Create a colorful clothespin wreath that features handwritten notes of people, things or memories you are thankful for!
Start with a wire wreath frame and a bag of ordinary wooden clothespins.
Paint the clothespins.
Clip the dried clothespins onto the wreath, all the way around.
Journaling has known benefits but starting a journal can be daunting. Writing just 10 words a day sets people up for success and helps turn journaling into a habit.
Challenge a group to journal just 10 words a day for 10 days in a row.
This is a fun and interactive exercise program using large cue cards to guide the exercise program if residents are safely able to participate in a seated exercise program.
1. You can create your own flashcards by using a marker on 8 x 11 paper or you can email me for the pre-made cards at rachelleblough@outlook.com
2. You can include the words: run, march, push, pull, churn, twist, swim, clap, sing, reach, kick, wave, dance, smile, walk, draw, laugh
3. Ask someone in your group if they would like to volunteer to hold the flashcards up for the group
4. Go around and ask different people to read the word and share how many times they would like to do the action listed.
5. You can lead a conversation or reminiscing conversation about the word and whenever possible try to include residents and their life story if they have done these things or enjoy doing the word on the flashcard.
6. It is good to go thru the words 2-3 times and try to do each action 10-20x's if the person can safely do this while seated
A spontaneous engagement program using reminiscing triggers (objects) to initiate conversation in a non-group setting. A bag of meaningful objects is carried through common areas when residents are "unengaged." Each object is shown and discussed, "I had one of these, did you?" or "I have something I'd like to show you, would you like to see?"
Gather items that will trigger memories and spark conversation based on the age/cohort that you will engage. These need to fit into the bag that you will carry. Popular items include kitchen utensils and containers such as a metal ice cube tray or egg beater. Tools, school days supplies, gardening implements, transistor radios, quilts, jewelry, sewing supplies, beauty products, vintage sports equipment, toys, fashion accessories, and automobile supplies/equipment are just a start. Select an assortment (3-4) of objects and put them in the bag. Use declarative sentences to talk about the object. For example, "I had a transistor radio like this, I got it for Christmas. I used to put it under my pillow and listen when I was supposed to be asleep." Use questions sparingly to alleviate a right or wrong approach. The goal of this activity to encourage "no demand" activity interactions by triggering a thought or opinion. Scripts or stories can be used as items are shown.
"Send me a postcard!" was a common phrase used in the past. Post cards are used to create activities for matching, memory, reading, travel and geography.
1. Memory Game
2. Find the Match
3. Find it-read and find on a map
4. "I've been there" or "Let's go"
1. Memory Game: Pairs of matching postcards are turned face down on a table. (you can ask travelers to buy 2.) The number of pairs will be determined by the ability of the participants. Players take turns as in a "concentration game." Games can be based on themes, like NY City, Island adventures or random.
2. Find the Match: Many random postcards are placed face up on a table. The number will be determined by the participants. Several matching postcards are placed throughout to locate.
3. Find it-Post cards are place on tables, face up. Participants choose one and if able, read the destination. The location is marked on a map and discussed.
4. "Let's Go": A virtual visit/tour can be shown for the selected places or a "dream vacation" can be planned.
Magazine pictures are used to create a "collage" to initiate conversation and reinforce the identity of the participants. Themes for the collage can be used such as "Things I like," "Things that are beautiful," "Things that smell good." The possibilities are endless.
The pictures are used to spark conversation and reinforce individuality. Group collages can also be created to foster a feeling of belongingness.
A large variety of magazines, catalogues or advertising materials are gathered. Personal photographs are not used for this activity.
Poster board is needed. A good size is 11x14. Glue sticks work well.
One of 2 following methods are used depending on the acuity/cognition of the participant. A sample of a "half-done" collage should be shown. Demonstrate adding another picture.
1. Ask the person to flip through the magazine and find pictures of things they like (or whatever theme you are using). Cut or tear these out. Safety with scissors must be evaluated.
2. Set a variety of pictures out on the table and ask the person to point to or pick pictures of things they like. Frequently, a person with dementia does not want to "rip up" a nice magazine or the noise is distracting.
Use words and sayings as well.
This program uses circles in a variety of ways to create artwork. Circles are cut from different colors, in different sizes and textures. Dot paint tools can also be used in circle art. Here are 3 examples
1. Multi-level circle collage
2. Circle creations
3. Circle dot art
"It's not about the circles, it is what happens when choosing and manipulating the circles that count." This program connects to the life of the person through circles.
1. Circle collage-cut, use Cricut machine or purchase circle of different colors and in at least 3 sizes: 5-6" diameter, 4"diameter, 2-3" diameter. Each participant will need one of each size. Ask each participant to choose the color for their largest circle. Continue with the next 2 sizes, choosing a different color each time. Glue the 3 circles together, largest to smallest. On a large foam board, guide each participant to position their 3 level circle onto the board, making a collage. Overlapping is good as well. Name the creation! Discuss the art. Ask for their opinion. What do they see in it? What colors do they prefer?
2. Circle creations-You will need 8-10 circles of different colors for each participant. Each participant will need a piece of card stock paper on which to glue the circles. Guide the participants to move the circles around and create a picture. A few examples from my circle art groups include: reminiscing about an orange orchard, using a circular saw to cut down trees, a pet dog, and the colors of her ethnic flag. This is an engagement activity to connect to the participants life story through circles.
3. Using dot paint markers, participants can fill in a predesigned template, put flowers on predesigned stems or create their own designs.
1. Artifacts to use in a tool kit or engagement scrapbook (Symbols of faith from their religion)
2. Engagement activities
. 3. Cues and triggers for dementia
This program is a collaboration between community or youth volunteers and the care community. Chalk drawings and messages are produced on sidewalks and patios, enabling resident and staff to enjoy art while socially distancing. Unless you reside in a snowy climate, this can be done year round.
The art can be themed for holidays and "chalk walks" can be scheduled or patio art can be seen from inside. This program can be part of the "Window to the World" program. Watching the youth draw from inside the building and connecting with them with waves, signs or notes of thanks provides needed interaction.
Recruit youth or community artists who will complete chalk drawings on sidewalks or patios.
Volunteers will provide their own chalk. Discuss the theme of the drawings with the artists. Holiday and seasonal chalk art is recommended. Special milestones like a 100th birthday can also be celebrated with chalk art.
Take a photo of the artists with a short biography to share with the residents. This can be placed in a 8x10 frame and put in a reception area.
Note: Due to many visuospatial changes related to dementia, persons with these challenges should not "walk" over the chalk drawings, and should look from a distance or "wheel" over the drawings in a wheelchair.
Have you ever said "I've got to go get the mail!"? Going to a mailbox has been a customary routine for many residents of long term care communities. A mailbox triggers memories and anticipation of receiving a letter or card. This program uses a regular mailbox that has been modified to "roll" through hallways. It is used to deliver special wishes, cards, or invitations to the residents. It can be decorated, much like a cart, for special occasions and holidays.
Construct a "mailbox on wheels" by securing the base to a rolling platform and move the mailbox throughout the community for special occasions such as delivering notes from kids, letters from volunteers, or holiday cards.
When not in use, the mailbox can be placed in the activity department office or reception office to collect outgoing mail from residents.
