Embedded Files
Who: Memory Care Residents
The Need: Many in the community love music and love dancing but don't think to or have the ability to do it on their own anymore, so this activity created a safe way to do it with staff support. Overall, as part of quality of life goals, the community leadership looks for moments for the residents to express themselves creatively; this goes along with the greater human need for autonomy.
What: Nursing staff helped me facilitate a safe dancing activity with all residents interested. We included those who could get up freely, those who could get up with support without their walkers, and the people in wheelchairs sitting down. We put on upbeat music in the front of the room and had an area cleared for the residents to get up. Although many were able to naturally dance, we also used mirroring (showing residents what to do and them following along), useful in dementia care, for residents a little less comfortable. It was a fun time. Some people just enjoyed staying in their seats clapping or watching.
UDL and SEL: The activity used UDL principles by providing multiple ways for residents to participate based on mobility and their cognitive place. Some could get up and dance independently, others were helped to get up without their walker, and others interested enjoyed wheeling around in their wheelchair. Some people clapped in their seats, sang along, were prompted to move their feet or arms, or enjoyed watching.
The activity used SEL concepts by providing opportunities for self-awareness and self-management through dance as a creative expression.
How:
Arrange chairs so there is an open area for dance.
Have some upbeat music.
Recruit as much staff as possible for safety and fostering the fun atmosphere.
Take lots of pictures.
Materials:
Music playing device.
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