100 Ideas for a Creative Approach to Activities in Dementia Care

Sarah Zoutewelle-Morris’s book is a must-have for anyone interested in successfully entering the world of individuals with memory loss. Whatever you are trying to do or bring will be supported and greatly enhanced by her approaches. This book is not just for Recreational and Activity staff and Artists of all types, but also guidance for Clergy, Therapists, Medical and Care staff, Volunteers and family members. Many activity books jump quickly to what to “DO” with people, covering “how to be” as somewhat of an afterthought. Sarah spends solid time on this topic. She allows the reader to explore the spaces and opportunities of how to “BE” with someone with dementia, what this means and how impactful it is to everyone involved. The author patiently nurtures creativity, spontaneity and letting go of perfection while focusing on staying Present, and spends time on what is meaningful and unique about each person with or without an illness, and how to find ways to draw on these important elements in a person’s life. Sarah understands the challenging care situations with a small group representing very different skills and stages, or feeling lost with a particular stage of this disease. She provides wonderful tips to the reader about all the stages, including end-of-life, and guidance regarding feeling lost. This book provides many practical points for this work with great details and resources. Sarah is also broad and inspiring, bringing a full depth of understanding to all the nuances, joys and heartwarming moments. There are many subtle yet important things someone new to this field must learn; she conveys all these insights with ease. Sarah Zoutewelle-Morris presents such a humane, delightful and kind approach with great ideas and resources for activities and work with individuals with memory loss. Wherever I consult, this book will be on the top of the recommendation list. —Megan Carnarius, Memory Care Consulting and author of A Deeper Perspective on Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
"At last a book for those hungry for creative activity ideas for people living with dementia and particularly those with advanced dementia! It is practical, inspiring and has a good mix of simple everyday things to do as well as more structured arts-based activities." -Sylvie Silver and Sally Knocker, National Association of Providers of Activities for Older People
"I feel this book should be essential reading for all those involved in dementia care. This is not only because Sarah inspires so much confidence in the reader to try new ideas, but also because she positively encourages a creative approach to communication and activity design. The book is well thought out and well planned with delightful illustrations, and full of practical ideas which will meet the needs of people in various stages of dementia. A long-awaited book - definitely to be recommended." -Barbara Hughes, Activities Organiser, Chalfont Lodge, Buckinghamshire (Barchester Healthcare)