Solange

Welcome, Vicky! Thank you for your kind words.

Hi Jennifer, there are so many things you could do to make the Memory Unit a nice place. Offer social and reminiscing activities, gentle exercises, Snoezelen (Multisensory) room, Therapeutic garden, Doll Therapy, and more. The goal is to offer an optimal quality of life to residents. Take a look at the Multisensory room for dementia on this link.
https://www.goldencarers.com/snoezelen-rooms-and-sensory-environments-for-dementia-care/3848/

Hi Jomar, Golden Carers has a Monthly Activity Record. You could adapt it to your needs, like turn it into a daily Activity Record. Here is the link.https://www.goldencarers.com/monthly-activity-attendance/3247/

Hi Denise, Have you had a look at our Fundraising articles? You may find some inspiration on the following links:https://www.goldencarers.com/fundraising-ideas-for-nursing-homes/3457/
https://www.goldencarers.com/how-to-plan-a-fundraising-event/3458/
https://www.goldencarers.com/optimal-activities---marketing-fundraising-sourcing-free-resources/5105/

Hi Lauren! If you can’t get placement in your current facility I can give you some advice. Work experience placement starts with a few phone calls to the various care facilities. When calling state your qualification and offer your services. Usually what happens is that they send you an application form to fill in. Before going to an interview try to find out as much as possible all about the facility considering you for the position. Be prepared to answer questions such as Why do you want to work for this facility? What can you offer as far as leisure activities is concerned? (Think of convenient location, serene aspect or good reputation. What can you bring? commitment, enthusiasm, activity innovation). A positive attitude makes you stand out from the rest. Show genuine interest in the company as well as on the job. Good luck with your placement and welcome to the profession!

Hi Robin, great idea for an activity. One way is to place a request on your newsletter asking residents’ relatives and staff to donate whatever they have in their own garden. Give them a list of suitable foliage suitable like English Ivy (or any other ivy), ferns, groundcovers, common rosemary, olive tree branches, and any evergreens with small leaves. Don’t forget to condition the cut foliage properly for several hours - water containing flower food - before you start the activity. Good luck!

Hi Danelle, clients in the first or second stage Dementia are mostly still functioning independently and able to do so many things. Here are a few recommendations. Physical: Table games, ball games, exercises, dancing. Encourage self-expression with painting, Mosaic, gardening, Stick Figure. Cognitive stimulation: Animal Idioms Quiz, and other activities you will find in ‘Ideas for Men’s Activities’.
https://www.goldencarers.com/stick-figure-drawing-storytelling/4996/
https://www.goldencarers.com/mosaic-saucepan-rest/4892/
https://www.goldencarers.com/animal-idioms-quiz/5173/ https://www.goldencarers.com/finish-the-sayings-and-proverbs-game/4848/ https://www.goldencarers.com/ideas-for-mens-activities-on-fathers-day/3624/

Hi Sianna, I understand what you mean, elderly people bodies’ cannot adjust to high temperatures as well as younger people can. Even if sitting in the shade they may need standing fans to help them cope. Make sure they have lightweight clothes.
To counter dehydration you could offer Lemonade, Homemade Popsicles and ice cream. They could also make Fruit Kebabs: watermelon and other summer melons as well as their fruit of choice (use safety knives). I recommend that as far as entertainment goes it is better to stick to Quizzes, Riddles, Trivia, Music of choice, Reading Aloud, Sing-along, Tasting Competition, and also educational talks by guests, like Arthritis, Diet, Diabetes, Influenza, Falls.
Enjoy the summer!

Hi Michelle, welcome to the profession! We hope you have a long an rewarding career.

Hi Lisa, unfortunately, in every care facility there will be the sweethearts and difficult ones. Rudeness among peers when mild there is little to do, but in excess, it is often classified as difficult behaviour.
I can suggest one strategy. First of all, it is very important that you calmly take stock of your own emotions. Your body will convey your emotions better than your words. If the rude resident notices that you are seething, even without saying one word, the situation may escalate.
Keep calm and sit in front of the resident (being careful not to invade his space) and maintain eye contact for 60% of the time (more may be seen as confronting). Keep your arms in front of your body (not crossed) and start a conversation using positive language.
--- Betty, you seems to have a different point of view than Anna. Can I explain to you her situation? She is very sad that you hurt her feelings. (Find out what was the cause for the snappy comment or sarcasm; for instance, if the person attacked has Alzheimer's or any other dementia, explain that the person is ill and not out to upset her).
--- May I suggest Betty that next time you ignore Ana or try to talk to her a little.
--- Betty, when she makes you angry one option is to move away or call staff.
Finally, you should tell Betty in the most compassionate and sincere voice:
--- Betty, may I explain to you why I am asking you to be more patient with Ana? It is because this is your home as well as hers and being unkind to each other will not be tolerated at all. I know you are a kind-hearted, caring and generous person and you will try to be nice to Ana in future. Am I right? Smile and ask for a hug.
Remember Lisa, asking a rude resident for understanding and compassionate behaviour has to be as polite as you can be, but relentless. Repeat the above for as long as it is needed and the penny will hopefully drop!
The above does not suit aggressive residents. You need professional help to deal with aggressiveness. Hope it helps.