Activity aprons are one of the promising new tools for elderly people with memory problems, or who are bored by the routines of assisted living. Jean is recovering from a debilitating illness and I got her what they call a “sensory vest,” an apron that drapes over the chest and is filled with tactile and sensory effects – buttoned and zippered compartments, velco straps, irregular fiber patterns.

Katie Perez, the Mansion nurse, helped Jean figure out the apron, and Jean liked it and sat with it for a long time. This tool isn’t as clear to me yet at the realistic dolls, Jean seemed to study it for awhile before figuring it out. I think it has a lot of promise, but I just haven’t seen enough of it to make any kind of judgment.

Joan had an activity apron yesterday, but she seems to have lost or misplaced it, another hazard, I think. I’m interested to see how these work out and I am also exploring some other options – realistic dogs and cats, which could work for some residents in the same way Baby Sue has worked for Diane. More later.

This isn’t always a black and white thing, I have learned. Some things take a while to click, some never do, some work sometimes and not others. More to learn.