Member Profile:

Molly

Activity Professional & Writer From Maryland, United States

About Molly: Molly Wisniewski is a freelance writer for the aging services. She has cared for older adults living with dementia for over ten years. Her blog the Upside to Aging is dedicated to sharing an alternative and more positive side to aging.

17 Activities

206 Comment

Molly 24th Aug 2019 Activity Professional & Writer

The Seven Stages of Alzheimer's Disease

A new article has been submitted: The Seven Stages Of Alzheimer's Disease
Molly 1st Jul 2019 Activity Professional & Writer

Forum

Hi Angie, we would ask these residents to help us push our activity carts! It always seemed to work for a time especially is we were walking with them.
Molly 22nd Jun 2019 Activity Professional & Writer

Forum

Hi Lisa, have you tried balloon volley? I always have success with this especially for individuals with movement challenges here is a link I found on Golden Carers https://www.goldencarers.com/balloon-games/3196/.

Also, you may find some tweaked activities here https://www.goldencarers.com/spice-up-your-activity-calendar-with-new-twists-to-familiar-activities/5586/.
Molly 19th Jun 2019 Activity Professional & Writer

Forum

Suellen, I echo everyone here. Age is never a factor in learning a new trade, especially in aging services! Activities are a great way to keep active, give back, and have fun! I think it is an excellent choice if you are interested. As for your concern about employable, I sure hope that it wouldn't be a factor - we just hired a recently retired school teacher, and she has brought so much to the team already. You might find this article I wrote on important points on your resume and interview process helpful https://www.goldencarers.com/6-important-points-for-an-activity-coordinators-resume-interview/5522/.
Molly 19th Jun 2019 Activity Professional & Writer

Forum

Hi Tina, how difficult this must be for the wife and all of you as you try to redirect! I've seen this a lot, and despite efforts, it is difficult to redirect permanently without a move to a new unit (which can cause a host of new issues for the resident). I like the idea Susan offered regarding the Social Worker. It is important that the wife feels supported!
Molly 19th Jun 2019 Activity Professional & Writer

Forum

Hi Mary,

I love the ideas offered in this thread! Trivia is a resident favorite for us and we try to get outside in the morning too if the weather is nice.
Molly 7th Jun 2019 Activity Professional & Writer

Forum

Hi Kat,

We've only just recently started incorporating technology. The iPad is a favorite though and we've gotten some wonderful use out of it when doing 1:1's, music groups, and armchair travel. It is also better to bring with you in case a scheduled activity isn't working and you want to switch it up without having to dig in the activity closet.

Molly 7th Jun 2019 Activity Professional & Writer

Forum

Hi Heather! Here are a few ideas found here on Golden Carers!

https://www.goldencarers.com/comments/19098/

https://www.goldencarers.com/cinderella-christmas-pantomime/3638/

https://www.goldencarers.com/party-themes-for-dementia-care/4829/

https://www.goldencarers.com/celebration-ideas-for-the-festive-season/4333/
Molly 5th Jun 2019 Activity Professional & Writer

Forum

Wow, there are so many wonderful suggestions here! Thank you, Michelle, for such a thoughtful question.

1:1 's are great ways to ensure everyone is receiving proper social pursuits.

There are so many factors into participation, but have you tried asking the aids/nurses for help? If they know what activities are going on, they are better able to pitch them to the residents and may even bring them down.

Also, you may want to try changing up your calendar routine we all need to have specific items on the calendar but jazzing it up with new activity ideas or trips and entertainment could be fun ways to entice them out of their room.

We've even held activities in common areas to peak the interest of those listening from their apartment.
Molly 5th Jun 2019 Activity Professional & Writer

Forum

Hi Karen,

Could you hold a raffle? We typically raffle off things like the front row parking spot, meal vouchers for the cafeteria, or an extended lunch break for staff at a $1 a ticket. We've also sold things like hand made arts and crafts by the residents or hand made knitted scarves for $5 a piece. I'm not sure if you have an independent living section, but we (skilled nursing) would always ask for hand-crafted donations to sell at our events.
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