The play project--use of stimulus objects with demented patients.

A major problem among hospitalized demented patients relates to the patients' agitation, resistance to nursing care, and loss of meaningful activity. The limited stimulus environment and restriction to a chair in an institutional environment contribute to such responses. Demented patients display significant interest in simple toys and stimulus objects. A variety of stimulus objects were provided; most interest was shown in mechanical toys devised for young children. In selecting toys and stimulus objects for patients, care must be taken to avoid objects that can be ingested, used as weapons, thrown on the floor where they will pose a safety hazard to ambulating residents, or that require constant intervention of nursing staff. Although patients greatly enjoy fabric and plush objects, they tend to hold or stroke them in a calm and passive manner. Mechanical objects stimulate vigorous exploration and use visual inspection, turning, spinning of dials, and manipulation of moveable or mechanical parts.