Educational Concepts for Active Living
Dementia Care Specialists
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Watch the above video to find out who won 2011’s “Post to Win”! Check out our bulletin board to read all the stories submitted.
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The very best New Year’s gift is on its way…within the next few weeks!
- Rachel
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Most Recent “Post to Win” Story!
The bulletin board has been seeing some action the past couple of days — thanks to everyone who has taken the time to write! If you haven’t yet participated and want to, it’s super simple and your story automatically enters you to win our Family Cares DVD and a set of bean bags. You have until 9am (central) on January 6th to reflect and share!
Here is the most recent post…
From Carey (The Arbors at Silver Creek)
My birthday was in late November. On this day, my co-workers had gotten me a cake. I decided to share this cake with all the residents here. At the time, that the cake was cut, the residents burst into singing “Happy Birthday”. About thirty seconds later, someone asked “Whose birthday is it anyway?” A staff member stated that it was mine. They, then, stated that we needed to sing Happy Birthday. Again, the residents sang a joyful filled happy birthday. About a minute later, this question of whose birthday was it, arose again. And again, Happy Birthday was sung. The song ended up being sung six times. This was the most wonderful birthday with lots of laughter and singing. I love working with these wonderful people and will never forget the giving spirits of these individuals.
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[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]
Listen to this message from Rachel about Edcon’s POST TO WIN friendly competition! Simply share one of your favorite 2011 stories on our website’s bulletin board and you will be entered to win our newest DVD (Family Cares) and a set of bean bags.
We can’t wait to read what you write!
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Tour Topics (Family Focused) →
Being a caregiver to a loved one with dementia is anything but easy. Here are some of the topics we covered throughout our dementia care tour last month…
- Rachel
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WKYU-FM Radio Special →
Dan Modlin (News Director at WKYU) attended our program in Bowling Green, KY, last month and featured an 8 minute piece on “Dealing with Dementia” early Monday morning. It’s always nice when a reporter “gets it” and leaves out stigmatized words like sufferer or victim. He did a great job of focusing on the possibilities in dementia care, highlighting local service options and helping the general public perhaps look at things differently. If you have a few minutes, take a listen!
- Rachel
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Annabelle really took to this little lamb made of real Scottish wool. We brought it as an extra prop and emphasis for our felting project at Dooley Center…not knowing it would excite Annabelle as it did! Her recall of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” (with backup from Sister Roberta) was partly from childhood knowledge of a great nursery rhyme, but, also, apparently, her mother (whose name was Mary) once actually owned a little lamb.
Do you know the original lyrics to this classic nursery rhyme? We didn’t! Here’s what we found:
Mary had a little lamb its fleece was white as snow;
And everywhere that Mary went, the lamb was sure to go.
It followed her to school one day, which was against the rule; It made the children laugh and play, to see a lamb at school.And so the teacher turned it out, but still it lingered near,
And waited patiently about till Mary did appear.
“Why does the lamb love Mary so?” the eager children cry;
“Why, Mary loves the lamb, you know” the teacher did reply. -
Annabelle (a resident of Dooley Center in Atchison, KS, living with dementia) loved the camaraderie and conversation as we engaged in the felting process together. The “soap flake making” was an idea we had at the last minute (to encourage more participation) and that, in combo with the rest of the activity, lifted everyone’s spirits!
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We are always trying to learn new things. And, though we had felted before with the marvelous Kate Allan in Edinburgh, Scotland, (visit her site!) we had never really tried the technique with those who have dementia. Sister Roberta (a resident of Dooley Center in Atchison, KS) was a delight to work with — partly because she is so agreeable, willing to try whatever it is we propose…and partly because she is just hilarious.
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Tending the Desire to Contribute
I’m a fair bit late on posting some of the ideas that were discussed in Richmond, VA, a few weeks back (at the Alzheimer’s Association Educational Conference sponsored by the Greater Richmond chapter)…but it’s better late than never! Especially considering how relevant our program topic was to the Thanksgiving holiday. The presentation titled “Tending the Desire to Contribute: A Spotlight on Giving in Dementia Care” explored the inherent value of and instinctual response to being a contributor… thinking of others… participating in acts of service… being a part of something bigger than yourself.
At one point in the session, groups worked together to identify ways we (as caregivers) have or could encourage those with dementia to contribute (in either a complex or simple context). Here’s a neat list of what was brainstormed:
- Ask well-placed questions and listen to the person’s stories
- For a long-term care community: Establish a recycling program, encouraging people to give what they can every two weeks (newspapers, aluminum cans, magazines, etc.)
- Ask for help! - to complete a recipe, to do dishes, to set the table, to sew buttons on clothing, to arrange flowers, to fold laundry, to decorate for the holidays, etc.
- Seek advice and recommendations – allow the person to play the role of “expert” when possible
- Establish chores to encourage the feeling of being responsible and useful – such as the taking care of a pet (cat, dog, bird, etc. – one woman described how she helps others participate in the care of butterflies). Also consider hobbies as a center point for chore work (gardening, watering, cooking, preparing ingredients, knitting and donating things to children’s hospitals, making toys for children at Christmas), etc.
- Ask for suggestions on how to complete theatrical “scenes” (drama therapy taps into creativity and imagination)
- Partner the old with the young to promote inter-generational friendships
- Involve elders in newer technology (i.e. use an iPad/Skype for long-distance communication and conversation)
- Use Google Earth to show old haunts and talk with the person about places from their past
- Give one another hand massages
- Ask someone to play the piano (or an instrument of choice) for the crowd
- Drag out old nameless and dateless family photos to see if the person can recall details – this is not a test, though. If the person struggles in any way, just reassure and adapt the moment to creatively imagine fun stories for each picture!
- If it is well-received, allow the elder to nurture and interact with life-like babies (open discussion about memories of being a mother)
- Volunteer at an animal shelter, local not-for-profit or cause-related organization
- Make puppy and kitty treats and then let the elder deliver these to animal shelters
- Involve the person in helping you problem solve something that is baffling
- Help the person write a letter to a family member for a special occasion
So many great ideas! Obviously, though, each person with dementia is different with varying capabilities. Nothing listed above is full proof. That’s true. But, it’s also true that each and every one of us – with memory loss or not – benefit from the act of GIVING. As caregivers, let’s zoom out and see what we can do to help those with dementia reap these benefits!
- Rachel
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Three Good Things
For many years I have had a fascination with Positive Psychology, specifically its application to the world of dementia care. At a time when those with dementia struggle to feel okay “as is” and caregivers have trouble keeping their heads above water, I like the idea of promoting mental wellness and tending to one’s happiness.
Awhile back I discovered a great practice called Three Good Things in the book Happy At Last by Dr. Richard O’Connor. Martin Seligman (an innovator and creator of the Positive Psychology movement) also promotes this technique in his most recent book, Flourish, as well as great, short videos online (click here). It’s fabulously simple and profoundly influencing:
Each night, write three good things that happened within the day, followed by a reflection on why these events took place.
That’s it. In about the same amount of time it takes you to brush your teeth, you can increase your happiness and guide your thinking to a more positive place.
Undoubtedly, I enjoy mulling over my three good things each day…but I also love figuring out ways to make the list of others. :) Hence the above video dedicated to The Silver Fox (DK). For years he has been a professional speaker, inspiring thousands to grow…but, obviously, being 85 years old now means infrequent travel, fewer platform opportunities, and less applause. The latter being the most missed, I would guess. As a speaker, you just get accustomed to the glorious sound of hands clapping, friends cheering you on.
So we decided to design this experience again for The Fox. And our audience in Roanoke, VA, (at the Alzheimer’s Association educational conference) did a magnificent job of showing their love and appreciation for his sage advice and uplifting presence. Maybe seeing this - hearing the support - will bring back great memories and make his day’s Top 3!
What will make yours?
- Rachel
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We always love getting e-mail updates from Deborah Shouse and Ron Zoglin! Recently, they forwarded an article that I found delightful. If you are unfamiliar with their work in dementia care, click here. Also consider getting a copy of Deborah’s book, “Love in the Land of Dementia: Finding Hope in the Caregiver’s Journey.”
- Rachel
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Lady in White
I always find life’s twists fascinating. After a no-good-horrible-down-right-awful experience missing my flight in Charlotte, NC, and being re-routed to Milwaukee, I met this lovely 81 year old woman and her dog, Baby Sam. Our conversation was enlightening and I found her exceptionally wise. Her later years have included the loss of many she has loved for a lifetime, but her spirit stays strong and her happiness intact. My thanks to her for reminding me today of what is important.
- Rachel
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Full image link →
We have just participated in a FABULOUS conference sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association Central and Western Virginia chapter in Roanoke, VA, at The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. This hotel…rich in history (see photo or click here for more info)…is fully decked for Christmas - saturated with cheer, elegance and comfort!
Our thanks to all who brought such positive energy to our programs today — we are particularly grateful for the kindness shown following DK’s recitation of Best In You. Once he sees the video captured this afternoon, he will no doubt savor the applause and log your appreciation as a day’s Top 3!
- Rachel
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From Bowling Green, KY
For some family members it feels as though a loved one with dementia is intentionally trying to drive ‘em nuts…asking the same question over and over…making accusations they very well know are untrue…forgetting to do a simple task time and time again. The caregiver says: “TRY HARDER!” but the person with dementia likely feels, “I’m giving this all I’ve got.” What if the caregiver suspicion is wrong? What if these scenarios have nothing to do with designed, purposeful aggravation? What if a cognitive condition is the culprit for these frustrations? Then suddenly the person with dementia is dealing with multiple layers of distress. Not only will this individual struggle in the “lost” moment (coming to grips with being unable to identify a loved one, execute a task that has been a part of a lifetime routine or find something important that has been misplaced)…but, to add insult to injury, this person also has to deal with “letting down” a family member. When disorientation is at play, it is best for caregivers to show empathy and compassion. Gently and diplomatically guide the person with dementia through their angst…rather than unintentionally push them further into a state of depression.
- Rachel
