There are many approaches that can provide help in addressing individuals with Alzheimer's disease. One approach is therapeutic motion. It is here that the Whisper GLIDETM Swing is an outstanding tool for providing opportunities for wellness. Stimulation provided by motion can often enhance overall sense of wellbeing.
Swing is an outstanding tool for providing opportunities for wellness. Stimulation provided by motion can often enhance overall sense of wellbeing.
"...an outstanding tool for providing opportunities for wellness"
- Carly Hellen |
There are numerous benefits or possible outcomes that can result from swinging. For instance, this activity offers an opportunity to interact with others, and may cause an increased level of alertness, and/or longer attention span.
Incorporating Whisper GLIDE swing activity into a resident's plan of care involves individualized, basic considerations, such as outlined below.
- Assessment of resident's strengths and abilities, and evaluation of overall mood and perceived interest related to safe and enjoyable participation.
- Identification of safety factors such as kind and amount of assistance needed, including visual monitoring.
- Consideration of care challenges that may be addressed by therapeutic motion, such as anxiety, restlessness, and agitation.
- Development of a reasonable goal and/or desired outcome that can be measured. Examples include length of time on the swing, desired period of alertness and calmness, and desired social responses.
You should always follow proper swing use, which includes staying seated while the swing is in motion and ensuring that the lock-up is deployed while entering and exiting.
The benefits of therapeutic motion or rocking motion have been observed for years. Thus, the motion of swinging can provide calming moments for adults, and for many an enjoyable experience.
This article is an excerpt of Therapeutic Motion for Alzheimer's Care - a guide available from Whisper GLIDE Swing Co.
This article was written by Carly R. Hellen, OTR/L. She is a nationally recognized trainer, speaker, and author of the book Alzheimer's Disease: Activity Focused Care.
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