Frequently Asked Questions
What activities help with Apraxia?
Activities that provide structure, guidance, and repetition are most effective. This include things practicing organizing silverware, matching socks, simple cooking with picture-based recipes, folding towels, and arts and crafts.
How do I use these posters at home?
Place the poster where the task occurs.
Introduce it when the person is calm.
Review each picture together.
Point to one step at a time.
Use short, consistent verbal directions.
Allow enough time for a response.
Offer only as much help as necessary.
Stop or provide direct assistance when safety is at risk.
Consult an occupational therapist about personalization.
How often should activities be practiced?
Short and frequent practice sessions are vastly easier than long and exhausting ones. Practice activities at set times that are repeated over long times, which will strengthen neural pathways more than using a varied schedule.
What if the senior gets frustrated?
Frustration is common with ideational apraxia. If it occurs, pause the activity and return later. Offer verbal encouragement. DO NOT CRITICIZE.
This is a neurological condition, not a fault of the senior. Please be respectful.