Environmental Strategies Flashcards
T or F: SLP’s can recommend modification of sensory stimulation, lighting, colour, flooring, exit control, signage, dining room, acoustics and layout.
True
There are 8 different types of strategies discussed:
- memory cognitive strategies
- orientation strategies
- strategies that prevent wandering
- visuo-spatial processing
- strategies that may reduce depressive mood
- strategies that may reduce agitation
- communication strategies
- feeding strategies
List 3 memory/ cognitive strategies:
- centrally placed items
- habitually placed items
- note boards
Orientations strategies can help indicate the _____ or _______
location or time
List orientation strategies:
Location: - visually distinct entrances - signage - familiar objects Time: - clocks - calendars (remove if anxiety inducing) - view of outdoors
List 7 strategies to prevent wandering:
- increase visual appeal
- safe wandering space
- camouflage exits
- heavy doors
- non-windowed doors
- safety locks/ alarms
- clear signage
List strategies to assist visuo-spatial processing:
- lighting
- floor surfaces
- visible hand rails
- remove clutter
- adjustable furniture
- contrast items on walls
- contrast
List strategies that may reduce depressive mood:
- silent (visual) alarms at nursing stations
- increase visual/ tactile appeal of environment
- include familiar items
- reduce noise, offensive lighting, clutter
- play soft music
(make it more like home)
List strategies that may reduce agitation:
- nice views
- window treatments
- reduce noise and distractors
- reduce people present
- design for personal space
- ambient music
- minimize strong odours
- cover/ remove mirrors
- non-institutional features
- Snoezelen rooms
List some communication strategies:
- smaller tables
- place desired items centrally
- Furniture arrangement in common areas conducive to socialization
- Room/ table assignments
List some feeding strategies:
- dining area separate from rooms
- non-institutional features
- seating at tables
- lighting
- remove non-essential items from tables
- reduce food choices
- eliminate clutter
- present one food item at a time
- position closer to table
- raise height of seat
- place napkin in hand
- specialized utensils if necessary
- Contrast
How would you design your new office on the dementia ward?
- warm lighting
- decluttering the office
- make it clear it isn’t their room
What would you suggest to ease transitions from the home to nursing home?
- bring her furniture and personal items
- use a calendar to help orient her
- maintain routines from home if possible
A daughter comes to your office and says she cares for her dad at home. He is relatively mild but she wants to communicate to be more meaningful at meal time. What would you say?
- no TV, phones or other distractors
- have him help with prepping dinner if he is interested
- use a round table if possible (or short)
- colour contrast between plate and placement
- good lighting
- reducing the number of options and clutter
