Heather

Thanks for this activity, I did it with our residents and loved it, we used white board, Our care staff joined in each time they walked past adding a different item. we ended up with two list on the board as the ladies decided they had, had enough of camping and wanted to camp with a touch of luxury. this activity has lead us to virtual holidaying and we have started planning a holiday around Australia marking our destination on a map of each place we travel.

Hi Alison, I have done a few of these and I hope this helps as it does take a little work on your part to put it altogether but I assure you it is worth as not only good for the residents but you as well as we spend so much time with them all and a chance for us to say goodbye. I
put a little book together just like you would get at the actual service, So front cover has a picture of the resident and inside i put pictures of the resident doing activities that they shared good times with others , I then put funny sayings, comments etc they may have said to me or other care staff during their stay with us. I play a song that I knew they liked that made them smile (ie one was you are my sunshine) and put the words in so everyone could sing along if they wished, I finished the book with either the lords prayer if they were religious or a nice friendship life poem for those who are not.
DAY OF MEMORIAL SERVICE:
When I opened the service I explained to everyone that this is their time to fairwell an old friend not with sadness but with memories of all the good times they have shared either during activities or simple chat over a cup of tea. I asked in closing if anyone would like to share a memory they recall of good times together I often say a few words about something I have recalled I try to make it positive and encouraging. Sometimes I get one or two residents who wish to say something but mostly they just like to listen. I try to make it very light hearted so not to cause grief to anyone. I organise a very small bunch of flowers from the garden and ask for a minute silence for us all to say farewell and lay the flowers on the chapel bench (a table is fine if you don't have a chapel). At the end I offer all residents who have attended to stay and join me for a cup of tea, during this time I find they are all talking and laughing over funny things they did with their friend. (its wonderful)

- 'How do you make an orange turn over?...Tickle its navel!'

- 'What did the puppy say when it sat on the sandpaper?- Ruff Ruff

- 'What has fifty heads and no brains?...A box of matches!'

Men's club Wind Chimes made out of off cut Pipes, Plumbers Pipe, String, washer, and fishing tackle to add to the effect.

A new activity has been posted by a Golden Carers member: Sensory Salt Garden

these are a great to make in your men's club, our men's made them last year and loved it. I went to our local bunnings and asked for some off cuts they were very helpful. I now have a gentlemen that loves to fix things so now he goes out each morning and makes sure they are still all working and lets me know when one is tangled. I bring it down and he sits and fixes it. (so not only a sensory activity but assists others to keep busy as well)

I have made this with some of residents for Christmas, I purchased some small plastic Christmas toys and we designed a Christmas scene. our base was a lid from an old hat box. (it looked cool) and all our hands felt wonderfully soft and moisturised after we had finished.

A new activity has been posted by a Golden Carers member: Milo Truffles

Hi kate yes your not alone in this area we all feel like this at this time of year and even sometimes throughout and because we all love our jobs and want to do the best for our residents we are the ones who get disheartened. just like Pauline said, use the time to do the much needed paperwork we all have that goes with the job or 1-1 sessions. Good luck and keep your chin up. xxx
regards Heather

I was wondering if anyone has Template they can post for running resident meeting and the sought of things that should be discussed and questions residents should be asked. regards Heather