INTRODUCTION
People with dementia sometimes seem to behave in an aggressive or agitated manner. This behavior is usually not intentional. Residents with dementia often act out of boredom. Activity professionals who recognize when residents are exhibiting negative behaviors and are able to redirect residents into stimulating activities often can head-off negative behavior before it interferes with other residents. This activity addresses the subject of diversional therapy and how to implement it into your activities program.

Content level: Intermediate

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this activity, the participant should be able to:

• define and describe types of dementia commonly seen in the geriatric population. 3. describe the role of diversional therapy in the long term care environment.
• identify four diversional strategies useful in treating boredom in residents with dementia.
• describe how knowing a resident’s personal and work experience can help better create diversional activities for the resident.
• recommend diversional strategies for residents exhibiting boredom-related behavior such as wandering, crying, yelling, or disruptiveness.