Solange

Hi Norene, one good card game is the 'Memory Game". Start with only two suits, say Hearts and Spades. Choose 40 cards; 20 of each suit, give to one participant to shuffle and then to another to cut. Give the cut parts to two participants to place on the table upside down. Each participant has a go at turning 2 cards up; if they match he keeps them; if not cards are returned to upside down place. The next player does the same and tries to remember where the previous cards were. Play until all cards are gone. The winner is the player with the most cards. I hope your clients like this. It is a very popular game. Good luck!

Thank you for sharing Helena. You could also try Road Dahl's books. The stories are in rhyme and they tend to be longish but you may read just one verse at time.

Thank you for the feedback Kannie.Good luck with the game!

Hi Dorothy, A chicken coop in a Dementia unit can be quite successful. You do need a care plan. The Chicken Pen Care Plan must stipulate who buys the food, who feeds the chickens, who places clean fresh water every day in the pen, who would be in charge to take them to the veterinary when needed, who would be in charge to chase them if it escapes, who administer medication when needed. The good thing is, once the Care Plan is ready and you give each person a copy, there is no 'pass the bucket', or 'not me' or 'I forgot'. Each shift will have a designated staff to care for it. Remember, to 'harvest' the eggs it should be always the residents (accompanied by staff).

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

I haven't seen those but I have seen others for 'Dementia Specific'; very similar to those. I believe they are quite good depending on which stage of dementia clients are. You can also try puzzles of 4 to 24 pieces. I had very good response when I presented puzzles of 24 pieces to early Alzheimers clients.

Hi Elizabeth,

I think it is a wonderful idea to place the piano in the main room. Residents can play and you can also put an add in messages boards of churches or supermarkets for volunteers to come and play for the residents. Good luck!

Solange

Thanks Elizabeth.

Hi Julie, concerts are great entertainers; depending on your budget you should have at least once a month, two if you have a celebration such as St Valentine's or Mother's Day on the same month.

Hi Julie, I don't know of any performing dogs acts but the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) could perhaps give you some information about volunteers who visit nursing homes with their dogs.You could also try advertising in your newsletter for a volunteer with a calm and docile pet to come for a visit.