Member Profile:

Solange

Diversional Therapist From Queensland, Australia


1033 Comment

Solange 23rd Jan 2019 Diversional Therapist

Valentine's Day Word Search

Hi Sandra, how lovely of you to share some of your time with elders.
Solange 15th Jan 2019 Diversional Therapist

Aromatherapy for the Elderly

Thanks for sharing this information Marie. It's important that Activity Professional adhere to protocols of their facility and the laws of their country. Using a blended product for a gentle hand or foot rub is a lovely alternative. All the best!
Solange 12th Jan 2019 Diversional Therapist

End of Year Message 2023

Thank you for your kind words Janet. A very Happy New Year to you too - all the best.
Solange 12th Jan 2019 Diversional Therapist

Aromatherapy for the Elderly

Thanks for your comments Marie. It would be wonderful if a qualified Aromatherapist was available at every facility but often they are not. When this is the case, I feel that Activity Professionals should use their common sense and follow the guidance of aromatherapy recipes from books and websites, and consult with clinical staff regarding skin integrity, allergies, and other possible contraindications. Physical touch is very important and a fundamental human need. I would place my mother in a facility where she could have the benefit of being touched by kind and caring hands - unskilled but guided - over a facility where Activity staff were not allowed to delve into the wonderful world of essential oils.
Solange 10th Jan 2019 Diversional Therapist

8 Blends & Remedies: Massage with Essential Oils for the Elderly

Hi Angela, thank you for your comments. It would be wonderful if a qualified Aromatherapist was available at every facility but often they are not. When this is the case, I feel that Activity Professionals should use their common sense and follow the guidance of aromatherapy recipes from books and websites, and consult with clinical staff regarding skin integrity, allergies, and other possible contraindications. Physical touch is very important and a fundamental human need. I would place my mother in a facility where she could have the benefit of being touched by kind and caring hands - unskilled but guided - over a facility where Activity staff were not allowed to delve into the wonderful world of essential oils.
Solange 6th Dec 2018 Diversional Therapist

Cinderella Christmas Pantomime

Hi, Mandy, I am thrilled that 'Cinderella' worked for you! Some of my best memories are from the end of year pantomimes. Congratulations on pulling it together! I do hope it got you some brownie points with the Management. Thank you for sharing.
Solange 3rd Dec 2018 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi, Bryony. You are quite right; care homes residents living with dementia need cognitively and enjoyable activities that the computer can offer. Although I also don't know any facility with a room designated to computers (which is a great idea) I have heard that computer activity program (CAP) is getting popular. Most are in the format of 10 or 12-week courses for mild or moderate dementia residents. Participants are assisted to match computer activities with their own interests and cognitive abilities. The way they do it is by setting up a computer in a quiet room and having individuals to attend a 30 minutes orientation session. Here is a link to a feasibility study on the perceived benefits of computer programs in care facilities.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4204016/#R34
Solange 25th Nov 2018 Diversional Therapist

Hand Massage & Nail Care

Hi Kathleen, you are quite right, it is my experience too that only podiatrists were allowed to cut nails. We could file, exfoliate and moisturize but each resident had their own supplies in their rooms. It doesn't seem right to use the same instruments in a group of people without sterilization. Perhaps you should consider mentioning it in a meeting?
Solange 23rd Nov 2018 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi, Deborah - This is certainly a great activity in my experience. Here are two titles you may consider: Yesteryear Reflections - Recollections Flashback. Good luck!
Solange 23rd Nov 2018 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi, Tiffany. One thing we did was to have a handyman to install hanging space
in the ceiling using dowels (arm height). This way we could hang light items on plastic bags (using garden hooks) like light craft stuff, costumes, hats, and scrap/fabric paper. The hanging dowels were positioned away from the walls so that they were kept free for cupboards and shelves.
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