Life skill stations engage residents socially, encourage cognitive exercise, help sustain long-term memories, and improve residents' quality of life. As we look for ways to improve the quality of life for our residents, "life skill stations" have been designed to "spark memories". The goal of life skill stations is to create small vignettes that help dementia residents spark old memories and create activities that encourage interest, movement, and interaction.
"We know through experience and research that those who have dementia suffer memory loss with more recent events, as well as having difficulty finding the right words and phrases. Since long-term memory loss tends to be experienced later in the disease process, life skill stations are uniquely helpful in the retention of memories from years past," Hilde Bonesteel says. "I have witnessed firsthand the benefits and positive experiences life skill stations offer to those with dementia. I have observed the magnetic draw of the residents to these stations. This connection to their past creates enjoyment, fascination, pleasure, and curiosity - all in one."