OCCUPATIONAL PROGRAMMING IN A DAY HOSPITAL FOR PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA

Supporting the occupation of patients with a chronic disability such a s Alzheimer's disease is a central concern in occupational therapy. Th e aim of this study was to discover and understand the opportunities f or conducting a program aimed at stimulating occupational activities i n a day-hospital unit for persons with dementia. Data were collected t hrough field observations and interviews with patients and staff. Anal ysis focused on understanding how patients initiated and participated in activities. We concluded that features of the institutional setting paradoxically restricted the patients' activity much of the time.