1st Edition
Activity & Reminiscence Handbook Hundreds of Ideas in 52 Weekly Sessions
This comprehensive guide provides a bumper book of original resource material for reminiscence and activities with older people for a whole year! Containing 52 sections of ideas and resource materials for each week of the year, this is an invaluable resource for activity organisers and group leaders in residential, day care and hospitals, and for anyone working with older people. There is a theme for each week, eg. Animals and pets, with corresponding ideas for social events, reminiscence, exercises and games, quizzes, art and crafts, as well as 'this week in history', good ideas', 'discussion topics', 'homework' and the option to personalise the week by recording local anniversaries and events alongside personal landmarks and details. The ideas are easy to use and are relevant for both groups and individuals, including those with mental health and cognitive problems. Some activities require some physical effort, others mental effort, but they are all adaptable to be fun and achievable. This book also includes an introduction to the nature and value of reminiscence and activities, and guidelines on 'how to do it'. Written by the author of "Groupwork Activities", this comprehensive resource provides hundreds of activity and reminiscence ideas - a fantastic resource.
Biography
Born in Louth, Lincolnshire Danny Walsh trained as a mental health nurse in 1982/5. After working in acute mental health for several years he soon developed a passion for working with older adults with mental health problems and their carers. This interest grew alongside an increasing awareness of the needs of this group and the lack of resources the group attracted when compared to services for younger adults. Danny developed a particular interest in the use of activity and groupwork and was soon running groups and activity sessions on a regular basis. He was then lucky enough to run a day hospital for several years during which many of these group work skills and activities were tried and tested. Moving into nurse education in 1997 was a big departure but one which enabled him to have an influence over older adults nursing practice via curriculum development and specialising in older adults mental health to a deeper level. He works closely with many dementia care nursing homes and NHS facilities in supporting practice and students on placement. Working with both functionally ill and cognitively impaired older people has been and continues to be a real priviledge for Danny.
