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The QCS Pool Activity Level (PAL) Instrument is widely used as the framework for providing activity-based care for people with cognitive impairments, including dementia. The Instrument was recommended for daily living skills training and activity planning in the National Institute for Clinical Excellence Clinical Guidelines for Dementia (NICE 2006). It is an essential resource for any practitioner or carer wanting to provide fulfilling occupation for clients with cognitive impairments. While individuals may have different views on the use of dolls and children’s toys with people with dementia, it is now widely recognised that dolls can offer a very powerful therapeutic benefit if used at the right time and in the right way. Plans to use and looks for objects that are not visible; may struggle if objects are not in usual/familiar places (eg. toiletries in a bathroom cupboard). Hurtley, R. and Wenborn, J. (2005) The successful activity co-ordinator: A learning resource for activity and care staff engaged in developing an active care home, London: Age Concern Books. The CLIPPER assessment tool was developed by Jennie Powell (2007). It considers 41 activities that could occur during a typical day. Caregivers note which activities occur, how often, and how the person seems to feel about each activity.
Pool Activity Level (PAL) Checklist - QCS Pool Activity Level (PAL) Checklist - QCS
To be successful, an activity has to match the personal interests of an individual and be pitched at the ‘just right’ level of challenge: too easy and it may be boring, too difficult and it will be frustrating. If in doubt about which statement to select, choose the level of ability that represents their average performance over the last 2 weeks. Activities need to be broken down and presented one step at a time, multisensory stimulation can help hold the attention. Membership of NAPA also offers valuable discounts on activity products from some key catalogues. Getting involved with NAPA can offer anyone with an interest in improving activities the support, encouragement and training they need to keep going.
A programme approach
At the end of this feature, you can see a list of companies and organisations that produce catalogues of products and resources that could inspire you. From time to time we invite charities, carers and those in care professions to contribute to our blog to provide an insight into what they do and how we work together to improve people's lives.
Pool Activity Level (PAL) Instrument for Occupational - UK The QCS Pool Activity Level (PAL) Instrument for Occupational
National Association for Providers of Activities for Older People. ‘Activity allsorts’ (includes 101 things to do). London: NAPA. Spector, A., Thorgrimsen, L., Woods, B. and Orrell, M. (2006) Making a difference: An evidence-based group programme to offer cognitive stimulation therapy to people with dementia, London: Hawker.Hilary Woodhead, Executive Director of NAPA (The National Activity Providers Association) The QCS Pool Activity Level (PAL) Instrument is the foundation of activity and engagement. This essential resource is a 'must have' for Activity Providers. The Instrument gives us a framework and practical toolkit for person centred practice, and something we have needed for a very long time; the PAL Engagement Measure. I am excited to see the difference it will make to the practice of Activity Providers, and ultimately, the wellbeing of people living with dementia. The Dementia Centre is a resource hub of evidence-based tools and content offering guidance on HOW to deliver great dementia care and evidencing excellence through visible staff actions and impact on service user wellbeing. This provides a unique profile of an individual’s likes and dislikes. A care plan can then be carefully tailored to create the best possible quality of life for that individual. CLIPPER is published within Jennie Powell’s 2007 book, Care to communicate (see ‘Further reading and resources’ below). A programme approach
pool activity level (PAL) instrument for occupational profiling: a The pool activity level (PAL) instrument for occupational
Aware of others in the group and will work alongside others although tends to focus on own activity. Bell, V., Troxel, D., Cox, T. and Hamon, R. (2004 and 2007) The Best Friends book of Alzheimer’s activities, vol 1 and 2. Baltimore, MD: Health Professions Press. More interested in the making or doing than the end result, needs prompting to remember purpose, can get distracted. Care UK’s activity teams share what they have found to be helpful when supporting people with dementia in everyday activities, arts and crafts, maintaining independence, special occasions, health and wellbeing, and reminiscence. A number of different approaches within dementia care offer helpful ways to develop meaningful activity and improve quality of life for people with dementia.
An emphasis on philosophy
Technology has so much to offer people living with dementia and their carers; access to information, advice and entertainment as well as reassurance for a carer who does not live near a loved one. Used sensitively and thoughtfully, technology enhances rather than replaces human relationships and interactions. Is aware of appropriate interaction, can chat coherently and is able to use complex language skills. The Spark of Life Club is an approach developed in Australia which is designed to improve the social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of people with dementia. Powell, J. (2007) Care to communicate: Helping the older person with dementia, (2nd edition), London: Hawker. This book includes the CLIPPER assessment tool with forms to photocopy. The National Association for Providers of Activities for Older People (NAPA) is a membership charity that promotes the importance of activity for all older people. It offers members regular bulletins full of practical activity ideas including quizzes, discussion topics and art activities.
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