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Posted by: maria | 19th May 2013 View profile

When considering an outing for dementia residents, what would be best??? what are the things i need to consider?? I am currently doing my studies and want to plan an outing and need advice and any feed back

Posted by: Louise | 20th May 2013 View profile

Hi Maria
Last week we took 10 residents to a local shopping centre for a bit of a shop and coffee and donut for afternoon tea. I was lucky that I had 2 volunteers come with me as no way could I have managed this on my own. We were very careful in who we did take out. Most of the residents do have some sort of dementia but the biggest risk we thought would be wandering. We didn't have any trouble. We made sure to go to a fairly small shopping centre and once there showed all residents where our meeting point was. Some residents went off by themselves to shop but the majority stayed with me and the volunteers. So keep it small and only for a couple of hours. Next time we may have afternoon at one of the parks or even garden centres now have cafes.

Posted by: Rosalie Kelly | 17th May 2013 View profile

could you send me an example of an Individual Plan Proforma please..

Posted by: Elizabeth | 15th May 2013 View profile

anyone got any STATE OF ORIGIN activity ideas?

Posted by: Kylie | 20th May 2013 View profile

Hi Elizabeth, we do a happy hour in the afternoon of each game night which I have made up some guess the score cards that they place their name and the final score on which we collect and help any residents with the writing & the closest guess wins a small prize at the start of the next state of origin happy hour. This is particular popular with the men. I print off the computer some game facts which I ask them like a quiz and we beer, chips & cupcakes with red and blue icing. I get dressed up in my blues outfit which gives them all a great laugh and some booing but it is a in good fun. My residents always enjoy our State of Origin happy hours.

Posted by: Helen | 16th May 2013 View profile

For State of Origin I have used the alphabet templates from this website and printed QLD in Maroon and NSW in blue paper. We have made football shape templates in maroon and blue and written QLD and NSW on them to put up around the unit. I purchased bunting from the newsagent. Planning to have evening snacks while watching the games.

Posted by: Heather | 15th May 2013 View profile

I am the RAO for 40 High care residents with a range of cognitive and physical ability, I develop the program plus run the program as there is only me. If anyone does the same Id love to see how you set out your day to allow you to provide stimulating activities for all your residents as this area is very difficult. My hours of work are 8.30 to 4pm monday to friday. If you have a monthly calander that can be uploaded I would love to see how others do. Thanks Heather. p.s. I would put mine up but not sure how to do this.

Posted by: Jackie | 19th May 2013 View profile

RE: Heather's post 15th May........A great idea Helen to swap Activity programs to gain ideas from others in High Care. I am also interested to see other monthly programs regarding this. if there is anyone willing to send through to my email I would appreciate this.....It's great to network !

Posted by: Maree | 8th May 2013 View profile

We had our first (anual) spring ball last September. As a centre based day programme we started morning tea. Everyone got a lucky no door ticket as they arived, enjoyed morning tea (decorations made by the group over the previous weeks) and then moved into the open area with seating and table to remind them of their own dancing days. We had some visitors dressed up for the dance which the ladies loves to watch and they dances some old time sequence dances for us. With the music, door prizes, decorations, fancy dresses, it was a great sucess and everyone is looking forward to the next. I have some ideas to include in this years dance and everyone is looking forward to it.
Jeanette

Posted by: Lisa | 16th May 2013 View profile

That is wonderful Maree. Organising an event like this takes so much time and thought. It's just so worthwhile when you see the smile on everyone's faces, and the energy in the room, is always the best indicator. Lisa from Please Remember Me.

Posted by: marie-jeanne | 29th April 2013 View profile

I am In QLD and I just noticed that you are stating that may day is the 6 May this is incorect it has been moved to the Mon 7 Oct 13

Posted by: talita | 29th April 2013

Thanks Marie-Jeanne, this has been updated!

Posted by: Pauline | 29th April 2013 View profile

Hi
Just wondering if anyone is doing the Cert IV Health and leisure Course I would love to hear from you, Iam doing it DE and finding it a bit hard....
Cheers Pauline

Posted by: patricia | 2nd May 2013 View profile

I did the Cert IV last year through TAFE, it was an on line course and we logged in weekly. Not sure what you mean by DE.
I found some units more difficult than others, also the wording of some of the questions made it hard to sometimes determine what was actually required.

Posted by: Christine | 2nd May 2013 View profile

I have done Cert IV and it was interesting, particularly if you’re working as RAO already. What does DE mean?

Posted by: Pauline | 3rd May 2013 View profile

DE means Distance Education

Posted by: Kerrie | 4th May 2013 View profile

I'm certain that DE stands for DISTANCE EDUCATION ladies. I completed my Diploma of Leisure and Lifestyle in a similiar manner but it was referred to as EXTERNAL FORMAT. Pauline your course coordinator should be able to support you throughout your entire certificate. He or she should be able to advise you on what is required to meet assessment criteria. Your superivisor in your work place should also be of assistance to you. If these people are not supportive I would be looking elsewhere to finish my study, and to continue working in this wonderful field of employment.

Posted by: Debbie | 4th May 2013 View profile

Hi, I have just completed my Cert IV in Leisure and Health through Southbank Institute of Technology externally. I did struggle with it at first - I'm sure it would be easier in a classroom situation. Mostly it was the projects at the end of each Module that I wasn't sure how to structure. I do have to agree with Patricia sometimes trying to figure out what exactly they required with some of the wording of the questions proved difficult. Glad to be of assistance if you get stuck. Debbie (Lismore NSW)

Posted by: Lisa | 24th April 2013 View profile

Working as a Therapy Assistant with clients affected by memory impairment I wanted to make a difference and have created a business called Please Remember Me. I would really appreciate feedback about my website http://www.pleaserememberme.com.au/
Thank you.

Posted by: Bob Howson | 23rd April 2013 View profile

Do you have Monthly Activity calendars templates that can be filled in with our own activities ?
Regards,
Bob Howson

Posted by: talita | 23rd April 2013

Hi Bob,

Is this what you are looking for?
http://www.goldencarers.com/documentation/Forms/2013-recreation-therapy-calendar/

Posted by: talita | 22nd April 2013

Hi Shirley,

Have you seen the 2 quizzes on our website?
http://www.goldencarers.com/calendar/Anzac-Day-activities/23/

Cheers

Posted by: Shirley | 22nd April 2013 View profile

Do you have an ANZAC DAY QUIZ? Shirley NSW

Posted by: Helen | 19th April 2013 View profile

How do we paint glass jars or bottles and what sort of paint is used???

Posted by: Helen | 18th April 2013 View profile

Hi I have just started at a new facility and they have a full size oven for cooking activities. what are some things or recipes D.T's cook for their residents? I made jam drops and they enjoyed that.

Posted by: Lesley | 22nd April 2013 View profile

hi Helen, they would like anything using older type recipes. Scones, anzac biscuits (for Anzac Day) choc. cake, lamingtons. You could also get them to help eg. stiring the mix. Have to watch out for hygiene - could use gloves on everyone.

Posted by: Fiona | 21st April 2013 View profile

We made gem scones, scones, egg & bacon little tarts, sausage rolls, cocktail pies with a electric pie maker, pavlovas, & the most popular is home made pasties.
Good luck.

Posted by: Margaret | 22nd April 2013 View profile

Let your residents tell you wat THEY want to cook. We are tackling a lemon merangue pie together soon :)

Posted by: sandra | 18th April 2013 View profile

Hi everyone, iv got a question for u, I have been a D.T for 2 and a half years and have just this week changed jobs and I have gone from working in a rest home to working in a day care unit for the disabled, the house that I am working in is high care, soooo different from working with dementia, does anyone have any suggestions for activities, noting that a lot of these clients don't respond to a lot of the activities im used 2 doing, (HELP), And a lot of them don't respond at all xx

Posted by: val | 3rd May 2013 View profile

Try music and sing a longs, anything to do with music, although no bagpipes or to much plonky plonk piano music, very soft piano music is ok

Posted by: Tanya | 5th May 2013 View profile

Hi you could try play dough they like to roll it and just pull it apart you can get plastic cookie shapes. Blocks like Lego. Giant snakes and ladders they can roll the dice you would have to do the moving around. Musical instruments they can shake or tap on. Picture puzzles they can feel and put into certain holes. Colouring in just basic stencils. Singing old songs. Hope this helps. I've done the opposite gone from disability day centre to a high care nursing home.

Posted by: karen | 15th April 2013 View profile

where can I find a copy of the last post and rouse, have just started here and can find no copy.......please help

Posted by: Solange | 16th April 2013

Hi Karen, regarding the CD Music for a Commemorative Ceremony on Remembrance Day and Anzac Day. The Department of Veterans Affairs in Australia use to send it to facilities, free of charge, on request. Please contact the DVA in your state and inquire if they are still doing it.Otherwise, your local Council library will be able to lend it to you.

Posted by: Angela | 16th April 2013 View profile

contact dva department of Veterans affairs and they will send you a free cd and posters for Anzac services

Posted by: Angela | 16th April 2013 View profile

Hi Karen, Yes they are still sending out music cds for Rememberance day and Anzac day I got mine last week

Posted by: Wendy | 18th April 2013 View profile

re Anzac Day service
You can get a free Australian flag from your local PM, and contaict you local RSL they may have a burgler.
Ask staff if they have any itmes form the navy, army or airforce and put them on display

Posted by: Robyn | 13th April 2013 View profile

Hi, I saw a training film years ago about a facility who had staff take on a resident's role for the day, be in a wheelchair, act out their behaviours - calling out, rocking, etc, be fed, wait to go to the toilet. I found this film very interesting and have always remembered it. Does anyone else remember it and know where I could get a copy of it to show our staff. Thanks.

Posted by: Robyn | 13th April 2013 View profile

Hi, I saw a training film years ago where the staff had to be residents for the day. The staff had to play a resident's role - sit in a wheelchair, be fed, wait for some one to take them to the toilet. Does anyone remember this film and know where I can get a copy to show our staff.

Posted by: Heather | 13th April 2013 View profile

hi, can any one tell me if you can become a coordinator if you have no certificates,in lifestyle and you are classified as lesuire and lifestyle assisstant, but have done it for a long time and also trains new people

Posted by: Wendy | 12th April 2013 View profile

ideas for Men's group. Very limited in movement and cognition.

Posted by: patricia | 12th April 2013 View profile

I work in a facility with 32 Low care residents, 13 dementiaspecific and 75 high care residents. I am trying to redo the programming to for low care to be being more time friendly to do associated paperwork, yet keep residents happy with the activities that are offered. Does anyone have any suggestion?

Posted by: Carol | 17th April 2013 View profile

Hi patricia we get the residents involved running the activites, such as bingo call the numbers, quiz, short stories, find what your residents strengths are you will be surprised at the response residents want to feel usefull.



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