prior to her admission to a permanent hostel placement one month ago my mother-in-law had been going twice a week to a day-care facility where the participants stayed for the day doing crafts and activities. At this stage the hostel does not appear to have much in the way of crafts - has bingo, footy tipping etc. My mother-in-law would rather be making things, doing hands-on activities she remembers from before dementia (Alzheimers).
Besides the fact Mum does not want to be in care ( this is a long-term memory and is not going to go away) would we be doing her any harm if we try to get her back into her old day-care group?
I've asked the hostel staff to encourage Mum to leave her room and get involved as much as they can as I feel if she stays sitting in her room she will only become more depressed.

Thank you Gloriajh, I am sure this is an issue familiar to many other carers.

It is important to carefully consider any changes to the daily routine of a person with dementia as they may find change unsettling or upsetting.

There may be a solution to your problem without altering your mother-in-law's care arrangements.

In general, DCA does not recommend craft activities, quizzes, bingo or activities that produce a winner for people with dementia. These activities focus on creating an end product or rely on skills and abilities that are often diminished in a person with dementia.

An activity that you might like to approach your hostel about is a creative arts program. This type of program focuses on people coming together in a creative and supportive environment that breaks down barriers, encourages people to help and appreciate each other and generates a feeling of belonging. A wide range of arts programs such as painting, life-story scrapbooking or singing and dancing can be included. This type of program provides the best possible physical and social environment for people with dementia to express themselves.

You and your hostel can learn more information in the Spark of Life Club Program. Click this link to read more.

If there is a specific craft activity your mother-in-law enjoys, perhaps you could do this with her on a one-on-one basis. This would ensure she has meaningful communication around the activity and has her self-esteem boosted.

I am sure other member's will have more creative solutions, and I encourage you all to also post a response to Gloriajh.

A friend had a similar concern for her Mum, who had always done crafts. So she approached a retired art teacher to visit and get to know her Mum before starting to do some crafts togther. (She privately paid for an hour session). Sometime they'd craft - other times just go for a walk and enjoy the colours, sights and sounds and she was always there for more than an hour! This worked really well. Sadly her Mum is now unable to do crafts but her new friend still visits anyway. My friend is very thankful and delighted with the care and interest this person has taken.