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Solange

Diversional Therapist From Queensland, Australia


1033 Comment

Solange 1st Feb 2017 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi Clive,

A Baby Boomers Party for reminiscing purposes celebrates roughly the 20 or 30 years after the WWII or 1950, 1960, and 1970. Music, food, clothes, hair styles, films and more. Golden Carers has quite a few activities e.g. nostalgia, General Knowledge quizzes, Song quizzes, Matching quizzes, and more.

Regarding Singing duets, invite staff to sing or find clients willing to sing together; if you have a Karaoke player all the better. Take a look at '1950's Nostalgia Party' for tips'. https://www.goldencarers.com/1950s-nostalgia-party/4827/

If you have a morning dedicated to the 1950/1960, for instance, it could go like this:

1 Welcome clients with a drink (hot or cold) and Percy Faith Orchestra in the background playing well-known songs like: 'A Summer Place', or Paul Mauriat 'Love is Blue'- The Ventures 'Walk Don't Run, Hugo Blanco 'Moliendo Cafe.
2 Follow with a 1960's General Knowledge or Song Quiz and take the opportunity to reminisce.
3 Have a couple of people singing a duet (or Trio or Quartet), something simple like 'King of the Road', or 'Summertime Blues', 'I'm a Believer', 'Many Rivers to Cross', Tambourine Man.
4 Have one episode of 'Bonanza' or 'I Love Lucy' from YouTube.
5 End the session with a sing-along.
Here are some other suitable links:

https://www.goldencarers.com/1950s-nostalgia-party/4827/
https://www.goldencarers.com/baby-boomers-quiz-famous-people/4418/
https://www.goldencarers.com/baby-boomers-song-quiz-2/4419/
https://www.goldencarers.com/baby-boomers-song-quiz-3/4842/
Solange 31st Jan 2017 Diversional Therapist

Group Singing with Props

Hi Aubree, there is so much mood enhancing music out there, but it is not always easy to find. I would try the Big Bands of the 1930s and 1940s. The Tango, Swing and Salsa music often inspire movement and dancing. Also, take the average age of your clients and look at the Top 40 hit parade from when they were 20 or 25. Here is a small list from the 1950s:

- Delicado - Percy Faith and his Orchestra
- Diana - Paul Anka
- Leroy - Jack Scott
- This Old House - Stuart Hamblen
- She Say - The Diamonds

Of course soothing music for agitation management is important. Try lullabies, religious Hymns, and soft classical music. Best wishes
Solange 30th Jan 2017 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi Stephanie, a Karaoke player would be high on my list. Also, a massage chair and an electric Aromatherapy diffuser would be fun, useful and practical for clients. Best wishes.
Solange 30th Jan 2017 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi Patricia, I would have two activities going at once; that way clients could have a choice. The activities should harmonise with each other; e.g. If one activity is Proverbs, the other should be a Quiz or another activity that would not perturb the other running activity. Best wishes.
Solange 30th Jan 2017 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi Genevieve, posting your request on a Church community board is a good way to get volunteers. You could also contact local charity organisations and seniors citizen clubs. Best wishes.
Solange 30th Jan 2017 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi Clive, have you tried a Baby Boomers Party? Make it exciting with a lucky door prize, singing duets, drinks and finger food and lots of music of the 1960s and 1970s. Best wishes.
Solange 28th Jan 2017 Diversional Therapist

10 Lifelong Learning Themes for the Elderly

Hi Helen, I think you are doing well; it is a challenge to motivate clients when their attention span is so short. You could try activities such as Proverbs, Nursery Rhymes/Lullaby, Scent Guessing, and quizzes which remain in their mind despite dementia. By all means try audience participation and flash card short stories. Best wishes.
Solange 26th Jan 2017 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi Heather, I am not aware whether there are established protocols for post-mortem care. In my experience, the removal of a resident’s body following death varies from facility to facility. I guess most facilities do it quietly by removing the body in the evening or after lunch when residents are resting. In our facility we covered the body including the face and passed through the corridors and reception using this method. Many people find this method disrespectful alleging it is unnecessary to ‘protect’ residents from something so natural. Following the removal of the body staff made an altar on a small table, with flowers, a photo of the resident, and a religious memento (Bible or rosary) and placed a safe-flame candle in remembrance of the departed. Regarding your question as to why the covering of the face; I believe it is a signal of respect; to shelter the resident from prying eyes.
Solange 19th Jan 2017 Diversional Therapist

15 Activities for Late-Stage Alzheimer's Disease

Hi, Jackie, thank you for sharing. You are quite right in taking serious the person-centred care. The more you know your client the better the care. Best wishes
Solange 19th Jan 2017 Diversional Therapist

Read Aloud Activities for the Elderly

Hi Lesley Ann, thank you for the feedback, it is much appreciated.
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