Spring Activity Ideas

Spring is just around the corner! I’m ready for the end of cold weather, snow, and wind.  This is the perfect time to start your gardening projects for your residents.  Growing food that you later eat can be a rich and satisfying experience.  Gardening is a familiar activity many residents enjoy and take pride in doing.  And adding fresh vegetables to a meal promotes good health.

The purpose of this activity is to provide residents with an opportunity to perform a past skill or responsibility and to stimulate reminiscence and socialization.

 

Materials:  egg carton, garden gloves, seeds, dirt, watering can, spray bottle, cookie sheet

 

Set-up

Find an indoor space with good lighting for seedlings and create an outdoor space for gardening.

 

Process

Getting Started

1. Decide what you will grow.  Ask the residents to help you choose what to plant.  Take time to reminisce and ask questions like,
   1. What vegetables did you grow from seeds?
   2. Where did you get your seeds?
   3. What vegetables did you grow from plants?
   4. What type of container did you start your plants in?

 

Seedlings

1. Ask families to donate seeds or buy them at a nursery.
2. Start seedlings at the beginning of spring.
3. Give each resident an egg carton.  Next, tell them to punch a couple of small holes in the bottom for draining.
4. Direct the residents to fill each egg holder halfway with dirt.  Next, tell them to add one seed to each egg holder.  Then, tell them to cover the seeds with dirt.
5. Give the first resident the spray bottle filled with water.  Next, direct the residents to spray water on top of each egg holder.
6. Place the egg cartons on the cookie sheet to catch any water that may drain out.  Next, follow the directions on the seed package to (1) decide where to put the cartons so the seeds will grow and (2) find out how often to water them.  Then, remind the residents in the coming weeks to water the seeds according to the directions.
7. Consider asking questions from Garden Trivia

 Copyright 2008             Alzheimer’s Care Group 

For more information:   www.alzcaregroup.com

Physical Activities Stimulate Cognition

Each day we hear more information about the benefits of exercise for the elderly.  This is not always an easy activity to get residents involved in.  Caregivers must develop good programs that not only excite the residents who attend but also provide opportunities for a multi sensory experience.  Here is a fun idea:

 

Trek and Trivia                                                                                                   

Purpose

·         To stimulate activity of the mind and body

·         To engage multiple senses (see multi-sensory option)

Materials

Several large pictures (8” x 10” or bigger) of different things that relate to the same topic

Trivia questions related to the topic

Snack related to the topic

Set-up

Set up the course.  Place two chairs alongside some of the pathways to provide opportunities for residents to rest for a moment along the walk.

Process

1.       Recruit staff, family members, volunteers and/or residents who walk independently to help push residents using wheelchairs.

2.       Decide on a topic, such as something related to the time of year (e.g. holiday), a time in someone’s life (e.g. getting a first car) or a general theme.

3.       Select several large photos or pictures related to the topic.

4.       Choose an area without a lot of people traffic or furniture.  Next, create a path for the course.  Then, post the photos or pictures at eye level.

5.       Explain to the residents that you will be going on a trek or walk together.  Tell them that you will be stopping at different points along the way.

6.       Walk to the first picture.  Ask questions about what the picture.  For example, on President’s Day you may post pictures of different presidents at each hole and ask questions likes:

a.      Does anyone know the person in this picture?

b.      What did he do for a living?

c.       What number president was he?

d.      What war was occurring when he was president?

7.       Walk to the next hole and ask the same or additional questions.  Continue this process until you’ve completed the course.

 

Multi-sensory Option

Use smells and tastes to help residents identify the topic.  For example, place a cherry pie on a table next to the posted picture of George Washington or put a bowl of jellybeans next to a picture of Ronald Reagan.  Invite residents to smell the pie and taste the jellybeans while they answer questions about the presidents.

©Alzheimer’s Care Group 2008

 

For more information www.alzcaregroup or www.behomelivelife.com

Baby It’s Cold Outside

 

 

Winter may be a few days away, but the cold weather has already arrived.  People all across the country are being hit with winter storms.  As the temperature drops, caregivers need to ensure they are taking the right precautions for the loved ones in their care. 

 

Exit-seeking wandering is especially dangerous in the winter.  A confused person with Alzheimer’s may not realize how cold it is and walk outside without the proper clothing or protection.  If the ground is slick, slips and falls may cause injuries.  Every winter the media reports multiple cases of individuals with dementia wandering away from their home, slipping on ice, and not being found until the morning – many times too late to be helped.

               

                The Alzheimer’s Association has developed a program called Safe Return.    This is how it works:

 

“When a person with dementia wanders or becomes lost, one call immediately activates a community support network to help reunite the lost person with his or her caregiver. When a person is found, a citizen or law official calls the toll-free 24-hour emergency response number on the identification product and the individual’s family or caregivers are contacted. The nearest Alzheimer’s Association office provides support during search and rescue efforts. In addition, should medical attention be required, access to a personal health record is immediately available.”   (From the Alzheimer’s Association website)

 

 

There is a small fee to join this service but the peace of mind that families find is worth every penny.  I strongly recommend signing up any person at risk for elopement whether they are living at home or in a nursing home. 

 

www.alzcaregroup.com        www.behomelivelife.com

Holiday Tips

Holiday Tips

 

                Christmas time is quickly approaching.  Holiday stress is the number one complaint from people at this time. Common issues:  not enough money for gifts, not enough time to visit everyone, not warm outside, or not being able to find that perfect gift. 

Many caregivers struggle with the holidays for many reasons.

               

No Longer Able to Participate in Past Traditions

                Many families feel the holiday no longer has any meaning if their parents or other members of the family can no longer participate in long held family traditions.

For example:  Growing up my Grandpa used to cut down a tree every year then we would all get together and decorate the tree, eat homemade cookies and hot chocolate, and sing Christmas carols at the piano.  As he became more and more confused because of Alzheimer’s, this tradition was set aside and no longer done.  My sister would say that it was difficult to go to our Grandparents home because it just wasn’t Christmas.

                Create New Traditions:

                Now we visit Grandpa in the nursing home and we decorate a tree in his room.  One of the grandkids provides the cookies and punch.   Afterwards we have a great time singing Christmas carols with any of the residents on the Alzheimer’s Center.  Our new tradition not only helps our family but warms the holiday for all of the residents living on the center.

 

Unrealistic Expectations

                Remember to set realistic expectations for the family member with Alzheimer’s.  It is a good idea to include your loved one in the festivities, but remember to prepare everyone in advance for any limitations he may have.  If there will be many people attending a party, make sure there is a safe place for your loved one to be able to rest in quiet.  Arrange the family get together during a time that is typically good for the loved one.  Avoid late afternoons or evening so that the loved one is not too worn out from the events of the day.  Do not take it personally if the loved one does fall asleep during the party. 

 

Gift Ideas

                The best gift ideas are items that will help give a person a sense of purpose using his past interests.  For example:  My grandpa is an avid fisherman.  Growing up I remember thinking he owned every fishing pole made.  So last year for Christmas I put together a fishing activity kit.  I used a fishing pole, bobbers, weights, rubber worms, ect.  He could add line to the pole, sort the bobbers and rubber worms, and can practice casting the line.  Other kits such as a laundry kit, tool kit, office kit, photography kit are all examples of gifts that would give a person a sense of purpose and value.  Memory boxes or scrap books are other gifts that would help stimulate memories and conversation during family visits.

 

Remember to set realistic expectations and to focus on the love and comfort of family and friends.

 

For more information www.alzcaregroup.com or www.behomelivelife.com

Christmas Ideas

Hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner.  Commericals for Christmas sales are already beginning to pop up on the TV.  Here is a great idea for Christmas gifts that can be made by your residents.

Dough Art

 

Overview

Dough Art is a fun activity that gives residents the chance to use their hands and imagination.  The residents may use the dough to make ornaments and give them as Christmas gifts.

 

Purpose

·        To stimulate creativity and imagination

·        To give residents a sense of accomplishment

·        To provide sensory stimulation

 

Materials

Two cups of flour

One cup of salt

Water

Large bowl

Mixing spoon

Spice, such as ginger or nutmeg (optional)

Cookie cutters

Baking sheet (optional)

Paints (optional)

Ribbon or string (optional)

 

Set-up

Arrange chairs around a table.

 

Process

1.      Ask for one or two volunteers to help make the dough.

2.      Direct the volunteers to pour the flour and salt into the bowl.  Next, tell them to mix together the flour, salt and spice (optional) with the mixing spoon.  Then, direct them to add just enough water so that the mix becomes a workable dough ball.

3.      Give each resident a chance to knead the dough.  Note: knead the dough for about 10 minutes total.

4.     

Separate the dough into balls.  Give one dough ball to each resident.

           Let the residents choose from the cookie cutters or simply mold the dough by hand.

Making Ornaments

1.      Place the dough shapes onto a baking sheet.  Next, make a hole at the top of each shape so it may be hung later by a ribbon or string.  Then, place the baking sheet into an oven heated to 300 degrees and bake for 1 ½ hours.

2.      Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the ornaments cool.

3.      Set the paints out.  Next, direct the residents to paint the items they made.  Then, let the items dry.

4.      Set out the ribbons or string.  Next, direct the residents to tie the ribbon or string to the top of each ornament.

5.      Suggest that the residents may want to give an ornament to a family member or friend as a Christmas gift.

6.      Ask for volunteers to help clean up.

 

© 2008 Alzheimer’s Care Group

www.alzcaregroup.com

 

 

 

 

Cooking activity

Let Them Eat Cake

Cooking can be a fun activity done on any Alzheimer’s center.  Many people think that you have to get all uptight and rigid, but that really isn’t the case at all.

 

One of my favorite activities is having a “Let Them Eat Cake” party.  It’s a day long activity that can be a ton of fun for everyone! 

 

In the morning before lunch help a group of residents make a cake.  The cake can be made from a box or from scratch.  Having the residents follow directions is the key to the success of this activity.  Once the cake is baked, allow it to cool.  In the afternoon, care givers can assist the residents with putting icing on the cake.  After the cake is ready, gather a group of residents together to enjoy the cake.

 

While they are eating the cake the care giver can ask questions like:

            Who first said “let them eat cake!”       Marie Antoinette

            Who can finish this saying:  You can have your cake:      and eat it too.

                        What does that saying mean?

            What kind of cake do you eat when two people get married?

            What is a small cake that kids take to school for their birthdays?

            What kind of cake do you eat when you celebrate the anniversary of your birth?

            What do you put on your cake when you get married?

            What do you put on your cake when it’s your birthday?

            What is your favorite kind of cake?

Here are some funny cake quotations:

           

            “My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start.           So far today, I have finished two bags of M&M’s and a chocolate cake.  I feel    better already.”                       Dave Barry

 

            “You know you are getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.”          

                                                            Bob Hope

 

            “Vegetables are a must on a diet.  I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and         pumpkin pie.”                          Jim Davis

 

            “A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece.”            Ludwig Ernhard

 

            “For me the cinema is not a slice of life, but a piece of cake.”

                                                            Alfred Hitchcock

If you need pictures of cakes to have more ideas for conversation, please email me at Katrina@alzcaregroup.com for free pictures of cakes.

Personally Meaningful Activities

            I visited my grandfather the other day in the nursing home and we ended up having a wonderful visit.  It became an open invitation to all of the residents living on his center to join in the fun.  What started out as a conversation about fishing, lead me pull out the fishing kit that I carry in my car for the training sessions that I hold across the country. 

            Grandpa taught me how to fish.  Since I was a child I have found sitting next to a river bank fishing for a few hours to be a very relaxing experience.  When I feel the pull of the fish on the end of the line, I get so excited.  To me there are few things better than the feel of successfully reeling in a fish.

            During our visit about five men were gathered around.  Each gentleman took turns showing me how to tie a hook, choose the correct bait, and cast the line.  We spent time outside in the sun on the courtyard and finished the visit by drinking diet cokes. 

            Before I left, one of the   caregivers working on the Alzheimer’s center said, “I never would have imagined seeing any of those men excited about anything.  Who knew they could still cast a fishing line?!” 

            The best way to provide stimulation is to give a person with dementia “personally meaningful” tasks to do throughout the day.  Knowing the past interest of the person will help caregivers determine what the person may enjoy doing.  Remember that caregivers should never limit the possibilities based on their limitations.  Don’t assume that a person with dementia cannot complete a task because he isn’t able to remember.  Remember that the task can always be modified to his level of abilities.  Everyone needs purpose in life.  It should be the goal of each caregiver to help reach that goal.

 

If you’d like to have the instructions for the Fishing Kit, please email me at Katrina@alzcaregroup.com.

Katrina’s Korner

I recently had the pleasure of spending sometime at a delightful facility in Indianapolis.  I was there in the evening time for a meeting and to my surprise many of the residents were participating in a fantastic music program.  A few women were singing out enthusiastically while the rest of the group were clapping hands and smiling broadly.  The reason I was so impressed was the fact that it was after 7:00 pm and there was a group of more than twenty residents in the activity room.  Everyone was dressed and looked great.  I couldn’t help but stop the two CNAs that were helping with the group to pay them a compliment.  It is so rare to see residents up and engaged in activity programming later than six o’clock.  I know that many residents get up early to start the day with the assistance of CNAs and are tired by the time supper is served.  Often caregivers must start getting residents up early just to make sure that everyone is up by breakfast.  It would be reasonable to assume that many residents would be tired by the time breakfast is served.  The good news is that many facilities are changing the way they look at a daily routine.  In many cases facilities have moved breakfast to a later time to allow residents to sleep in.  There are a few facilities that even allow their residents to sleep in and once they wake up naturally, they are offered the opportunity to have a continental breakfast.  In Colorado I work with buildings that actually serve a continental breakfast as residents get up, a brunch at 10:00am, a large lunch at 2:00pm, dinner at 5:30 pm, and finally a late snack at 7:00 pm.  This five meal approach ensures many more choices throughout the day for the residents and has done a great deal towards decreasing weight loss.

Dearest Millie

“My Dearest Millie,
     I’m sitting at my desk trying to prepare for tomorrow’s sermon and my mind keeps wandering to the leaves that are falling from the trees.  It reminds me of those early days in Pennsylvania when a young man met a beautiful young woman who would fill his life with such joy and peace.  In you, God gave me the perfect helpmate and soul mate.  You followed me to South America into the mission field and never once complained when the weather got bad or the meal for the day was parakeet.  Our children have grown into beautiful adults who have all begun their own ministries for Christ.  In everyway you have been the most wonderful woman I have known.  Now as I find myself in the grip of Alzheimer’s I’m trying to get all of my love for you on paper so that when I cannot remember, you will help me remember.  I love you….my wife…”

 These words were written by a man in the early stage of Alzheimer’s.  He had been a Wesleyan minister for over forty years.  He spent twenty of those years in the mission fields building churches, schools, and water systems for villages in South America.

When I met “George” he was in the late middle stage.  He could hardly remember events five minuets after they occurred.  He would often forget he had eaten while he was still sitting at the table with his clean plate in front of him.

One thing he never forgot was his “Millie.”  She was his world.  When you would tell him that she was coming for a visit, he would light up and say, “Millie, do you know Millie?  She’s my wife.  She is the most perfect woman in the world.”  He never failed to express his love for her.

Even as the disease progressed and the visits became more difficult for “Millie” to visit “George” because there was little she could do to remind him of their past, he would still hold her hand and say, “Love you.”  Two words….but the most important words.

Katrina’s Korner

Worst storms in Indiana since 1913

 

Many people in southern Indiana have been experiencing horrible living conditions since severe storms hit two weeks ago.  Tornadoes and rain destroyed trees, farm land, and homes causing many people to find shelter at churches and with other family members.

 

Storms can be a source of fear and stress for those living in nursing homes.  From alarms sounding to alert caregivers to a loss of power making the environment dark and uncomfortable, there are many factors that can cause people with dementia to become even more confused and disoriented. 

 

Things to remember if you have a loved one living in a care center:

·       Each facility has an evacuation plan that must be followed when emergencies are declared.  Ask your social service department to give you details so you can know where your loved one will be if a natural disaster occurs.

·         Any change in routine is disruptive to a person with dementia.  Your support will help relieve some of the stress that occurs.

·       Caregivers have many things to do and remember during severe storms.  Often the phone lines can be overwhelmed with many families calling to check in on residents.  Caregivers need to be able to ensure the safety of everyone and this is never an easy task.  Remember:  If there is a severe problem you WILL be notified.

 

Water and wind damage can be challenging to repair.  Patience and understanding can go a long way in helping to make the goals of task achievable.