ABSTRACT
As dementia progresses, an older person may appear more childlike in their behaviours and
interactions. This does not mean they should be treated in a childish manner, but it does
mean that activities and programmes may need to be adapted so they are simpler, easier to
understand and often of shorter duration. During a reading session, you may decide to read a
single short story or poem or to limit the number of related activities you provide to just
one or two. You may opt to read easier texts or to focus on reading only some paragraphs
from a longer piece. Your observations of the behaviours and apparent interest level of the
older person will assist you in managing the pace, duration and complexity of your reading
and related activities.
