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Solange

Diversional Therapist From Queensland, Australia


1033 Comment

Solange 13th Nov 2018 Diversional Therapist

What to Include in a Staff Meeting

Hi, Sherlene, the agenda depends on the Activity Program, concerns of residents/Family and improvements sought for the facility. Here is one way to do it, it may give you some food for thought. All the best of luck.
Family Council Meeting Agenda
1. Look at the agenda of last month and go through what was achieved and what is pending. Review and postpone any unresolved issues for the next meeting
2. Sort out input on Agenda and prioritize them (input by staff/family and other committee members)
3. Discuss week/monthly events - schedule dates, time, responsibility share, designate tasks to staff and volunteers
4. Listen to members’ general concerns and identify and define problem from residents’ perspective
5. Encourage family members to suggest new activities and improvements e.g. outings/special events/how better to connect with the community/educational topics sessions and other projects
6. Compile a list of action steps for concerns and suggestions. Do they need further investigation or can a solution be recommended?
7. Type the minutes of the meeting for distribution (if needed).
Solange 8th Nov 2018 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi, Robyn. Some clients take a long time to settle into care facilities. Not being there full time poses a challenge for you. Do they have family visitors? Family visits should be encouraged as much as possible to talk, play games and cook Serbian food. You may also request volunteers (there is government department who selects volunteers speaking other languages) to come to the facility at their convenience a couple of times a week to talk and reminisce with them. The Serbian Club may also help by discounting prices for them to attend celebrations. You may also try your local Church community board to request kind Serbian people to visit them. They need distraction until they settle in. All the best.
Solange 8th Nov 2018 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi, Becky. What I did in the past was organize a movie or Armchair Travel and ask a nurse to put it on at a certain time. I also requested volunteers among the residents’ relatives and in the community to drop in for an hour or two to play a table game with a group of residents. If you have a high function client he/she could conduct a quiz/sing-along for a group of people. Failing that a nurse or kitchen staff may find 10 minutes to do it. I do hope you have cooperative staff.
Solange 8th Nov 2018 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi Jodi. I would start by going to a charity shop and getting half a dozen hand knitted pullovers for him to unpick. You could also try giving him some knots to un-do; a long, thick length of cord/rope with a few sailor knots. If it is possible to give him a couple of tools he could dismantle an old wooden doll’s house or bird’s nest. Also, find out what sort of music he listened to at age of 15 to 25 and have it as background while he ‘works’. The music may affect him in surprising ways. All the best.
Solange 2nd Nov 2018 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi, Margaret
Traditional Chinese games that older people appreciate would be, a few yo-yos, if possible a table for Ping-Pong, Feather shuttlecock, Knucklebones or Jacks as it is better known in the West. Buy a couple of Chinese jacks and the residents will be delighted to show you how to play. If some residents have high functional abilities they will enjoy playing Badminton. Don’t forget to ask you, Chef, to provide Chinese finger food like Dim Sums, Wontons, Dumplings.
All the best of luck!
Solange 2nd Nov 2018 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi, Claire
The Remembrance celebration this year is very special, the ceremony should include:
Poems - There is something very touching to see an elderly person reading a poem, either alone or together with a son or a daughter.
Blessings and the reading of scriptures - From the Bible or other religious denomination books.
Wearing a Poppy - If possible made by the residents
Craft - Have a session prior to the date to build a colorful poster and/or a garland of flowers for your facility
Singalong - When Johnny Came Marching Home, Imagine, Blowin’ in the Wind.
Solange 2nd Nov 2018 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi, Robin
One way I might have done; divide the 20 residents into two groups and have a volunteer to help out. Also, activities such as reminiscing would be interesting with the ethnic residents. For instance 'School Days' to compare the differences between countries. Sensory stimulation is suitable for a mixed group, from frail to high functional residents. Ball and balloon games are usually very popular with residents of all ages. Here are a couple of links. All the best!
https://www.goldencarers.com/school-days-reminiscing-cards/3831/
https://www.goldencarers.com/sensory-stimulation-for-dementia-care/4184/
Solange 30th Oct 2018 Diversional Therapist

6 Whiteboard Games for the Elderly

Hi, Marita, we are so glad this activity worked for you. Thank you very much for the feedback and your kind words. There will be more questions soon.
Solange 30th Oct 2018 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi Kylie, You have changed your client’s life by providing something she can identify with and reminisce the good times. Congratulations! Also, what a good idea to have a ‘meaningful engagement’ with each client once a month. Thank you very much for sharing.
Solange 6th Oct 2018 Diversional Therapist

Forum

Hi Brinn, excellent idea for a group activity. Apart from photos and mementos, you could inspire them to do themed activities with Christmas coming up. Check these couple of links for ideas.https://www.goldencarers.com/mixed-media-collages-for-the-elderly/4715/
https://www.goldencarers.com/canvas-creative-group-project/4907/
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