Articles

Coronavirus: 18 Activities for Dementia Care

If you are working as an Activity Professional in a memory care neighborhood right now, you are facing even more unique challenges in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping a calm and peaceful atmosphere, including activities, can feel overwhelming. Here are a few ideas to keep you and your residents engaged.

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15 Virtual Activities for Residents in Isolation

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed your activity calendar, and you might be struggling to find new ways to connect with your residents. If you have technology readily available in your community, you can begin to spice up your programming by using virtual activities.

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COVID-19: Taking Care of Your Mental Health

The COVID-19 pandemic is downright stressful and overwhelming. Taking care of yourself is probably low on your priority list right now, but you won’t be able to take care of your residents if you are struggling. Here are a few easy ways to be gentle with yourself and focus on self-care during these trying times

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50 Activities for the Elderly in Lockdown and Isolation

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is causing chaos worldwide and this is a hard time for so many. We need to hang in there - these crazy times will pass. Here are some in-room activitiy ideas for residents to enjoy while in isolation.

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How to Support Residents in Lockdown

COVID-19 has drastically changed life inside of senior living communities throughout the globe. Here is how to maintain a sense of calm as well as how to connect with residents during this time.

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10 Easy-to-Grow Indoor Plants for the Elderly

Most people enjoy growing indoor plants. Seniors in long term care facilities should be encouraged to immerse themselves in this wonderful hobby. Dozens of inexpensive plant species can blossom inside small rooms and apartments, so long as they are well cared for.

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7 Drawing Activities for Seniors

Drawing is a relaxing activity that many older adults enjoy. As well as an emotional release, drawing also provides opportunities for social connection in group settings. Learn how to lead a drawing session for seniors by following the guidelines in this article.

12 Ways to Support Visually Impaired Seniors

Many of your residents likely have some type of vision challenge, which can decrease leisure participation. Learn how to give them the tools and opportunities they need to enjoy activities.

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7 Ways To Spice Up Your Newsletter

Your community newsletter is a key part of communication between your department, the residents, family members, and staff. While you may have a system for getting it complete and distributed monthly, you may also notice that the content is a bit of the “same old, same old”. Here are fun things to add that could spice up your next edition.

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Your Role in Discharge Planning

When a resident leaves your community to head home, you can play an important role in setting them up for social success. Learn how here.

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15 Goals for Your Activity Program

It’s never too early or too late to create a New Year resolution for your activity department. Find inspiration for your department here.

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How to Run Successful Resident Council Meetings

A Resident Council is an important part of any long term living community. Resident Council Meetings empower residents to voice their concerns, exercise their rights, and play a part in the decision-making process within their own home. Meetings may be monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly, depending on the wishes of council members.

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6 Spring Art Activities Your Residents Will Love

New seasons bring new energy to your community and to the seniors you serve. Take advantage of new creativity by welcoming spring with some art offerings on your activity calendar!

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How to Train Your Staff For Public Health Visits

When regulatory surveyors or accreditation teams walk into your door, everyone gets nervous. However, you can help your activities staff be confident by training them to be prepared.

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Five Ways to Spice Up Your Exercise Program

Group exercise and movement is a crucial staple of a well-rounded activity program. It offers the opportunity for residents to move intentionally, working on fine and large motor skills, as well as improving strength, flexibility, endurance, and range of motion. 

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8 Interventions for Culturally Diverse Seniors

Seniors from multicultural backgrounds are common in residential care communities. Language barriers and cultural differences can make care and daily life a challenge. Here’s how to honor differences and improve quality of life for seniors from multicultural backgrounds.

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How to Improve the Dining Experience for Seniors

Nutrition can get a bit tricky with age-related complications and conditions. Discover best practices to improve the dining experience for your residents.

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15 Ways to get the Participation of your Nursing Team

Quality of Life regulations require everyone in a skilled nursing community to play a role in activities and leisure. Here’s how to get the participation you need from your nursing team.

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How to Setup a Pet Visiting Program

Pets can bring joy and comfort into the lives of our residents. However, it can feel overwhelming to set up a successful pet visiting program. Here’s how to do it at your community.

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How to Acknowledge Mistakes and Apologize

We do our best to provide quality programs and interactions for residents. However, mistakes are bound to happen. Learn how to acknowledge your mistakes and appropriately apologize, while making plans to assure your mistakes don't happen over and over.

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Sifting and Sorting Bins for Dementia Care

Sorting and sifting bins are a wonderful staple to include in easy-to-grab areas for caregivers, family members, and residents to enjoy together. Here are inspiration and instruction to get you started.

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15 Evening Trip Destinations

Outings are essential for a healthy and engaging activity program. However, you don’t have to rely on daytime hours for successful outings! Instead, challenge yourself to add at least one evening trip to your program each quarter. Residents will love the new opportunities and you’ll realize it is worth the extra planning.

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13 Ways to Incorporate Math Into Your Activity Calendar

Math might not be everyone's favorite subject, but its foundations are in daily tasks like grocery shopping or in more complex tasks like construction. Using these daily and familiar operations, you can give the seniors you serve the chance to use their brain in a different way.

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Loneliness and Isolation in Nursing Homes

If a resident prefers to be alone, are they lonely? It can make us feel nervous when we don’t see residents at group activities. However, not all residents appear to want to create a social connection.

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The Seven Stages of Alzheimer's Disease

Understanding the disease progression helps us recognize changes in behavior and provide the right support. Symptoms will gradually worsen over time, however there are ways we can make life better at every stage.

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How to Provide Spiritual Care for the Elderly

Very few care homes have chaplains or pastoral carers. This means that Activity Coordinators are often left to handle spiritual issues. With an open and caring heart, you can do it.

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How to Get Reluctant Residents to Attend Activities

We work hard at planning activities we know residents will enjoy. There is usually a core group of residents who attend and engage in these activities, but there are some who regularly decline invitations. Once they get to an activity, they enjoy themselves, yet they remain reluctant. Here are some simple techniques to improve reluctant resident engagement over time.

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5 Things We Can Learn From Dementia Villages

For those caring for seniors with dementia, successful interventions are centered on reminiscence and the person. What happens when we give the person the chance to explore an environment that feels familiar to them? Dementia villages are aiming to do just that.

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Are You Using Your Local Library Enough?

Your local library is a haven for free activity supplies, easy activity ideas, 1:1 interventions, and endless inspiration for your busy community. Learn how to utilize this community resource even more than you already are.

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9 Principles of the Montessori Approach for Dementia Care

People living with dementia deserve to live to their full potential, with meaningful activities and the right support to achieve maximum engagement in social and leisure pursuits.

Fun and Lively Math Group Games for the Elderly

Each group of residents is different in their abilities, likes, and dislikes. The trick is to offer math activities that are fun, stimulating, and failure-free. Here are two fabulous group math activities that are easily adapted!

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Tips for Working With a Challenging Supervisor

We have all encountered a challenging supervisor at least once in our careers. Whether you feel your supervisor is mean, unrealistic, or demanding, going into work can start to feel like a major chore. Learn how to work together by following a few of our tips, and make going to work fun (or at least tolerable) again.

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Bringing Art to Life in Your Community

Contrary to some beliefs, everyone is indeed an artist. Learn how to foster a love of all types of art in your senior care community, and how to create a showcase that will quickly become a favorite annual event.

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10 Ways Technology is Improving Assisted Living

This article covers ten technologies that are likely to be a big part of assisted living in the coming years, as well as a few that can be used right now.

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The Health Benefits of Silence in Senior Care

Have you ever left an event feeling exhausted and overstimulated? Our residents are often shuffled from one group activity to another, with little time for recuperating in between.

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8 Ways to Provide Armchair Travel Experiences

While your residents may not be able to explore different parts of the world in person, you can give them the next best thing - a full travel experience without leaving the activity room!

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21 Neurobic Exercises

Give your clients a boost with some simple neurobics brain exercises! These mini-mentals are equivalent to cross-training your brain!

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3 Ways to Practise Mindfulness with the Elderly

Offering meditation and other mindfulness activities like yoga or relaxation sessions are great ways to reduce stress and anxiety for seniors.

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5 Ways to Honor Residents by Validating Their Past

Make your residents feel special by honoring their pasts and talents with these activity ideas.

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How to Start a New Resident Welcome Program

New residents are a part of life for an Activity Professional. These new folks come through the doors feeling worried, dealing with serious pain, confusion, and other challenges. Here’s what you need to know to make sure everyone feels welcome and wanted.

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Implicit and Explicit Bias in Senior Care

We all have implicit and explicit biases that we bring with us into the workplace. These biases whether intentional or not can have profound effects on the quality of care we provide and the resulting quality of life for persons living in aged care.

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The Magic of Being Silly

You know how you feel after a great laugh? The residents you serve don’t get the chance to laugh like that much in their senior years. Bring some playfulness and giggles to your community by giving yourself permission to be a bit silly.

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How Technology is Improving Senior Care

The healthcare sector is going through unprecedented change at the moment, mainly due to digital disruption. Technology can improve the way we care for the senior generation in a multitude of ways, whether it’s ensuring safety, top-notch medical care or assisting in independent living.

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Portable Activity Ideas to Reach Every Resident, Everyday

Not every resident attends group activities, and it can be a serious struggle to find ways to get them engaged with recreation. Intentionally curated carts and baskets can increase your reach and keep your residents happily active.

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10 Ways to Embrace Cultural Diversity in Your Workplace

In today's world, with an ever-expanding demographic of residents entering long term care homes, it is critical to develop strategies that promote diversity and inclusion.

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Brain Games for Senior Care: What is Neurobics?

Your morning exercise program helps residents gain strength and weekly yoga classes help them increase their range of motion. But do you have a brain exercise program in place? Brain exercises are just as important as physical exercise for our residents. Learn a bit more about neurobics and why these interventions are key to keeping brains fit!

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15 Ways to Practise Self Care and Avoid Burnout

You spend your workday caring for others. In between all that, you complete paperwork, make staff schedules and decorate the community room for the next party. Then, you head home to care for your family. One important question - who takes care of you?

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Bunco Dice Game for Seniors

Bunco, pronounced "Bunk-Oh", is a fun dice game that encourages socialization. It's based on luck, has a simple rule set, and uses some math skills.

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How to Manage Aggressive Behavior

Providing care to residents with aggressive behavior can be extremely challenging. Considering the number of residents we work with and the close living quarters they live in, we will at times be faced with someone who is unhappy no matter what lengths we take to care for them.

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16 Ways to Promote Social Inclusion in Senior Care

Seniors who live in assisted living communities can struggle to feel connected and make friends. Activity Professionals play an important role in keeping residents socially connected by encouraging participation in creative ways.

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8 Blends & Remedies: Massage with Essential Oils for the Elderly

Massage has a profound effect on the sensory nervous system, stimulating blood flow and improving health and wellbeing. For the elderly, many of whom are touch deprived, the benefits of massage go well beyond the physical.

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The Power of Touch in Senior Care

Touch is important for everyone; it is an essential part of our well-being. For the elderly, the healing power of human touch cannot be underestimated. Unfortunately, many seniors do not experience the simple act of touch on a daily basis.

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Easy Group Cooking Ideas for Dementia Care

Cooking groups improve motor skills and are great for socializing and even reminiscing!

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15 uplifting activities for people with limited mobility

Elderly people who are confined to bed for long periods of time because of diagnosis or frailty often experience severe mood swings. They get tired of sitting or lying down, become bored with life and miss social contact with others.

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How to Plan a Festival Of Lights Family Night

Planning a Family Night event right in the middle of the holiday season can feel extra stressful. However, you can pull off a beautiful Festival of Lights celebration by using some of these ideas. Take and adapt what works best for you and your seniors, making your event tailor-made for your community.

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8 Ways To Spread Christmas Cheer in Nursing Homes

Make Christmas is as joyous an occasion as possible! We can act as a surrogate family for residents; comforting, encouraging and providing reasons for them to be happy.

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20 Fabulous Day Trip Destinations for Seniors

There are so many benefits to involving your residents in outings! The fresh air and adventure will lift spirits, promote socialization and give everyone a welcome break from the routine.

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15+ Ways to Find Intergenerational Partners

Have you ever wondered why you get calls from parents to bring in groups of kids caroling during Christmas time, but never again? Where do all the children volunteers go from January to November?

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8 Creative Ways to Use an iPad in Nursing Home Settings

The use of technology in nursing home settings is an excellent way to expand programming ideas and connect residents to the outside world.

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Free Activity Calendar for Seniors

You can now add Daily Schedules, Icons, and Print at a variety of sizes! This easy to edit activity calendar can be pre-filled with upcoming events and celebration ideas for nursing homes and assisted living facilities. A perfect resource for activity coordinators working with the elderly.

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Reminiscing: How to Create a Memory Board

Residents downsize quite a bit to move into a care home. Help them reminisce about their past while you learn more about them by creating Memory Boards!

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4 Ways to Plan Age Appropriate Activities for Seniors

Developing an activities calendar that is age-appropriate for residents is so important. In this article we examples of how you can adapt activities that are often considered 'childish' to ensure they are age-appropriate.

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6 Important Points for an Activity Coordinator's Resume & Interview

A job in the Activities Department is dynamic and rewarding. Every day offers new opportunities to create and innovate. Administrators will look for several key points on your resume before offering you a position.

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5 Myths and Misconceptions About Dementia

Because so many people in care homes have dementia, many will assume that all the residents in need of care have dementia. However, this is not always the case, and leads to several common myths and misconceptions about dementia.

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12 Tips for Writing Progress Notes

Progress notes are an essential part of the documentation required in nursing homes and assisted care facilities. They record changes that impact on the delivery of care and are used to review and update care plans.

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Laughing Together - Five Activities to Get Residents Smiling

Laughing together as a community is what will bring the brightest smiles to your activity. Here are five activities that encourage active participation of the whole community.

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6 Whiteboard Games for the Elderly

Whiteboards are an indispensable tool for Activity Coordinators and can be used for group activities, communication and learning!

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5 Aphasia Activities for Senior Care

Aphasia is a communication disorder that results from damage or injury to the brain. A person with aphasia may have trouble understanding, speaking, reading, or writing.

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Fads of the 1940s and 1950s

The 1940s and 1950s were decades of profound and lasting cultural change. There was plenty of trauma and upheaval but in this this article we concentrate on what was good and fun!

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8 Ways to Celebrate Birthdays in Senior Care Homes

Birthday celebrations provide an opportunity to honor elderly clients and let them know they are appreciated and valued. It is important to consider the cultural background of your clients and their personal preferences when planning birthday celebrations.

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Wandering and Dementia

People living with dementia can display many behavioral traits that are difficult to manage, one of the most common and challenging is wandering.

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12 Creative Employee Appreciation Ideas

Employee recognition is all about acknowledging the dedication and hard work of individuals and teams. It's about making people feel appreciated and letting them know that without them you would be worse off.

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How to Run Group Exercise Sessions for the Elderly

We all know that exercise is good for us but for some reason, the older we get, the less we do. Contrary to popular belief, poor balance and muscle weakness has a lot more to do with inactivity than age.

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How to Avoid Burnout

Compassion fatigue, often referred to as 'burnout', has been described as 'running on empty', it happens when you focus on meeting the physical and emotional needs of your clients at the expense of your own.

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How to Create a Culture of Happiness

Laughter improves well-being, social engagement, and quality of life. Often it’s the small simple things that will bring smiles and ignite giggles.

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How to Decrease Problem Behaviors

Working with people living with dementia, especially those with problem behaviors, can be challenging. How can you make the best of any situation?

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Activities for Men

Men’s activities are challenging! The best way to find meaningful activities for men is to uncover past lifestyle choices and history - you can gather this information from residents and their families. Here are 8 tips for engaging men in meaningful activities.

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How to Make Sensory Blankets for Dementia Care

Sensory Mats or Fidget Blankets provide a soothing and stimulating activity for people living with dementia or recovering from strokes.

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Fundraising Ideas for Nursing Homes

Fundraising can be fun and profitable with a little enthusiasm and ingenuity! This article focuses on DIY fundraising activities to increase the budget at your nursing home.

Drum Circle Activity for the Elderly

A Drum Circle, as the name suggests, is a circle of people, each with a drum or another percussion instrument and one facilitator.

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Dealing with Grief: How to Cope when clients pass away

Working in aged care is extremely interesting and rewarding, but it’s also heartbreaking as most of our clients end up dying. We are in a constant state of grief yet most of us push the sadness aside and muster up the strength to carry on for the sake of the others.

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How to make Twiddlemuffs

Twiddlemuffs (or twiddlemitts) are knitted hand-warmers that provide sensory stimulation for people living with dementia. They keep restless hands busy and soothe and comfort those who are anxious or agitated.

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Stick Figure Drawing & Storytelling

Drawing is a fun and interactive activity to pursue. Most people have done a little drawing or at least some doodling at some point in their lives. Offer clients the opportunity to revisit drawing as a pastime.

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How to motivate residents in long term care

Encouraging the elderly to participate in scheduled activities can be challenging. Lack of engagement is a common problem. It is important that you identify any barriers - whether perceived or real - that might be preventing residents from getting involved.

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Reminiscing with Vintage Photos

Vintage photos from yesteryear provide wonderful reminiscing opportunities for the elderly living with dementia. Remembering the past helps the elderly affirm their lives and uncover deep-seated memories.

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How to Increase Work Satisfaction through Goal Setting

Setting goals is a great way for Activity Coordinators to find direction within the workplace and improve communication with clients, staff and management.

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Two Minute Activities for Dementia Care

During your working hours, you will see many clients outside of programmed activities; seize the opportunity and engage with them. It will only take a minute or two and can transform someone's state of mind and lift their spirits more than you can imagine.

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Read Aloud Activities for the Elderly

For the elderly who loved to read all their lives, listening to someone read to them can bring profound comfort and joy. Why not start a Read-Aloud Readers Group activity at your facility; a Book Club with a difference! Read-aloud activities are an intervention well worth pursuing.

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10 Tips for Supporting Culturally Diverse Clients

Cultural diversity is an important factor influencing senior care. Providing culturally sensitive care is essential to supporting the elderly from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Party Themes for Dementia Care

Theme parties are the best homemade fun there is! They serve to reinforce social bonds and provide a most welcome break from the routine. Theme parties are an opportunity to introduce residents to fun new activities, crafts, foods, and cultures.

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The Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation for the Elderly

In nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, loneliness, depression, and anxiety are considerable risk factors for residents. Mindfulness may help elders to find peace within themselves with daily practice.

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How to Respond to Challenging Behavior

Challenging behavior is common in people living with dementia and is considered one of the most difficult issues facing staff in residential care and caregivers at home. It is important to try and understand why the person is behaving in a particular way and remember that it is the behavior that is challenging and not the person.

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Games for People Living with Dementia

Adapting and modifying games for seniors is necessary for all sorts of different reasons. As well as for those living with dementia, games need to be modified for those who use wheelchairs and those with impaired vision or sensory loss.

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10 Activities to Make Seniors Laugh

Instilling a culture of humor and laughter into long-term care facilities is good for everyone and may even improve the overall functioning and well-being of your clients. It is important to incorporate funny and amusing activities into your regular program that cater to all tastes.

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How to Plan Music Activities for Dementia Care

Everyone responds instinctively to music. A person’s ability to engage in music often remains intact far into the advanced stages of dementia. Music triggers certain networks of the brain that benefit people suffering from difficulties with language, cognition, or motor control.

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14 tips for communicating with people who have hearing loss

Age-related hearing loss in elders is a common chronic condition.
Here are some tips to help you communicate effectively with the hard-of-hearing.

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Cue Cards for Dementia Care

Cue Cards or Communication Cards are visual tools that can be used to overcome communication difficulties with clients living with dementia. They assist and support caregivers, staff and volunteers to engage with the person in their care.

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Aromatherapy for the Elderly

The use of essential oils is a wonderful way to provide comfort and enhance the general health of the elderly in long term care. Learn about the benefits of aromatherapy for seniors including those with dementia. Aromatherapy recipes included.

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15 Activities for Loners and Introverted Seniors

Most long term care facilities have some residents who are ‘loners’ or ‘introverts’; they enjoy being in their bedrooms and do not often pursue interaction with others.

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How To Structure Reminiscing Sessions For Seniors

Reminiscing with the elderly is a wonderful way to validate the lives of individuals and provide seniors with a sense of purpose, especially those living with dementia. Reminiscing activities also encourage social interaction and promote interpersonal skills.

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20 Activities for the Visually Impaired

People with vision impairment will often require help with every day tasks they could once complete on their own. They may also require support to enable them to stay in touch with the community, friends and their leisure pursuits.

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Brain Games & Brain Fitness

Brain plasticity refers to the ability of the brain to reorganize and heal itself. It means that with the right mental stimulation, the brain can create new neural connections to adapt to its needs.

Planning a Movie Night for the Elderly

If you don’t already run a regular ‘Movie Night’ at your facility, try it out! All you need is a large screen, some good speakers, and of course popcorn and ice cream to add to the cinematic experience!

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Tips for Communicating with English-Second-Language Clients

Activity staff need to communicate effectively with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds in order to create conditions and programs sympathetic to their experiences.

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10 Principles of the Montessori Approach for Dementia Care

Finding activities that people living with dementia are able to participate in and enjoy can be challenging. The Montessori for dementia approach seeks to engage the senses and evoke positive emotions. It involves stimulation of the cognitive, social, and functional skills of each individual.

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The Role of Guest Speakers in Residential Care

Guest Speakers can be engaged to entertain, provide support, share knowledge, and help commemorate themed events Care facilities that adopt a tradition of engaging guest speakers enrich the lifestyle of residents.

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How to Conduct a Reminiscing Session

Encouraging seniors to recollect and share memories is a stimulating mental activity. It promotes good social interaction and strengthens friendships. Wonderful and touching stories may be derived from this activity.

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13 Reminiscing Themes for Seniors

Sharing and recollecting memories with seniors in long term care helps them to affirm who they are and maintain self worth.

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What does it feel like to be really old?

We cannot even begin to grasp what elders have to cope with when age takes its toll on the body; to have declining dexterity, vision and mobility problems, to be unable to open a drawer or button a blouse...

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How to Prevent Falls in Senior Care

The risk of falls and fall-related injuries increases with age. As well as injury, a fall may lead to avoidance of daily activities, social isolation and lowered quality of life.

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Weather Station Activities for Seniors

Maintaining a weather station is an absorbing activity suitable for any time of the year. Men in particular will love this activity!

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10 Spiritual Activities for people with Alzheimer's Disease

Spiritual support for people with dementia in nursing homes and other care facilities is vital to their well-being and a requisite for the holistic care we strive to achieve

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How to write a Eulogy

In the aged care industry, staff are occasionally asked to deliver eulogies; either by the family of the departed or by management. In this article I have residential care staff in mind.

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The Origins of common Superstitions

Superstitions are widespread and every culture have their own. Plan a 'Superstition Bash' event to discuss and explore superstitions from around the world. The elderly will enjoy recalling and reminiscing about superstitions from their childhood.

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10 ways to increase activity participation

There is hardly anything more rewarding for activity coordinators than an increase in resident participation. Weeks of hard work are paid off!

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6 Ways to Combat Social Isolation

Social isolation refers to a lack of contact with friends, family and the community. Older people living in residential care communities are especially at risk of being socially isolated.

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Christmas Tips for Recreation Therapists & Activity Professionals

The key to reducing stress at Christmas time is to get organised and plan ahead!

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How to write Progress Notes

How to write objective, concise and professional Progress Notes. 11 Examples of progress notes, both good and bad versions, included.

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Snoezelen Rooms and Sensory Environments for Dementia Care

People living with dementia can benefit greatly from exposure to soothing and sensory environments.

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10+ Benefits of Pet Therapy

Pets can help us lead happier, healthier lives. Companionship with a pet will ease loneliness, reduce depression, stimulate movement and boost moods.

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Tips for Writing Successful Activity Programs for Senior Care

Designing activity programs for residents in nursing homes and long term care requires creative thinking and enthusiasm. Your main point of reference will be the assessment of your clients.

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Professional Terms

Sometimes it is hard to find words to convey what one sees or hears in an objective way. The list below will assist you when working on documentation at the end of your day.

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Care Plan Goals & Interventions

Learn how to respond to the assessment of needs with the following 6 case studies extracted from resident care plans.

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Identifying Needs of Clients entering Long Term Care

Learn how to identify the needs of clients entering nursing homes. This article contains detailed instructions on how to conduct a resident assessment which can then be used to create a care plan.

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How to Seek Calm In Your Busy Day

Make a commitment to take care of yourself throughout the day and week so that you have the energy to avoid burnout!

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Mathematics Activities for the Elderly

The stereotype that women do not enjoy math may be one reason why there are fewer math resources available for your residents to enjoy. Using math keeps the brain sharp!

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20 Ways to Honor Loss in Your Community

Seniors experience loss of all kinds at a much higher rate than we do. Instead of shying away from addressing loss with your residents, honor it. Your residents will appreciate it, as will your staff members, and visitors.

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5 Uplifting Outdoor Activities

For residents living in residential care settings, fresh air and a change of scenery provide a welcome break from the daily routine. There are few pastimes that can lift spirits like spending time in nature.

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Spice Up Your Activity Calendar With New Twists to Familiar Activities

I've worked in activities for over ten years, and I have found that there are some activities that you just have to have on the activities calendar! While these activities may be staples, they can easily lose their charm for both you and the residents when done over a long period of time.

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How to Plan a Successful Family Night

Help residents to connect with family members in a fun and pleasant way by planning a quarterly family night that everyone will love! Family nights give everyone the chance to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

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The Importance of Documentation for Activity Directors

If you ask most activity professionals what their least favorite part of the job is, they will say the documentation. It is part of our job to make sure that activities and attendance are recorded accurately.

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8 Creative Group Activities for Seniors

Connecting with others is crucial to our health and well-being. Senior living facilities offer a unique opportunity to foster a social environment that promotes participation and social engagement.

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How to Support Family Members of the Elderly in Long Term Care

The family plays a vital role in the health and well-being of the elderly. Supporting family members to become more involved in their loved one's life can benefit clients tremendously.

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4 Creative Activity Programming Ideas Residents will Love

Creativity and innovation in leisure pursuits is an exciting way to break the routine and even try something new!

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5 Ways to Improve Communication with people who have Hearing Loss

This article discusses some different ways we can adjust our communication style, both verbal and emotional, to make seniors with hearing loss feel comfortable.

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12 Tips for Preventing Falls

For the elderly, quality of life can be significantly reduced following a fall. Although it is impossible to prevent all falls, there is much that can be done to reduce the risks.

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Communication Strategies That Improve Client Engagement

Engagement Starts with Person-Centred Care. Place them at the center of their own care to promote independence and satisfaction. Learning about past lifestyle choices helps us to devise meaningful activity programs that improve quality of life.

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How to Help New Residents Adjust to Lifestyle Changes

A move into a care home, whether voluntary or not, can be very overwhelming. There are a few things that Activity professionals can do to make the transition smoother and more manageable.

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Psychosocial Interventions for Dementia Care

In dementia care, a 'psychosocial intervention' is a broad term used to describe different ways to support people with dementia to overcome challenges and maintain well-being.

Dice Games for the Elderly

Dice games are fun and versatile! They provide social opportunities and stimulate the senses. There are hundreds of easy and entertaining dice games that can be enjoyed.

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What’s New in Board Games for Seniors

Many seniors enjoy playing board games and your residents probably have their favorites. Make sure they are available for them to play and keep your eye out for new games that are released each year!

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Glossary of Terms for Activity Professionals in Senior Care

The following glossary contains many common terms used by Activity Professionals working in senior care. It is not a complete list but may be used as a reference point for newcomers to the industry.

How to Practise Gratitude with a Five Minute Journal

A 'Five Minute Journal' is a booklet in which to write down the good things in your life; a list of everyday things you are thankful for.

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Playing Cards: All-Inclusive Games for Seniors

Playing card games is a social, entertaining and enjoyable pastime. Card games are among the most popular indoor games for adults.

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10 Tips for Improving Interpersonal Communication Skills

Interpersonal Communication is face to face communication; it is the exchange of verbal and nonverbal messages between people. Effective listening and understanding body language are central to effective communication.

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Creative Pursuits That Improve Quality of Life

As people age, they should continue to express themselves and learn new things.
Creative pursuits are known to enhance communication and concentration, with more opportunities for recreation and socialization.

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Cooking Activities for Puréed and Mechanical Soft Diets

Swallowing disorders can occur at any age but are more common among the elderly, particularly those living with dementia or affected by strokes. Dysphagia is the medical term to describe difficulty swallowing.

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The Role of the Activity Staff in Palliative Care

This article is designed to help make your engagement with people in palliative care easier.

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How to Help People Find Their Sense of Purpose

A sense of purpose boosts self-esteem, generates positivity, and makes people feel happier. It gives them a reason to get out of bed in the morning.

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How to Build Positive Relationships with Residents

In long-term care organizations reciprocity in relationships between staff and clients is essential to wellbeing.

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Optimal Activities - Marketing, Fundraising & Sourcing Free Resources

How do we overcome time, staff and budget constraints to make optimal activities happen for our residents?

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Optimal Activities - Staff & The Physical Environment

An optimal activity environment greatly influences your ability to provide the best possible activities for your residents.

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What to Include in a Staff Meeting

It is necessary to communicate regularly with your staff. You should have a formal meeting at least once per quarter.

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How to Communicate with Body Language

For many people living in care facilities, the means to communicate verbally has become limited or lost due to dementia and this can significantly impact self-esteem. The good news is that over 90% of communication is non-verbal.

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What is Elder Abuse?

Elders can be abused in their own homes, in the homes of their relatives and even in care facilities. They may be abused by their children/grandchildren, caregivers, spouses, partners, and staff in long-term care settings.

Elder Abuse Prevention

Elder abuse includes neglect, violence, and exploitation and is a major concern facing the elderly around the world. Current data suggests that 4 to 5 percent of the elderly suffer from some kind of abuse and that a large percentage goes unreported.

Down Memory Lane with Autograph Books

Traditionally, autograph books were small books with blank pages to collect personal messages and well-wishes from colleagues and friends. Revive this much-loved past-time of a bygone era with elderly residents!

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The Importance of Daily Living Activities for the Elderly

Many elders leave behind a lifestyle they dearly wish to maintain when they enter a care environment. Tapping into someone's muscle memory with daily living tasks will assist in meeting their need to feel valued and purposeful.

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Be The Change You Want To See

When I started as an aged care worker 30 years ago, I had no idea what I was doing. Showering, dressing, toileting and feeding were all part of a task orientated day for the people I cared for in an aged care facility.

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5 Fun Technology Activities for Residents

With existing hardware your facility already has (like laptops, projectors, tablets), activity coordinators can access a multitude of free online resources and tools that will usher in a wave of new, fun and unique experiences for residents.

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How to Support Mentally Alert Clients in Mixed Group Environments

Activities for groups of clients with mixed cognitive levels can be harmonious and effective. Many activities can be created, compiled or adapted with different layers of difficulty, so everyone has the opportunity to participate.

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Social Support Groups for Seniors

Social Support Groups provide opportunities for seniors to remain engaged in the community and pursue their interests. They cater for the ageing population and people living with disabilities.

Names & Surnames Reminiscing Activity

The origins and meanings of names attract a lot of interest and are a wonderful subject for reminiscing with clients.

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The Importance of Providing Learning Opportunities for the Elderly in Long Term Care

A learning environment makes life more fulfilling. It inspires and stimulates individuals while staving off loneliness by providing opportunities for social engagement, another important factor influencing well-being.

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13 Fun Brain Activities for Seniors

Our brains, just like our bodies need exercise! Neurobics is a type of exercise designed to stimulate the brain and enhance cognitive performance. Here are 13 simple and stimulating mind activities for seniors in nursing homes.

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Dementia Care & The Physical Environment

The surrounding environment has a profound impact on people living with dementia. Along with clever architecture and design, there are many other ways in which Activity Staff can enhance the physical environment to improve the lives and reduce the daily struggles of people living with dementia.

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How to Conduct an Activities Survey

A Guide for Activity Coordinators working in Senior Care. Ask your clients for feedback regarding your Program and how to improve it. Survey template included.

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10 Communication Strategies for Dementia Care

Communication is vital to our well-being. People living with dementia slowly lose their language skills and their ensuing quality of life. Here are some tips to help communicating with people living with dementia.

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Sundowning: Symptoms, triggers & strategies

The term ‘sundowning’ or ‘sundown syndrome’ refers to an end-of-day confusion and restlessness that manifests as dusk approaches. This syndrome affects people living with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia.

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Armchair Travel: A Sensory Experience for Seniors

Armchair Travel takes people to faraway places without leaving home. It provides a sensory experience and the opportunity to learn about exotic lands and important past events in a meaningful manner. This is a wonderful activity for seniors living in nursing homes and suitable for people with dementia.

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Reporting Tools for Activity Coordinators

Reporting Tools for Activity Coordinators working in nursing homes and senior care facilities! Reporting can be a stressful and time-consuming part of the job and it needn’t be. Ease your work burden now!

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Tips for One-on-One Visits with Seniors

It is not uncommon for seniors living in assisted-living facilities to lack mental stimulation and social contact. Recreation Therapists often use one-on-one visits to respond to the needs of those who avoid social settings. There are many enjoyable games and activities that can keep minds and bodies strong and active.

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12 Ways to Appreciate Volunteers

Volunteers are a valuable resource in senior care. Acknowledging and appreciating their passion, skills and time generously donated is very important.

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Sensory Stimulation for Dementia Care

Sensory stimulation is the activation of one or more of the senses such as taste, smell, sight, hearing, and touch. Sensory stimulation is a key component for improving the quality of life of people living with dementia.

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Free Music Playlists for the Elderly

Music has been proven to be very beneficial for the elderly in long term care, particularly those living with dementia or Alzheimer's Disease. Here are some wonderful free playlists of famous songs from the 40s, 50s & 60s!

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The Benefits of Coloring-in for the Elderly

Coloring for seniors is a therapeutic and satisfying activity. Research into the effects of coloring activities for people living with dementia show positive outcomes, most notably a decrease in agitation and anxiety.

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15 Activities for Late-Stage Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease affects people in different ways. Rather than focusing on the disease and impairment, we should aim to identify each person's strengths and remaining abilities and find activities to support these. Here are 15 Activities For Late-Stage Alzheimer's Disease.

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20 Practical Activities for people living with Alzheimer’s Disease

20 activities for the elderly with dementia. The following ideas may be used on a one-to-one basis and others may be suitable for small groups depending on their abilities. These dementia activities are designed to promote and maintain existing skills.

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Pet Therapy in Nursing Homes

For the elderly with dementia, depression declines after they interact with a therapy animal. As well as being wonderful companions, pets also provide significant health benefits to their owners.

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Life Reflections Posters to Connect with New Arrivals

A Life Reflections poster celebrates the life and achievements of a resident; it is a brief and visual biography of their life.

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How to Plan & Implement an Induction & Orientation Program

This article provides a general guide Activity Coordinators can use to plan and implement an Induction & Orientation Program; the specific requirements for each facility will differ.

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Fire Safety in Aged Care Facilities

According to statistics, adults over 65 years of age are most at risk of injury due to fire; they represent 31% of all fatalities. Physical limitations, cognitive disorders, vision and hearing problems increase the likelihood of unintentional injuries and in more extreme cases, the loss of life.

Is Alzheimer’s Disease Genetic?

Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease. No one knows for certain the cause of Alzheimer’s Disease, but research indicates that in some cases genes may play an important role.

Mandalas for the Elderly

This ancient form of meditative art is a great activity for elderly clients in assisted care facilities.

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Client Assessment: Getting to know your Client

The importance of assessment in residential care settings cannot be underestimated. It underpins the philosophical approach to person-centred care, an ideology that provides clients with greater control and responsibility regarding their own health and lifestyle.

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Playing Bingo: History, Rules & Bingo Calls

Bingo has an incredible following and is played enthusiastically across many countries. Bingo terminology is witty, cheeky, and entertaining!

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How to Evaluate Care Plans & Write Quarterly Reviews

Evaluation is the act of assessing a Care Plan to determine its worth. With regular evaulation and quarterly reviews, a care plan is an invaluable tool for residents, staff and family members.

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Food Safety Considerations for the Elderly

As we age, the immune system weakens and we become more prone to illness, indigestion, reflux and food poisoning.

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Religious Symbols: An Introduction to Popular Religions of the World

Our world is a melting pot of religion, culture and languages. Religious respect and tolerance is essential for peaceful co-existence. Entertain, educate (yourself and others), and advocate for pluralism by introducing residents to the basics of exotic religions, and encourage discussion.

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Activities for the Baby Boomer Generation

The Baby Boomer generation is the wealthiest, fittest, most outspoken and independent generation of all time.

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Cooking With Elders in Assisted-living Facilities

In my experience, cooking is one of the most enjoyable activities to share with elders in assisted-living facilities. All you need to start a therapeutic cooking program at your facility is a little enthusiasm, creative spirit, and patience!

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Alzheimer’s Disease Research

March 2015 Update - There are many reasons to be hopeful for a future without dementia; a disorder that affects 36 million people globally.

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Advocacy & The Rights of Elders

Advocacy is necessary to safeguard the rights of people at risk such as those living in residential aged care facilities or receiving home and community care services.

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Sensory Boxes & Other Ideas to Stimulate the Senses

The sensory functions of elders decline as they grow older and this can impact on their feelings of well-being. Multi-sensory stimulation is becoming increasingly popular in nursing homes based on impressive results. Sensory activities contribute to the emotional and physical health of people living with dementia. Sensory activities can be non-verbal; thereby crossing cultural boundaries.

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How to Support Volunteers

Volunteers are an essential resource at many care facilities. The impact on those receiving their services cannot always be measured, but is often profound.

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Celebration ideas for the festive season

The festive season has well and truly begun! Whether you will be celebrating Advent, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year, most of us will be merry; decorating the house, cooking special meals, dancing, and singing. Here's how to get started!

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Doll Therapy and Dementia

Doll Therapy can provide satisfaction and comfort to people with dementia or Alzheimers. It provides them with the opportunity to nurture and satisfy an emotional need that wouldn’t be fulfilled otherwise.

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How to start a Garden Club for Seniors

For seniors living in nursing homes, the benefits of garden related activities are abounding. Here are some wonderful garden activities for the elderly.

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How to create a Backyard Bird Habitat

Bird watching is a rewarding pastime that can bring immense pleasure by connecting people with nature. In this article we cover: Benefits of a Bird Habitat, Planning a Bird Habitat, Landscaping considerations, Feeders, Birdhouses & shelter.

How to Establish a Volunteer Program

A well-established Volunteer Program can be a priceless asset to any residential facility. The well-being of residents and staff is enhanced and enriched by people contributing their energy and talents to improve the lives of those in need.

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Person-Centred Care

Person-centred care is a philosophical approach in which older people are placed at the centre of their own care by care providers and health services. This diverges from the traditional view of the therapist as an expert and moves towards a non directive approach.

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How to write a Care Plan

The documentation process varies from facility to facility but there are usually three important steps to follow.

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Sensory Stimulation with Wind Chimes

Wind chimes have been around for hundreds of years. They have been known to have a healing effect on the mind; reducing stress and promoting relaxation and creativity.

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How to Plan an Annual Event for Seniors

Planning a special event for seniors can be a wonderful and challenging undertaking. Your creativity, commitment and enthusiasm will enable you plan a fabulous day to be remembered. In this article we cover everything from planning, task delegation, checklists, action plans, and more!

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How to manage Wandering Behaviour

‘Wandering’ is one of the most common behavioral problems associated with cognitive loss and also one of the most dangerous. It is most prevalent in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease. This article goes into common causes and triggers as well tips and strategies for managing those inclined to wander.

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What is Dementia? Alzheimer's Disease vs Dementia

Dementia is not a disease in itself, it is a collection of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain (like Alzheimer’s Disease). This article provides an overview of dementia and the most common causes of dementia.

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How to plan a Raffle for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is coming up on the second Sunday in May. This is an ideal opportunity for fundraising because most people will be willing to participate to honor the women in their lives.

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15 Sensory Activities for Late Stage Alzheimer's

Dealing with the effects of Alzheimer's Disease is a long and challenging process for the everyone involved. It is especially difficult when the late stage of the illness is reached.

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Action Plan

The purpose of an action plan is to improve the recreation and leisure lifestyle of your facility.

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How to Plan a Fundraising Event

In this example, an annual Jumbo/Trash & Treasure Sale is being organised.
Have a meeting with your staff, volunteers and friends to establish goals and plan a strategy.

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