Lina Rendon

LEI 4724
Activity: Contemplation Kit
Source: Politis, A. M., Vozzella, S., Mayer, L. S., Onyike, C. U., Baker, A. S., &
Lyketsos, C. G. (2004). A randomized, controlled, clinical trial of activity therapy for
apathy in patients with dementia residing in long-term care. International Journal Of
Geriatric Psychiatry, 19(11), 1087-1094.
Equipment needed: Briefcase, 5 small boxes, 10 decks of cards (2 decks per small box),
scent box (vanilla and cinnamon)
Activity Description:
1. The patient and therapist will sit in separate chairs in a quiet, well-lit and
comfortable space.
2. The therapist will tell the patient that they have brought a kit with them and would
like to explore its contents with the patient.
3. Upon opening the kit, the small boxes with 5 different categories written on them
(accompanied by pictures) will appear and the therapist will ask the patient for
their help in answering questions contained in the separate boxes.
a. The categories are: Geography, fun-foods, animals, musical instruments
and flowers.
4. The therapist will ask the patient which box he or she would like to open.
5. The therapist will choose a card from either deck, ask the patient to hold the card,
and the therapist will read the question out loud.
6. The therapist will wait for the patients response and further discuss the patients
answer with the patient.
Leadership Considerations:
1. When working with patients with dementia the goal is to decrease agitation and
levels of apathy. Being aware of the patients needs is critical as it would be
harmful to increase agitation or promote disengagement throughout the activity. If
a patient is experiencing agitation it will be helpful to use the vanilla scent from
the scent box in order to promote relaxation. If the patient is apathetic, using an
energizing scent such as cinnamon from the scent box can be helpful.
2. Although discussion after the patient answer the question is not required, it is
highly encouraged in order to stimulate brain activity. For a patient who is
agitated, continuing to ask about their response can cause further agitation. If they
are engaged in the activity and answering questions without discussing their
answer, they are encouraged to continue to answer questions on the cards. For
patients experiencing apathy, it might be helpful to ask the patient to elaborate on
their answers especially when they show interest. The patient must be closely
observed in order to notice any verbal and non-verbal cues that would indicate
interest.