OccupationalTherapy.com Phone: 866-782-9924


Cognitively Appropriate Activities in Long Term Care

Shelly Mesure, M.S., OTR/L

May 20, 2013

Question

Can you give an example of a cognitively appropriate activity in a LTC facility?

Answer

I like to use an assessment tool like the ACLS (Allen Cognitive Level Screen) to get a baseline of the resident's cognition.  I then take a history on prior roles, ADL task performance and leisure interests.  For example, I had a resident who did accounting and clerical work.  He had severely impaired cognition, but he was able to attend to simple tasks like sorting papers by color.  By simplifying tasks to meet the client's level, you can maximize their functional performance 


shelly mesure

Shelly Mesure, M.S., OTR/L

Shelly A Mesure, MS, OTR/L, is a nationally recognized industry expert and speaker specializing in training and seminars throughout the United States on translating government regulations to everyday clinical practice. She is also the SVP of Orchestrall Rehab Solutions providing on and off-site consulting services throughout the US and China. She has authored the blog, Rehab Realities, through McKnights.com; has developed continuing education webinars, six-hour live seminars, and various workshops and educational programs. In 2011, Ms. Mesure was featured in News-Line for Occupational Therapy for her efforts in continuing education and consulting work. Ms. Mesure received a BS in Rehabilitation Services with a minor in Gerontology from The Pennsylvania State University and an MS in Occupational Therapy from Rush University in Chicago.


Related Courses

Mental Health In Aging Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities: Insights And Strategies
Presented by Christina Marsack-Topolewski, PhD, LMSW
Video

Presenter

Christina Marsack-Topolewski, PhD, LMSW
Course: #6671Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'The content in this course was very informative and interesting'   Read Reviews
Many adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) have an increased propensity to experience mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Common mental health challenges faced by this population and the complexity of IDD are discussed in this course.

Cognitive Interventions In The Home: A Practical Approach For OT Professionals
Presented by Krista Covell-Pierson, OTR/L, BCB-PMD
Video

Presenter

Krista Covell-Pierson, OTR/L, BCB-PMD
Course: #5963Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'Informative'   Read Reviews
Becoming skilled in addressing cognition serves practitioners in all settings as it may be the key to patients reaching their maximum level of performance. This course aims to elevate OT practitioners' skillsets when working with patients with cognitive impairments.

Motor Planning: The Impact On Communication And Beyond
Presented by Joleen R. Fernald, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, Lyn Bennett, OTR/L
Video

Presenters

Joleen R. Fernald, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CLLyn Bennett, OTR/L
Course: #9548Level: Intermediate4 Hours
  'good presentation'   Read Reviews
Master skills to implement in your practice immediately with continued Master Class. This four-hour course will describe the components of motor planning and the areas of impact. Assessment, how to support clients with motor planning challenges, and strategies for discussing praxis with caregivers are also addressed.

Dementia Diaries: Understanding the Types of Dementia
Presented by Amber B. Heape, ClinScD, CCC-SLP, CDP, CMDCP
Text

Presenter

Amber B. Heape, ClinScD, CCC-SLP, CDP, CMDCP
Course: #5200Level: Intermediate1.5 Hours
  'current and relevant'   Read Reviews
This course will provide a comprehensive review of the most common types of dementia, including definitive diagnosis characteristics and prognosis. Reversible and irreversible dementias will be discussed, as well as progressive and non-progressive types.

Occupational Therapists Effectively Training Caregivers: Effective Communication And Care For Persons Living With Dementia
Presented by Tammy Jurkins, OTR/L, CDP, CADDCT, CMDCP
Video

Presenter

Tammy Jurkins, OTR/L, CDP, CADDCT, CMDCP
Course: #5712Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'Very informative'   Read Reviews
Education to effectively train families and caregivers to communicate with and care for people challenged with dementia will be provided in this course. The focus is on understanding the abilities and challenges of the dementia patient as well as the challenges of the family and caregivers.