Movement with Meaning is an activity/exercise program developed to help people with early-stage Alzheimer's retain the highest level of functioning possible. The underlying principle is that activities that stimulate all the senses provide optimal opportunities for reinforcing remaining strengths and promoting a sense of well-being in people with Alzheimer's. The program uses gentle, yoga-influenced movement, simple spoken poetry, auditory/gustatory stimulation, and reminiscence. The book describes how to select participants, establish a supportive environment, and conduct each type of sensory activity. Outlines of four sample 30-minute programs are included. Photos throughout the text show older adults participating in the activities and demonstrate the proper way to do the physical exercises.
Barbara Larsen is a private consultant for long-term care facilities. For 17 years she has been affiliated with Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center in Carmichael, California.
The Philosophy of Movement with Meaning; Selecting and Interviewing Participants; Setting the Environment; Centering Through Breathing; Learning by Heart; A Delicate Balance; Nice and Easy Yoga; A Sense of Timing: Music, Rhythm, and Movement; Reawakening the Senses; Carefully Choreographed Chaos.
"provides older adult service providers with a step-by-step approach for an innovative, carefully thought out strength-based program for older adults with early stage Alzheimer's disease ... everything is so clearly laid out for the reader"--Linda L. Buettner, Ph.D., CTRS, Professor of Health Science, College of Health Professions, Director"Florida Gulf Coast University Center for Positive Aging" (01/01/2001) "Barbara Larsen's creative approach is built upon respect and the joy of discovering the uniqueness of each person with dementia ... the exercises, which are clear and easy to follow, serve as doorways to self-expression, which create a sense of competence, calm, and equilibrium."--Robyn Yale, LCSW, Clinical Social Worker & Early Stage Consultant (01/01/2001) "In her beautifully written book, Barbara Larsen has extended her hand to those individuals with early AD and led them on a path that shows what they can still do and enjoy...[Movement with Meaning] should be part of programming in adult day services, nursing facilities, and assisted living communities."-- (01/01/2001) "Movement with Meaning provides an opportunity for the participants to recognize the abilities lying dormant behind the disease and find a new path to connect and communicate with each other and their families ... Ms. Larsen's compassion and reverence for people living with Alzheimer's disease and dementia comes through in her writing style and the techniques she has developed."-- (01/01/2001) "The text is sensitively written; informative, yet easy to understand. It will be a valuable asset for health care professionals who work with persons with dementia and who desire to connect with their clients in a centered and spiritual manner."-- (01/01/2001) "This book provides concrete examples of how the caregiver can not only communicate with their loved ones but also engage them in purposeful and meaningful activity . . . I, therefore, highly recommend [this book] for families and caregivers of persons with early stage Alzheimer's disease."-- (01/01/2001)
