Meaningful Engagement

Engagement in purposeful activities maintains cognitive and emotional well-being, and shapes to how we feel about the world around us, the people around us and our place in society.

Essential Elements

Set up the environment to support meaningful engagement
Provide signage to support self-engagement of activities
Meaningful engagement opportunities are available at all times

Roles

Assign meaningful roles, like 'table setter' or 'gardener', based on the person's past roles, experiences and abilities to provide purpose and maintain a sense of contribution to their home or community.

Meaningful Tasks

Create areas or baskets with materials for familiar tasks, like sorting laundry or setting a table, tailored to the person's abilities and interests.

Activity Areas

Setup activity areas or workstations to create activity options for people. These areas can be anywhere and can contain anything that may be of interest to a person. Our lives are given meaning through activities and connections with others. When people are engaged, responsive behaviours and depress...

Sensorial Activities

Incorporate activities that engage the senses, like kneading dough, sifting sand, or sorting colourful objects, which are calming and stimulating.

Flexibility in Engagement

Allow flexibility in engagement with activities. If someone prefers to observe rather than participate, respect that choice and adjust the environment accordingly.

Intergenerational Programmes

Facilitate activities that involve younger generations, like reading together, cooking or simple craft projects, fostering connection and purpose.

Life Skill Reminders

Use visual or physical prompts for engaging in daily life skills, like a jar with simple recipe instructions or a labelled basket with grooming items.

Connecting with Nature

Ensure access to nature, both outdoors and indoors, to stir memories, provide activity and lift spirits.

“He does it with his hands, by experience, first in play and then through work. The hands are the instruments of man's intelligence.”
(Maria Montessori)