Keeping Busy: A Handbook of Activities for Persons with Dementia [Paperback]

James R. Dowling (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1995

Although very little can be done to alter the course of dementia, much can be done to maximize the quality of life of people with the condition. Research as well as practical experience suggest that behavior management, especially through programs that provide meaningful and constructive activity, is currently the most effective treatment.

In Keeping Busy, James Dowling describes a variety of activities designed to bring meaning and enjoyment to the lives of persons with dementia. The activities are organized by general categories such as music, exercise, horticulture, pets, humor, and social events. The largest section deals with communication and includes word games that help people strengthen their remaining verbal skills. The description of each activity includes step-by-step instructions, as well as tips on how to adapt it for small or large groups, for individuals at home or in an organization, or people who are bedridden.

Editorial Reviews

Review

James Dowling's important goal in Keeping Busy is to provide hands-on information for truly therapeutic activities for persons with dementia. He has succeeded brilliantly and made a substantial contribution to the field. Dowling describes a series of activities designed to reduce problem behaviors and give meaning to life. They do not require expensive gadgets, elaborate preparation, or special training. Here is a sound theory, genuine compassion for impaired people, and a wonderful sense of the joy of life.

(Nancy Mace, author of The 36-Hour Day )

While little can be done for the disease of dementia itself, much can be done to help direct the quality of life of the persons with the disease, and Keeping Busy succeeds in providing ideas for improving the quality of life for the Alzheimer patient.

(American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease )

Provides detailed information about programming activities and developing an atmosphere that is responsive to patients with dementia. Topics include exercise, horticulture, communication, pets, humor, social events, and music. Each description include the rationale for the activity and some of the trial and error involved in developing the activity. Colorful anecdotes enliven the text and illustrate both successes and limitations.

(Connections from the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center )

A practical, compassionate book that offers a variety of activities for people with dementia that can help improve their quality of life... The books closes with an appendix of 'good catalogs' that offer resources for caregivers of people with cognitive impairments or dementia.

(OT Week )

Review

"James Dowling's important goal in Keeping Busy is to provide hands-on information for truly therapeutic activities for persons with dementia. He has succeeded brilliantly and made a substantial contribution to the field. Dowling describes a series of activities designed to reduce problem behaviors and give meaning to life. They do not require expensive gadgets, elaborate preparation, or special training. Here is a sound theory, genuine compassion for impaired people, and a wonderful sense of the joy of life." -- Nancy Mace, author of The 36-Hour Day

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press; 1 edition (May 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801850592
• ISBN-13: 978-0801850592
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #91,919 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #17 in Books > Medical Books > Nursing > Gerontology
  • #57 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Disorders & Diseases > Nervous System
  • #92 in Books > Medical Books > Allied Health Professions > Occupational Therapy

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

89 of 90 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not a helpful book for family caregivers, September 7, 2001

By 

Anna Keller (California United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Keeping Busy: A Handbook of Activities for Persons with Dementia (Paperback)

It would have been useful to know, before purchasing this book, that most of the activities it describes are for use in group settings. As caregiver for a family member with dementia, I was hoping to find more material suited to one-on-one situations. While some of the activities can be adapted to the needs of individuals, the book as a whole doesn't provide much help for those living with a person who suffers from dementia.
It's unfortunate that the book's title doesn't make this clear.

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Dementia Dilemma, August 26, 2000

By 

"goldcoastreviews" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Keeping Busy: A Handbook of Activities for Persons with Dementia (Paperback)

Look up dementia in the dictionary: from the Latin; out from the mind, severe mental deficiency or impairment. This can include anything from alzheimer patients to manic-depressives even obsessive-compulsion disorders. There is alot of that going around lately.

This activity book attempts to help those in need of finding positive outlets for frustrated energies. A place for a person to remember the good things, let the little things go and strive to move foreward.

Lacking was an effective way to work with these type of people. Just listing an activity, such as making a photo album, or writing a journal, still does not cover the enormous amount of patience one must have to direct one of dementia. Most of them are disabled and or retired and need therapy. This workbook alone could not do the trick. It might be of some help to people who must live around the demented. Thus 3 stars, thanks--CDS

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not helpful if you're looking for practical activity ideas, July 3, 2004

By 

Christine V. Smith OTR/L, Xavier University... (Toledo Ohio area) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Keeping Busy: A Handbook of Activities for Persons with Dementia (Paperback)

I'm an occupational therapist looking for specific ideas for activities that will interest dementia patients who can't participate in bingo and the other activities offered by a poorly run activities program in a typical nursing home. The dementia unit described in this book sounds wonderful, but not easily found in a long term care setting. Once again, I've found a book with great ideas that are impossible to carry out in the real world of long term care.