What do you do to keep an alzheimer patient busy? One solution used by fine nursing homes is the Activity Companion, by Jaemond Design. The Activity Companion is a base cover,made from a textile fabric, and is secured to an over bed or day table by four velcro straps. Fits tables 34 by 16 inches or slightly smaller. The cover consists of a range of tactile activities for patients to perform. The tasks include opening and closing zippers,brushing and plaiting wool,opening and closing pockets, doing up belts and tying ribbons. You can personalize each companion by placing personal belongings, photographs, or interesting objects in the pockets. Springtime, an Activity Companion designed for women, is made of cotton for easy laundering, and has soft pastel colors that appeal to the ladies. Activity Companions really work...here's what some users have found: "Regarding the Activity Companion, We have conducted a trial of the Activity Companion by Jaemond Design and found it to have a calming effect on residents of our nursing home who are suffering from dementing illnesses" ---Michael Heckenberg,Director of Nursing, The Ritz Nursing Home, Leura, NSW,Australia. Jakki Cartwright,Deputy Director of Nursing, Buckland Convalescent Hospital, Springwood,NSW,Australia, says:"Restless and/or agitated behavior in a resident with a dementing illness is a difficult problem for health care workers of residential aged care facilities to address. A tactile diversion to alternative activities destimulates this behavior by replacing it with a calmer activity. The Activity Companion has proved successful in achieving this outcome,with residents of this facility by reducing both boredom and agitation." |