Articles
Discussion and guidance on a wide variety of issues influencing aged care. This section includes 'how to' articles, tips and strategies for effective care.
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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.
1 Comment Member Share
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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.
3 Comments Member Share
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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!
4 Comments
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How to Decrease Problem Behaviors
For any staff member, dealing with a person who has dementia, especially those with problem behaviors, can be challenging at times. How can you make the best of any situation?
4 Comments Member Share
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5 Mother's Day Activities for Dementia Care
Mother’s Day is about honouring the women who helped shape our lives. While this day holds significance for many, it can also be an excellent opportunity for residents with dementia to engage in sensory and cognitive stimulation.
3 Comments Member Share
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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.
3 Comments Member Share
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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.
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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.
12 Comments Member Share
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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.
4 Comments
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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.
10 Comments Member Share
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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.
2 Comments Member Share
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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 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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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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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.
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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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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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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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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.
6 Comments
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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.
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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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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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Behavior Management for Dementia Care
Conflict and disagreement exist in all relationships. When you have a community of people with a progressive cognitive disorder such as dementia living together, it is to be expected that unpredictable and difficult to control behaviors will arise.
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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.
12 Comments
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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 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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The Importance of Laughter in Long Term Care Facilities
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. -
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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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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15 uplifting activities for people confined to bed
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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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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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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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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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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Reminiscing Activities 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 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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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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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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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.
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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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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.
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Montessori-Based Activities
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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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.
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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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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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Client Assessment: Getting to know your Client
The importance of assessment in residential care settings cannot be underestimated.
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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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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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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!
1 Comment
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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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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 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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The Aged Care Workforce in Australia (Infographic)
Infographic : A Snapshot of the Aged Care Workforce In Australia. Data sourced from the 2012 national Aged Care Workforce Census & Survey.
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Implications of an Ageing Population
Society is changing. The past 50 years have seen a dramatic shift in the age composition of societies in the more developed regions of the world, and the next 50 years will see even more changes.
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Our World's Population is Ageing
The age demographic of the world we are living in is changing at a dramatic rate unprecedented in human history. This will have widespread implications for future generations.
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The Role of Leisure & Health Staff in Falls Prevention
Research indicates that over 40% of adults over the age of 65 will fall at least once a year. In long term residential care facilities the percentage is more dramatic; almost two thirds of residents fall once a year or more.
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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 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.
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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 Run a Residents Meeting
How to plan & run successful meetings
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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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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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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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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!
It is even more gratifying to see a resident who repeatedly declines to join activities walk into the recreation area for a concert, game or to participate in a trivia or discussion group. Here are a few tips that may help improve participation rates at your facility. Some you may be using already, others you may not have tried for a while.21 Comments
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Social Isolation - How to support your clients
The positive impact that social interaction can have on health and emotional well-being is well-documented.
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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 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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How to write Progress Notes
How to write objective, concise and professional Progress Notes. 4 pages of sample progress notes included.
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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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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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How to start a Leisure & Lifestyle Program for Aged Care
Starting a Leisure and Lifestyle Program 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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What is goal-directed behaviour?
Goal-directed or goal-oriented behaviours in nursing homes refer to behaviours people diagnosed with dementia display at any given time.
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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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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.1 Comment
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Care Plan Goals & Interventions
Learn how to respond to the assessment of needs with the following 6 case studies.
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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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Enjoy meaningful activity ideas that you can use with your clients straight away.
I love the forum, I can get a feel of the issues recreation staff face in their work. Keep up the good work you do for us!!
Lauretta Kaldor
Diversional Therapist
