Text size: a | a | a

Provision of therapeutic activity and respect for individuality

 

Key message

Assessment wards for older people must provide opportunities for stimulation through physical and therapeutic activities in and outside the ward which suit the individual's needs preferences and capacities. The main considerations when selecting and providing activities are knowing the person and matching the activity to the person's level of ability and interests.

During these visits we considered the activity culture of wards and the extent of  participation in activities care planning.

Actions needed

  • All assessment wards for older people must provide a range of activities that enable people to maintain independent living skills, social engagement and purposeful activity.
  • All older people in assessment wards must have support to access indoor and outdoor recreational space.
  • Staff should receive appropriate training about person centred care, communication skills and the selection and provision of appropriate activities for older people.
  • There should be sufficient financial and other resources, such as equipment, materials, training and facilities, and effective use of the available environment and local community to provide a range of activities.
  • Biographical information about the individual must be recorded and kept up to date to inform the care plan and activity provision.
  • The individual's activity preferences, interests and abilities must be regularly reviewed, and outcomes and satisfaction recorded in the care plan and evident in practice.
  • Care planning should be person centred, use a range of therapeutic interventions and reflect changes in physical and mental health.
  • Care plans should be regularly audited to ensure that preferences, interests and abilities are assessed, monitored and reviewed.