In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss what to do when a person living with dementia seems to have very limited interests, such as watching TV or being focused on food. We’ll talk about why someone with dementia may gravitate toward familiar, passive, or immediately rewarding activities, how to determine whether limited interests are actually a concern, and ways caregivers can gently support engagement without trying to force activities or change who the person is.
This episode will cover:
— When limited interests may or may not be a concern
— Why TV and food can become go-to interests for someone with dementia
— How dementia can affect motivation, initiation, and access to activities
— Using existing interests as a starting point for engagement
— Looking at the type of TV content someone enjoys for clues to other interests
— Bringing more meaning and connection into an interest in food
— How to uncover interests that may no longer be obvious
Using interest checklists to explore past hobbies and activities
— Supporting participation without forcing activities or filling every hour of the day
MENTIONED IN EPISODE:
Episode 144 | You Don’t Need to Entertain Someone with Dementia 24/7
INTEREST CHECKLISTS:
**Often used in occupational and recreational therapy, these checklists can also be used for general guidance at your own discretion.
Lingraphica Interest Checklist (Pictures) | https://devices.lingraphica.com/hubfs/Downloadable_Content/InterestInventory_Feb2021.pdf
Adapted Interest Checklist (Pictures) | https://proceduresonline.com/trixcms/media/1209/interestchecklisteasyreadversionv11-2.pdf
Interest Checklist | https://www.socialrecoverytherapy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/SRT-Interest-Checklist.pdf
CONNECT, GET RESOURCES, LEARN MORE, + SIMPLIFY YOUR CARE JOURNEY:
LinkTree | https://www.letsbambu.com/b/linktree
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