Group Activities with Older Adults

This clear and easy-to-use resource provides the tools you require to develop and implement a range of activities that meet the needs of your group. Structured around the ten areas of activity need – cognitive, creative, cultural, educational/employment, emotional, physical, self-esteem, sensory, social and spiritual – this book is a resource of activity ideas with hints, tips and suggestions for successful planning and delivery, and guidance on recording and evaluating activity programmes. It explores some of the adaptations required to meet the needs of younger clients, those with dementia, and those with communication difficulties. It is an ideal resource for anyone working with elderly people wanting to improve on an existing activity programme, or wishing to commence one.

Contents:

• Making Group Activities Work
• The Benefits of Groups
• Ensuring Group Effectiveness
• Planning a Programme
• Meeting the Needs of Different Client Groups
• Evaluation and Documentation
• Group Activities
• The Ten Areas of Need Approach
• Physical Activities
• Cognitive Activities
• Creative Activities
• Social Activities
• Sensory Activities
• Esteem Activities
• Spiritual Activities
• Cultural Activities
• Activities to Meet Emotional Needs
• Educational and Employment Activities

“An excellent practice manual which provides insight into the benefits of groups, ensuring group effectiveness and meeting the needs of different client groups I would like to recommend this book to all activity organisers and occupational therapists concerned with older adults.” — Anne Squire, Senior Lecturer, Quality in Ageing

“The luxury of having a dedicated Creative Therapist rarely exists, but this book gives the necessary guidance for nurses or care staff to offer organised activities that older people will enjoy and find stimulating.” — Yvonne Awenat, Consultant Nurse, Journal of Community Nursing

“It starts with good background information on group dynamics… this is a really comprehensive resource book and it would be marvellous if more wards and care homes were encouraged to introduce an activity programme for residents… extremely good value for money.” — Journal of Community Nursing

“The book is a clear and easy to read resource, as well as being user friendly… This is a must for activity organizers and care staff working within the care home setting.” — Nursing & Residential Care

“Dent starts with a brief but clear explanation of the importance of group work with older people, and the factors which promote effectiveness. This is a substantial and accessible resource, well worth commending.” — www.careandhealth.com

“This book provides the tools needed to develop and implement a range of activities.” — Age Concern

“This is a valuable tool for use by Activity Organisers…the author writes with a wealth of experience.” — NAPA