Josephine

Hi Jodie, I am as yet to trial this with our residents. Wondering which web site you got onto for the questions and answers. If you could provide the address I would be grateful. :)

Thanks Solange. Well the afternoon turned out better than was expected and some beautiful reactions from our residents, one lady who has reverted back to only speaking Italian was singing out loud which got us all in the mood. The pizza and wine went down a treat and I was able to get a DVD from the library that visited different regions of Italy. Something so simple turned out to be amazing. Lovely to get the tips from Golden Carers too. Just love this site.

Ooh Sally what a wonderful idea ! Look at the backgrounds of the men, that may give you a clue as to what the men have been interested in. Maybe magazines from their interests e.g. Interest in horse racing - contact local race club for some old racebooks etc.

Sam all comments have very good points to make and which should be part of the commencement of getting ideas onto paper and getting input. I do like your idea, some care staff ask what they can do and this is where you can sit with a person and watch a show or a program together and then be engaged in an activity together. Again, the human contact is second to none. The program would be good for some family members who are at a loss as what to do or talk about with their loved one. All ideas have to commence somewhere and it needs a champion to take it to great heights. I would like to offer one piece of advice, remember to put a business plan/framework around it and how you will continue to enhance the program. Good luck with it !! Love your enthusiasm !

Hi Liz, if you have access to an iPad or Computer how about "travelling" to different parts of Italy. Find out the regions that residents are from. The local Library may have DVD's and picture books about Italy that you can put on an afternoon Italian movie. Most Europeans love card games, I know my parents and their friends did. Men usually tend to like sanding woodwork and putting things together, if it is possible have a look at the craft section at Bunnings, ask family members for the money to purchase for the individuals or is their any volunteers willing to help out here. Bunnings have birdhouses etc. Is there a knitting group you can commence. Contact your local U3A and see if a few are willing to come along for some knitting and chatting. We did this a couple of years ago and it is working a treat, some of our residents despite their dementia have picked up knitting again and one to involve the local schools. Cooking was always a favourite with my mum (who is from Europe), is there the possibility of grabbing a few residents (you can rotate) and have an Italian cooking afternoon e.g. make your own pizza, make pasta from scratch etc. Hope this helps.

Hi Sam, thanks for that information I would never have thought of that.

Thanks for these ideas. I have been able to download some Italian opera from YouTube, mainly Andrea Boccelli and will be inviting all to an afternoon at the Opera, all to dress up, turn the lights down, plus work with our chef to make mini pizza's for afternoon tea with some wine ! I am looking forward to it.

Donna gentle Chair Exercise to Music, you can download music from Youtube if you wish or ask people to donate CD's with music from your clients era. Speak to a physio for some of the movements required. Download Mandela templates from the internet for coloring in - it is very personalised and read up on them. This will give you a talking point as well. Rummage box's are great and I am currently putting these together. What about Scents - you can grab different herbs & spices and guess the scent again a talking point. Going down the art side, we have trialled putting a bowl of fruit to draw / color - this has been an interesting exercise as everyone has a different point of view. I am about to commence a reading group - simple books loaned from the library - can be quotes / sayings / short story books - creates conversation and reminiscing. Hope some of this helps you. I find looking through the internet helps and of course the main source of information from Golden Carers ! Jessie

Hi Benita, the only app that I know of is from DBMAS - Dementia Behavorial Management Advisory Service. This is more for how to handle various behaviours and what interventions may assist. Unsure if there are any more out there, I would also be keen to know. Cheers Jessie

Hi Judy, what a lovely activity ! Thanks for sending this in for others to try. Cheers Jessie