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Solange

Diversional Therapist From Queensland, Australia


1033 Comment

Solange 5th Mar 2019 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi, Megan, you could try the RSPC (Royal Society for Protection of Animals). They sometimes take dogs to visit elders in care facilities. Also, you could put a request on your newsletter. Perhaps residents' relatives have a kitten or a dog they could bring for a couple of hours a week. Failing that there are professional Therapy Dogs programs that visit people in nursing homes, community villages, and other aged care facilities. They o charge a small fee.
Solange 5th Mar 2019 Diversional Therapist

Song Lyrics from Around the World

Hi Joanne, great activity! I have a few song suggestions:

Sukiyaki - Japanese hit from the 1960s (I am not sure if there are lyric translations but Japanese residents would be able to sing it.)

La Cucaracha and Adelita - both well-known Mexican folk songs - Spanish tunes for Spanish residents.

Istanbul Not Constantinople - Catharina valent hit from the 1960s (in English)
Solange 3rd Mar 2019 Diversional Therapist

March Quiz

Hi, Rebekka, thank you very much for your kind words. Kind regards to The Abbey residents and staff.
Solange 3rd Mar 2019 Diversional Therapist

10 Ways to Use Sensory Boxes & Multisensory Spaces

Hi Karen, what a great activity! It is Montessori-based and ideal for 1-2-1 or small groups. Good on you for having made the activity more practical.
Solange 2nd Mar 2019 Diversional Therapist

How to Conduct a Reminiscing Session

Hi Joanne, excellent reminiscing ideas, thank you for sharing. I too had a great deal of response from a Bridal reminiscing with the residents able to handle bridal dresses, hair accessories and invitations.
Solange 1st Mar 2019 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi, Sharon, it sounds very promising! I would say a quiz or a Sing-along would get the audience in the mood. You could also have cards glued or taped under chairs( Unkown to the audience) with a cheerful message and two or three token prizes (whatever you can afford). That would get everybody to focus on you when you announce; 'What is in the message under your chair?' Hope it helps.
Solange 28th Feb 2019 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi Lyn, here are some Labour Day activities that may be helpful!
https://www.goldencarers.com/calendar/may-day/61/
Solange 28th Feb 2019 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi Sally, how nice of you to volunteer in the local community. A one-hour session is the average time providing the residents are interested. The only problem you may encounter would be if one or two residents dominate the session (not letting their peers answer questions and interact with you). In that case you would ask them to wait for you to say their name to answer or give their opinions. You’ll find that the longer you conduct the activities the better you get at it.

Here are some British related activities that are not specifically for dementia care. Also, the 1950s Nostalgia Party would suit your clients as they were young women and men in the 1950s.

https://www.goldencarers.com/british-quiz/4980/
https://www.goldencarers.com/queens-birthday-fun-british-party/4235/
https://www.goldencarers.com/search/#stq=royal+quizz&stp=1
https://www.goldencarers.com/literature-quiz/4198/
https://www.goldencarers.com/royal-quiz/3434/
https://www.goldencarers.com/typical-british-words-and-phrases/4234/
https://www.goldencarers.com/1950s-nostalgia-party/4827/
Solange 25th Feb 2019 Diversional Therapist

15 Ways to Practise Self Care and Avoid Burnout

Hi Jenny, I feel for you, it is hard when you don’t have time for yourself. However, don’t continue in this way or you will burn out and won’t be able to work. You have to be brave and ask for help from your peers or state your case to management. You will enjoy your work better if you are not under stress. Please, seek help before it is too late.

Solange 24th Feb 2019 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi, Skye, your client could benefit from a daily one-to-one visit from you or a volunteer (20 minutes to half an hour). Gently and slowly the visitor will get to know her better and have more scope to think on how to offer her meaningful activities. If you have the means find her a Companion to take her out for ice cream or coffee 2 or 3 times a week. Also, the Royal Blind Society in your country could also be helpful. They have the means to provide your client with powerful hearing aids and also reading matter in Braille (it is usually free of charge). Further, depending on your client’s background (how long she’s been blind) and education she might enjoy simple activities like unraveling wool pullovers, peeling vegetables, folding dish towels, threading plastic beads with a plastic needle to make necklaces and many other activities of daily living. These activities will give her a sense of being useful and helpful. Finally, establish that she is not depressed by her condition by asking clinical staff for help. Good luck!
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