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.
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.
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.
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. Youâll 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.
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.
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!
Golden Carers has researched articles on dementia activities, men’s activities, dealing with challenging behaviour, and more. Thank you for a great web site. Professional! Informative! Well researched! Innovative!
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