Group and Individual Work with Older People: A Practical Guide to Running Successful Activity-based Programmes

Author(s): Chia Swee Hong

Palliative Care

Being active is fundamental to a person's sense of physical and mental wellbeing, and the need to engage in purposeful and meaningful activity does not diminish with age. However, common effects of ageing, such as reduced vision and hearing, arthritis, dementia, and in some cases social isolation, can affect an older person's ability to participate in therapeutic and recreational activities. Introducing the concept of PIE (Planning, Implementation and Evaluation), this practical resource will enable professionals working with older people to initiate and run successful activitybased programmes with their clients, either individually or in groups. The authors guide the reader through the processes of group and individual work, and provide step-by-step instructions for a range of activities, including arts and crafts, music, drama, movement, relaxation, reminiscence, and day-today tasks such as taking care of personal hygiene and preparing food and drinks. The book also describes the importance of assessing and evaluating activity-based work, with examples of completed evaluation and assessment forms.
Useful case studies and self-reflective activities for the facilitator are included throughout. This book will be an invaluable for occupational therapists, creative arts therapists, health and social care practitioners and all other professionals working with older people.


Product Information

Clear and concise explanation of the fundamental processes of individual and group work Exercises throughout encourage the reader to reflect on their own practice Case studies are used to illustrate points and to provide examples of good practice

Swee Hong Chia is a lecturer in Occupational Therapy at the University of East Anglia, UK. He has extensive experience of teaching the theoretical aspects of groups and using groups to maintain or facilitate change with people of all ages who have developmental disabilities and cognitive difficulties. Julie Heathcote is an Alzheimer's Society Approved trainer for reminiscence work. She has extensive practical experience of working with groups of older people and of training carers, support workers and volunteers to use these approaches when working with older people individually and in groups. Jane Marie Hibberd is a lecturer in Occupational Therapy at the University of East Anglia, UK. She specialises in working with older people, and has experience of using groups in a therapeutic context with this client group. Jane also facilitated the Activity Coordinators Networking Group in Cambridge, UK.

Introduction.; 1. Quality of Life in Older Age.; 2. Group and Individual Work.; 3. Communicating with Older People.; 4. The Importance of Using Assessment when Working with Older People.; 5. Task Analysis: Working Step by Step.; 6. Initiating and Creating a Group.; 7. How to Facilitate Art and Craft Activities with Groups and Individuals.; 8. How to Facilitate Music and Drama Activities with Groups and Individuals.; 9. How to Facilitate Movement and Relaxation with Groups and Individuals.; 10. How to Facilitate Reminiscing with Groups and Individuals.; 11. How to Facilitate Life Skills Using Group and Individual Work within a Supported Living Session.; 12. How to Facilitate Cognitive Based Activities for Stimulation with Groups and Individuals.; 13. How to Facilitate a Carer Support Group.; 14. The Importance of Evaluating Work with Older People. References. Index.

General Fields

  • : 9781849051286
  • : Jessica Kingsley Publishers
  • : Jessica Kingsley Publishers
  • : 15 July 2011
  • : United Kingdom
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : Chia Swee Hong
  • : Paperback
  • : 362.6068
  • : 208
  • : 15 line drawings