We know most people wouldn’t describe a hospital stay as “fun”, but making the most of difficult situations is a talent of nurses! As we talk about getting your patients up and walking, and engaging in function focused care, think about what motivates them. It can be something simple and immediate—especially for patients with dementia who are living in the moment. Playing a favorite song while exercising or walking, or offering a piece of candy once you reach your destination on a walk can help patients view the activity as more fun and less work. If your patient normally lives in a nursing home or assisted living, they are likely used to fun activities going on around them, and this may help their hospital stay feel more familiar.
Also, are you having fun? Your body language, tone of voice and facial expression projects how you feel about an activity, so if you look and sound like you are happy to engage a patient in function focused care or take them on walk to look out the window or visit the nurses station for a piece of candy, the patient may be more likely to participate too.
Have a great week!
Function Focused Care 