to know what works for you!