What is Activity-based Care?

Activities serve as a life source for many. It’s what keeps us going, as it comes in as a distraction, a piece of happiness and purpose. Although we may have work, school and other required things-to-do, getting involved in activities that we actually enjoy helps to boost our physical and mental wellness. As such, activity-based care is being explored more and more often by various care providers, particularly for aged care. 

Patients and residents alike do need to stay engaged although they may be ill or residing in an aged care facility. Activities have proven to provide a sense of being for us as human beings and they allow patients to feel independent and useful. Moreover, being left with nothing to do for an extended period can cause the patients or residents to experience a rapid decline, especially in mental health. Activity-based care is being explored and encouraged by the government in many countries, including Australia, as part of the country’s healthcare reform. 

The word activity is used to describe an action or an act of participation in something that is basic to life. Although this is not a new concept, activity-based care seems to be on the tongue of all healthcare facets. It involves incorporating activities in the care plan for patients and elderly residents as an integral part of their everyday life. Activity-based care can be as simple as encouraging and allowing the patient to fluff their own pillows, brush their hair or try to fold their blanket. 

Activities help establish fulfilment for individuals and aid with developing their identities. Engaging in meaningful activity-based care can help to strengthen one’s beliefs, skills, and interests while one recover or adjust to a new environment. This is particularly helpful for the elderly who have been recently relocated to an age care faculty. Being able to engage in activities they like helps them to settle in faster and much easier, especially for persons who have cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Benefits of Activity-based Care

Activity-based care can benefit patients, residents, care providers, loved ones and other stakeholders. Here are some of the benefits that activity-based care has to offer:

• Alleviates boredom and depression
• Makes patients and residents feel useful
• Provides a sense of purpose and pride
• Helps to establish structure and security
• Instils a sense of belonging 
• Gives a sense of control
• Helps to stimulate cognitive and musculoskeletal function
• Boosts interaction
• Strengthens and maintains relationships and connections with others.