Nikki

A new activity has been posted by a Golden Carers member: Out of fashion crossword

A new activity has been posted by a Golden Carers member: Too many Lemons Quiz

I email our quarterly newsletter to families and the few guests who use digital means of communication. I always get enough printed copies for all guests though as even the ones who have read their email like to have the paper copy. I'm guessing this is due to a mix of memory loss and lack of comfort with digital means.
Texting rather than phone calls work for some with hearing loss who are comfortable with that function on their smartphone. This is just those last minute changes due to a storm or a reminder that their session is today.

Thank you, this is just what I needed to hear amongst the brain fog as I juggle everything.
Wishing us all a safe and healthy festive season!

A children's birthday party theme worked really well in New Zealand where it's been traditional to hold these parties at home with mostly home cooked food. We have a couple of famous recipe books so I started with those and added cake decorating utensils, candles, serviettes, straws, an invitation, photos of children at a party, gift wrap paper, ribbons and anything else to do with a party. I laid it all out on a table covered in paper which the participants could write their favourite party food on. We talked about the games played, the advent of the goody bag, costume parties and even those held at a fast food place. We brought the men into it by asking about their role - blowing up the balloons, putting up shelter etc. An hour passed very quickly!

We give the winner (most fish) a chocolate marshmallow fish and the person who caught the least fish gets a chocolate frog.

I use my iPad to turn my voice into words for someone who is completely deaf. As this only happened in her nineties the guest doesn't have an established alternative way to communicate. If I make a new note and only use the heading area, which is in bold type, she is able to read what I've just said. This makes her feel much more included in our group activities.

A new activity has been posted by a Golden Carers member: ANZAC Day wreaths

What a great idea!

Also this month, for Australians and New Zealanders: ANZAC Day wreaths. Use 2-3 egg cartons per wreath, painting each segment after cutting it from the carton. Black felt, buttons or similar are glued to the centre before attaching to the circle of cardboard, once the paint is dry.