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We also use nondrug therapies to help each resident express his or her needs despite cognitive impairment. By doing this, we can sometimes reduce or even avoid agitation and inappropriate behaviors.
A typical activity in our music therapy group is a sing-along of old familiar songs. Since memory of these songs is stored in a different part of the brain from short-term memory, many of our cognitively impaired residents can participate successfully in this activity. That can be a big boost to self-esteem.
Art therapy helps our residents express feelings they are hesitant or unable to talk about. Having access to this nonverbal means of self-expression can have a calming effect on agitated residents.
Dance therapy is another means of nonverbal self-expression we use to improve mobility and even cardiovascular health in some residents.
Pet therapy is one of the most popular activities, and for good reason. Sometimes a resident who will speak to no one else will speak to an animal. Pet therapy may offer the only opportunity for a person who is moderately or severely cognitively impaired to nurture another living creature. This is tremendously important for morale. Just the simple act of stroking or petting an animal can have a calming effect.
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