Christine

We recently armchair travelled to Italy, I decorated dining room to make it look like Italian restaurant, and we made home made pizzas, drank cappuccinos and listened to Dean Martin Italian music. Those that didn't actively participate, enjoyed tasting the pizzas and listening to music.

I have played this game twice with my memory care residents and they are much better at understanding the concept earlier in the day rather than after lunch when they are tired. Using large soft coloured dice and getting them to take turns rolling gets them more engaged. Also better with a small to medium group so you can offer one to one assistance if needed.

We did this today, and the residents seem to enjoy it. We added in food colouring to change colour of dough for the extra visual sensory experience. Some of the Lavender Rice ended up in the Chamomile coloured dough but that’s ok, it’s about their creativity and engagement of any kind is better than nothing.

We did this yesterday and it was very successful. I set up a milkshake making area with ice cream, milk, straws, cups and the choice of 2 flavours and assisted the dementia residents make their own shakes. Even the sound of the milkshake machine being turned on was an important part and made them smile. It was a great sensory experience all around.

Canine friends in NZ offer a Pet therapy service by matching up Pets to Resthome residents. We have a dog that comes into our memory care unit once a fortnight and our residents love it. 2 have taken on the responsibility of helping walk the dog around the unit to other residents. It is a very worthwhile activity and enjoyed by many.

Never under estimate the power of touch. A simple hand massage or a cuddle goes a long way to making a lonely elderly person feel special. I use these techniques a lot in the dementia unit I work in. The smile you get in return is so worth it.

Thanks, some great ideas. Love the stars from ceiling and interviews on the red carpet.

I am organising a Hollywood themed fine dining evening in August. Can you give me some suggestions as this is my first one. I am thinking Red carpet, dress as your favourite classic movie star. Any comments welcome.

We did this yesterday and found them really engaged, which for a memory care area is sometimes hard. We started by putting home made bird seed feeders into trees on our courtyard, then putting photos out for them to try and recognise before telling them the facts. I then used you tube to put identifying bird sounds with photos and they really liked that part, so we used our senses with touch, visual and hearing.

Get the staff involved, especially with the hula hooping, gets the residents really laughing.
Also remember to ask residents what other games they played, it gets them reminiscing and gives you good ideas for future activities.