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Celebrate Capture the Sunset Week Third Full Week in July The third full week in July is Capture the Sunset Week. We all love a great sunset and July is the perfect month to honor them. Invite your residents and co-workers to participate by capturing the sunset in any medium they are comfortable working in. Have participants turn them in throughout the month and place on display all around the facility with credit given. Below are some examples of different artistic mediums to consider: Watercolor Pastels Ink/Pencil Photography Collage Pressed Flowers Share Tweet Share Pin Forward Celebrate Embrace Your Geekness Day July 13th, 2021 In this day in age, we are all a little geeky. It's just the nature of the times. There are certain gadgets that are more well suited to some. Today we will look at some gadgets geared towards seniors. There may even be some that you could incorporate into your department. Try and get at least one of them on hand to celebrate this holiday and to discuss other gadgets that your residents may enjoy having in the facility. Sock Aid SpillNot Cup Holder Uccello Electric Safety Kettle Digital Clocks for Dementia/Impaired Vision Sony Wireless TV Handy Speaker Share Tweet Share Pin Forward July is National Watermelon Month! Celebrate by carving a watermelon into a fruit bowl and filling it with delicious summer fruit for your residents. Buy Now $19.95 Share Tweet Share Pin Forward Share Tweet Share Pin Forward Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

Our residents no longer have their fathers to celebrate this day with, however they are always together in spirit. Have residents create a special rock with their father's name on it and a picture or drawing that speaks to them. Place the rocks around in a garden to create a Father's Day Garden. A beautiful reminder that will help the residents to feel more connected. Share Tweet Share Pin Forward The Best and Worst Dads of All Time by History.com This Father’s Day, we bring you five men who exemplify some of history’s finest parenting—along with five others you’ll be glad you never had to call Dad. 1. Charlemagne King of the Franks and emperor of the Romans in the late eight and early ninth centuries, Charlemagne had 20 children, some with wives and others with concubines. He insisted that they all receive a thorough education, including the girls. When one of his sons, known as Pepin the Hunchback, was found guilty of participating in a plot to kill Charlemagne, it was expected that he would be executed along with his co-conspirators. Instead, the emperor took pity on Pepin, ordered his sentence commuted and sent him to a monastery. Nicholas II, the last emperor of Russia, in 1914, with his wife Alexandra and his children Olga, Tatiana, Maria, Anastasia and Alexei. (Credit: New York Public Library/Getty Images) 2. Czar Nicholas II The last Russian emperor, Nicholas had five children with his wife, the German-born Alix of Hesse. A loving father, Nicholas was especially concerned with the health of his only son and heir, Alexei, who suffered from hemophilia. Their child’s illness led the czar and his wife to consult the controversial healer Rasputin, whose influence over the royal family compromised their standing on the eve of the Russian revolution. 3. Mark Twain Mark Twain and his wife, Olivia, had three daughters during their 34-year marriage. Though he doted on all his children, Twain was particularly close with his oldest, Susy, who shared his love of acting and writing. He based at least two major characters in his novels on her. When she died of meningitis as a young woman in 1896, Twain fell into a deep depression. Later, he included passages written by Susy about her father in his autobiography. 4. Cicero A prominent ancient Roman statesman and philosopher, Cicero adored his daughter Tullia and was devastated when she died of complications from childbirth in 45 B.C. Inconsolable despite his friends’ many letters of condolence, some of which are still in existence, Cicero isolated himself for several weeks at the home of his friend Atticus, where he read texts by Greek philosophers about how to overcome grief. He later divorced his second wife, Pubilia, supposedly because she had not been sufficiently saddened by her stepdaughter’s death. 5. Charles Darwin The father of modern evolutionary science was also a devoted dad to 10 children, of whom two died in infancy. He played a central role in raising and educating his brood at a time when childrearing was seen as women’s work. The death in 1851 of 10-year-old Annie was a crushing blow for Darwin and his wife, Emma, and some have speculated that it caused him to lose his religious faith. 6. Peter the Great The ambitious and erratic Peter, who ruled Russia from 1682 to 1725, fathered 14 children (many of whom died young) with his two wives. Not known for his warm parenting style, he famously contributed to the death of his first-born son, Alexei, who had been convicted of conspiring to kill his father, despite a lack of concrete evidence. Before his planned execution, Alexei died in his prison cell of wounds sustained during a torture session. 7. Constantine the Great The Roman emperor Constantine, who ruled from 306 A.D. until his death in 337, fathered six children with his two wives. He had a close working relationship with his eldest son, Crispus, who oversaw many of his father’s military campaigns. For reasons that remain unclear, Constantine ordered his son’s execution in 326; Crispus’ name was erased from official records and monuments dedicated to him were destroyed. 8. Thomas Boleyn Born into a noble English family around 1477, Thomas Boleyn spent his career currying favor with King Henry VIII, earning a succession of prestigious appointments. He may have had a hand in the romantic involvement of both his daughters with Henry, who first had an affair with Mary Boleyn and later pursued her older sister, Anne. As Henry’s obsession with Anne grew, so did Thomas’ standing in court, and some have speculated that he pressured his daughter to insist on wedding the king, who was already married at the time. Three years after the controversial marriage, Anne, having failed to produce a male heir, fell out of favor and was beheaded for high treason; her brother George suffered the same fate. Thomas, meanwhile, had done nothing to protect his two children despite his influence and the fact that they were almost certainly innocent. "Ivan the Terrible Killing His Son" by Ilya Repin. 9. Ivan the Terrible A successful czar who expanded the borders of his realm but was probably plagued by mental illness, Ivan ruled Russia from 1533 until his death in 1584. It is likely that his nine children suffered years of abuse at his hands. In 1581 he beat his pregnant daughter-in-law as punishment for wearing revealing clothing, causing her to miscarry. Her husband, also named Ivan, angrily confronted his father, who had banished his son’s first two wives to convents after pronouncing them infertile. Incensed, the czar struck his heir on the head with his scepter. The younger Ivan died a few days later as his remorseful father prayed by his bedside for a miracle. Credit: Hulton Archive/Getty Images 10. Herod the Great King of Judea from 37 to 4 B.C., Herod is remembered as an ambitious but cruel and paranoid ruler who infamously ordered the executions of several members of his own family. These included his second wife, his mother-in-law, his brother-in-law and three of his sons. Share Tweet Share Pin Forward The Worst Father's Day Gifts EVER! Source: www.krforadio.com Share Tweet Share Pin Forward Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

View this email in your browser Celebrate National Garden Week June 6-12th, 2021! The healthy benefits of gardening for seniors cannot be overstated. Research studies have consistently shown that physical, mental and emotional improvements are but only a few examples of the benefits of gardening. There is an innate sense of control over one’s environment and the task of cultivating new plant growth is often predictive of good health and higher quality of life among the elderly. The benefits of gardening for seniors include: Exercise and burning calories. Planting and pulling weeds can help you burn 200 to 400 calories an hour. Gardening gets the body moving by requiring some bending, squatting, stretching and pulling. Muscle-strengthening. You don’t have to push around a heavy wheelbarrow to keep your muscles from weakening. A few hours of gardening per week will give you the workout you need. Vitamin D. While you don’t want to overdo it, a few hours of exposure to sunshine will give you more vitamin D than your nightly glass of milk. Stress-reducing. Gardening increases hand-eye coordination, which helps to keep the brain and body in sync. It also lowers stress-producing cortisol levels and raises serotonin; a calming chemical in the brain that puts you in a good mood. Decreases risk of dementia. The physical demands of gardening and critical thinking skills regarding what to plant and how to take care of it keeps the mind active and engaged. Adaptive Equipment Some elders may need a little help to comfortably take on the physical tasks required to garden and there are many ways to alleviate or reduce some of the physical challenges that come with the territory, regardless of whether you suffer from arthritis, back pain or are confined to a wheelchair. Here are some suggestions that should help minimize the physical challenges of gardening as well as some tips on better gardening practices: Raised Beds Middle-aged backs easily get stiff and sore if they're not given the proper care. Waist-high raised beds are one way to eliminate bending altogether. With tall raised beds, seeding, weeding and harvesting are a snap. But beds that are only 1' or 2' off the ground can make gardening easier on the back too. Vertical Gardening Cucumbers, squash, melons, beans and many other vegetables grow well when trellised. Patrolling the garden for bugs, spraying and harvesting are all easier when everything is within close reach. Kneeler Stool A kneeler stool has a thick foam pad that's comfortable on the knee joints. And it has hand grips that make it easier to get up from a kneeling position, since you can use your arm strength to help you stand. Once you're up, flip the kneeler over and it becomes a comfortable stool to sit on while tending your plants. https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/gardening/easier-gardening-for-seniors Safety Outdoors Being outside for even a few minutes can be a hazard, especially in later years, follow some simple outdoor safety guidelines. Wearing sunscreen. Even when the sun doesn’t feel especially hot, ultraviolet rays may lead to red and burning skin. Severe sunburns can be serious. Latching gates and repairing damaged fencing. This will help keep unwanted animals out. Securing the area also is important if memory loss or wandering is an issue. Keeping a first-aid kit handy. Tend to cuts, bruises and insect bites as soon as possible. Storing all gardening tools in their proper place. Spades, trowels, rakes and the like can be tripping hazards. Take special care when handling electric and battery-operated power tools. Knowing your limits. Especially when you’re outside gardening in hot weather. Take needed rest periods and encourage ample liquid consumption to keep your residents hydrated. Gardening Tips No matter what you plan to plant, set yourself up for success by following these tips: When planting outdoors, determine what works best in the sunlight or shaded areas of your garden. Flowers, fruits and vegetables grow differently in various soils. Have a water source nearby to more-easily irrigate plants if they are not getting enough rainfall. A light watering can or hose is perfect. Add 2-3 inches of mulch around each plant to help keep moisture from evaporating and pests at bay. Plant food or fertilizer may or may not be necessary, but if you use it, go organic! Tools to have on hand include a spade, hand trowel, clippers, gardening fork and thick gloves. The health benefits of gardening for seniors don’t stop once everything is planted. Make sure the garden is “senior-friendly” by setting out comfortable chairs or benches underneath shady areas. Rest and check out the scenery! Tend the garden in mornings and evenings when the temperature is cooler. Wear gardening gloves, solid shoes, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. When you are watering and pulling weeds in the hot sun, be sure to stay hydrated! Drink a lot of water. Meaningful Engagement All Year Round Bring the Memories of outdoor Garden success indoors in the winter. Plan to bring the outdoors back inside when the cold weather season returns. Create programs to dry the past summers garden bounty of spices to keep throughout the winter months to sprinkle and make food tastier. Plan programs that dry cut flowers from your summer garden to craft beautiful framed flower art for the walls to remind your residents of their personal garden success stories as an avid gardener. Potpourri Create a potpourri mixture of dried, naturally fragrant plant materials, used to provide a gentle natural scent. It is often placed in a decorative bowl. The word "potpourri" comes into English from the French word pot-pourri. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXdTuNuLcbM Sachet Bags You can also make scented sachets bags to collect those wonderful summer scents to promote sensory engagement. A small scented cloth bag filled with herbs, potpourri, or aromatic ingredients. A sachet is also a small porous bag or packet containing a material intended to interact with its atmosphere; for example, desiccants are usually packed in sachets which are then placed in larger packages. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sDylb2Y4Iw Have a topic request or question for Celeste? Send them over to celestechase@activitydirector.org Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

Anyone having info on any Activity Groups send them to the Contact Form or Post them here.. thanks "I'm looking for who to contact (Name, Phone Number, & E-mail Address) for this group in the Estero/Bonita Springs area."

Independence for Alzheimer’s Residents When someone has Alzheimer’s with presenting dementia, their cognitive function continues to decline but they still posses’ abilities. In fact, skilled healthcare professionals know that continuing to do as much as they can do at their current ability level stimulates the brain and may even help to maintain skills longer. However, family members unknowingly often cause “excess disability” when in their sincere earnest to be helpful, do everything for his/her loved one to make life less challenging for the dementia diagnosed individual. Excess Disability - “Use it or lose it” When you provide opportunities for residents to do for themselves it prevents those intrinsically rooted skills from becoming rusty and ultimately no longer useable. It cannot be overstated how important purposeful activities are when discussing dementia and topics referencing motivation and engagement. Purposeful activities focused on interests work harmoniously to entice and elicit responses essential to maintain the “use it or lose it” concept. As dementia progresses, older adults are capable of less and less. Helping them find self-motivated desires to participate in everyday tasks and activities can boost mood and improve quality of life and holds the power to raise self-esteem and reduce common dementia behaviors, like agitation, repeated questions, and anger. Adapting everyday tasks with purposeful meaning for the individual diagnosed with dementia will entice and encourage mental stimulation, and provide support as needed to help older adults maintain a sense of independence and accomplishment and that is something everyone of us strive to maintain for as long as it possible. Why Are Dementia Activities So Important? 1. Provides Daily Structure: A structured and consistent daily routine gives needed predictability and stability when the individual is feeling disoriented and confused. 2. Prevents Decline: Continuing to do as many activities and daily tasks as independently as possible helps to preserve innate skills for a longer period of time despite disease progression. 3. Improves Mood: The individuals capabilities continue to decline with disease progression. When individuals participate in everyday tasks can boost mood and improve overall quality of life. 4. Reduce Challenging Behaviors: Challenging behaviors present with less occurrence when opportunities are made available to engage the individual in positive oriented everyday distractions. Thereby, providing a means to release energy and unexpressed emotions. Supporting Remaining Skills Look for adaptive strategies & techniques that focus on strengths/skills that the individual still possesses. Allow the individual to retain as much control as possible to help foster a sense of personal dignity. Integrate “chunking” methods - (break down tasks step by step) move to the next task in the sequence only when the previous one has been completed. Attention span may be limited so plan programs of no more than 20 to 45 minutes of time segments. Programs are most effective when they are multi-sensory & spanned over consecutive days; first day – taste applesauce, next day – taste apple pie, and so on (connects related theme to facilitate memory input). Incorporate events that “elicit” a response through use of basic sensory stimulation & awareness of his/her body movements. Strategies and Techniques Meeting the individual abilities will ensure greater success. Particularly when maintaining the overall goal to support opportunities for independence and accomplishment. Set-Up: Pre-plan what is needed in a manner that cues the resident to complete the task independently. Example: clothing – Place items in order of use: underwear and bra on top, shirt and pants under them. Visual Distance Supervision: Remain within the line of sight to supervise and assist when needed yet distant enough to allow the individual to complete on their own. Example: Drying dishes – stand within visual view to make sure the dishes are properly towel dried - replace the towel when it has become saturated with water. Non Verbal Prompting: Minimize verbal instructions, simply point to the next task in the sequence to give guidance. Example: Point to the place mat. When it is placed on the table, point to the plate or ask what’s next? Gentle Verbal Cues: Provide gentle verbal “cues” only as needed to prevent frustration by stating simply directions for task sequence, allow time as needed for the individual to complete one task before you offer another cue to move onto the next task. Example: Bathing – Pick up the washcloth… turn the faucet on… wet the washcloth. Physical Guidance: Use "hand over hand” or “mirror” techniques to help guide physical actions. Example: Brushing teeth: Stand behind and place your hand over the individuals hand while holding the toothbrush. Gentle provide physical guidance for brushing teeth. Note: “Excess disability” refers to the loss of an ability that comes from something other than the disease or impairment itself. In dementia care, this generally refers to the loss of abilities that go beyond the physiological changes that are caused by the dementia. You can become the catalyst to support your residents’ independence by proactively preserving your residents’ existing abilities to help them maintain their dignity, self-esteem and enjoy a well deserved quality of life experience well into their senior years and that’s a pretty amazing accomplishment! Have a topic request or question for Celeste? Send them over to celestechase@activitydirector.org Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

Celebrate Great Outdoor Month and National Trails Day on June 5th (the first Saturday in June)! Gather your residents that are able and willing and get them involved in a light hike. There are trails absolutely everywhere that you may not even know about! Check out the app All Trails and put in your zip code for a complete list of all hikes near you, including their length and level of intensity. Pick a light trail to make sure your residents are all able to complete it without issue. www.AllTrails.com Useful hiking tips for active seniors By Stef Zisovska Source: www.OutdoorRevival.com Hiking is the best outdoor activity for people from any generation. There are many out there that don’t like to accept it, but the fact is hiking rules. Also, there are many health benefits to be had if you practice it once a week. There is no need to mention that spending time in the wilderness and walking alongside fields, streams, and rivers is especially useful for active seniors who like to stay fit and keep themselves in a good and healthy condition. Why take dozens of pills and feel sick much of the time when you can resolve many physical issues for free while enjoying nature at the same time. Here are some useful hiking tips for elderly people who refuse to give up! Hike safely Before heading to your first hiking trail, consult your doctor about it and check for any ailments that might need to be addressed. As an active senior, it’s always better to go hiking early in the morning or in the afternoon when the temperatures are not too high and won’t affect your blood pressure. If you want to go alone, don’t forget to let your family or your neighbor know where it is that you’re going and when you expect to be back. Take plenty of water (at least 2 liters), protein bars, nuts, a safety whistle in case you get lost, a rain jacket (bright colors preferred), a cell phone (if you’re planning to hike near the city), first-aid kit, and an extra pair of socks. Dress appropriately Don’t try to be fancy or wear jeans on the trail. Hiking is an outdoor activity that requires a lot of effort and sweating, so go for working out clothes if possible. Dress in layers that can be stripped off. As for your feet, always wear sturdy tennis shoes if the terrain is not too demanding. Otherwise, good old hiking boots are what you need to have at home just in case you decide to climb a difficult route. Stretch before you start walking Always do some basic warm-up stretching exercises that will help your muscles prepare for the challenge. There are trails that may seem to be easy for you and you think no warm-up is needed, but that’s not the reality. No matter how old you are, you need to stretch all your muscles before starting any ascent, even the lowest hill in the world. Hike at your own pace Hiking is not racing, and there is absolutely no need for you to compete with anyone else from your group. The point of it is not who will finish the loop first, but who will enjoy it the most. So, don’t push yourself to do something that your body doesn’t like, but hike at your own pace. If you run into obstacles that you don’t feel ready for, just slow down, think twice, and if necessary go back and ask for help. Why force your body to do something that doesn’t suit it? Start with short hikes If you are a senior and you’ve never hiked before, no problem, as it’s never too late. What you need to be aware of is your watch. When starting out, try doing 30-minute to 1-hour hikes and see how you feel afterward. Do this twice a week and if you feel you’re gaining more strength, start adding 15 more minutes to each hike. Try hiking poles or a walking stick If you have problems with your balance, there is no reason for you to not be spending time in nature. Be brave, get hiking poles and go out there to conquer the beautiful landscapes that surround you. Hold your stick or poles so that your elbows are at a comfortable 90-degree angle. Share Tweet Share Pin Forward Celebrate National Doughnut Day (always first Friday in June)! To celebrate this fine day you could just make a doughnut spread on a food cart with some hot coffee. Or...if you work at facility where spirits are welcome, check out these unique doughnut and wine pairings for a fun twist on this beloved breakfast staple. Dunk Into National Doughnut Day With These Doughnut And Wine Pairings by:Jeff Licciardello Source: www.vinepair.com National Doughnut Day is finally upon us and you bet your bottom dollar we’re going to be celebrating at the VinePair office. While it is generally expected that you should pair a good cup of coffee with a doughnut, expectations are for people who don’t like Thai food and think that Times New Roman is the ONLY font acceptable for use. TAKE IT FROM US, ? BE LIKE THEM. Throw the expectations out the freaking window (literally throw your cup of coffee out the damn window) and get your corkscrew instead. We’ve matched classic doughnuts with their perfect vino. And before your boss even asks, yes, it’s acceptable to drink wine in the morning if there’s a doughnut attached to it. Obvi. Original Plain- Chardonay Old faithful doughnut, meet old faithful wine. The old fashioned doughnut is light and fluffy, but still rich and decadent. A lightly oaked or even an unoaked Chardonnay has extremely similar qualities but it’s the tropical notes that are going to take the plain doughnut to the next level. Glazed – Brut Champagne The one. The only. The classically glazed doughnut is a go-to for the morning masses. Because it’s very sweet, we’ve opted for a Brut Champagne that will still carry a touch of sugar, but won’t overpower the doughnut. Chocolate Frosted – Merlot What makes this doughnut so special is the fact that it’s a lighter base doughnut with an supremely divine chocolate topping. Take advantage of the sweet-cocoa flavors with a Merlot. It’s easy to drink (just like these damn doughnuts are easy to eat) and has enough spicy berry notes to tango with the chocolate. Strawberry Frosted – Rosé In my humble opinion, the strawberry frosted doughnut is the greatest doughnut to ever exist. Not only is it ICONIC, it’s sweet, fruity, and comes with sprinkles. WHO doesn’t like sprinkles? When you think pink with your doughnuts you need to think pink with the wine. A Rosé (Grenache is probably your best bet) is dry enough to not compete with the sugary frosting while delivering the floral notes this doughnut needs. It’s also Instagram ready, so what else could you ask for? Vanilla Frosted – Dry Riesling The vanilla frosted is the old-fashioned doughnut taken to the -nth degree of sweetness. Your ideal wine pairing here is something that has flavors to harmoniously blend with the vanilla but can still stand up to the excess sugar. A dry Riesling is just what the doughnut doctor ordered. Jelly – Malbec Depending on the doughnut shop you go to, the jelly-filled doughnut can be sweet, savory, or even somewhere in-between. Generally, you can expect a jelly doughnut to consist of red berry filling, thus we recommend a Malbec. Malbec has a lot of the darker berry flavors that can transform your plain raspberry filled doughnut into a mixed-berry masterpiece. Sour Cream – Prosecco An extremely underappreciated doughnut, the sour cream doughnut is irresistibly intoxicating. It’s on the heavier side so it needs a moderate amount of bubbles to cut through the fat. We recommend a Prosecco here because it has just enough sweetness to blend with the doughnut. Chocolate Cake – Cabernet Sauvignon A doughnut as deep and dark as the chocolate cake doughnut needs a wine that can stand by its side. Cabernet Sauvignon is this dougnut’s full-bodied match made in heaven because its dark fruity flavors can handle the death-by-chocolate-drama that the chocolate cake doughnut brings to the table. Blueberry – Pinot Grigio Another doughnut that isn’t as appreciated, the blueberry doughnut is actually set up to perfectly pair with a Pinot Grigio. The abundant lemon notes of the Pinot Grigio are the best complement to the heavy blueberry flavors from the blueberry doughnut. Apple Fritter/Cider Doughnut – Chenin Blanc Putting the debate of what actually makes a doughnut aside, the apple fritter is a favorite to many. Who can blame them, it’s sweet, slightly tart, and even has a subtle cinnamon spice. It’s basically fall in a doughnut and there’s only one wine we’re thinking of that would complement this perfectly – Chenin Blanc. A Chenin Blanc is the long lost twin of the apple fritter with its tropical flavors, splash of apple notes, and tang. Boston Cream – Extra-Brut Champagne Last but certainly not least, the Boston cream doughnut is as full-flavored as they come. This handheld version of the Boston cream pie is so heavenly rich, it needs a dry wine full of bubbles to slice right through the pastry cream. Thankfully, an Extra-Brut Champagne is up for the job. Share Tweet Share Pin Forward Celebrate Best Friends Day on June 8th! In honor of this Best Friends Day, we have created a Memory Dive worksheet that focuses on 'My Childhood Best Friend'. Click the link to grab your FREE copy! Free Memory Dive Worksheet Share Tweet Share Pin Forward Dad's lessons will always be better, though. Share Tweet Share Pin Forward Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

View this email in your browser In-House Volunteer Programs As the light at the end of the tunnel appears to be getting closer, we can see and believe in restored life pursuits in the very near future. Soon the current unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic will finally be considered a history lesson that we all will gladly choose not to revisit. Not too long from now we can thankfully restart facility programming that offers those socially engaging opportunities that our residents look forward to. We are almost there! With this in mind, this article is all about one such program that you may thinking about implementing. Why Elderly People Should Volunteer Formerly active (pre-residential) elders that were once involved in volunteering services will continue to look for ways to serve as a productive member of his/her new found senior care facility community. Identify those residents with this interest and meet their need to continue serving in this way by ramping up your facility volunteer programs. Volunteering has its social, mental, and physical benefits for people of all ages; both the young and the old will mutually reap improved health benefits and overall wellness while participating in volunteering opportunities. Research discovered that 70 percent of elderly people who were experiencing five or more symptoms of depression saw a decrease in those symptoms after their first year of volunteering. https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2017/health-benefits-volunteering-seniors-fd.html Volunteering Benefits Socially Beneficial: Volunteering can pull elderly out of isolation, even if it’s only for a handful of hours a week. Volunteering at events at local religious institutions, parks, and museums is a great way to interact with a wide range of people in the community. Other benefits include restored energy, an optimistic outlook, reaffirming livelihood, and restored self nourishing “positivity”. Good For Mental Cognition: Volunteering provides opportunities to keep conversation flowing, constantly stimulate the brain, and help overall cognitive functions stay active. Physically Engaging: The physical hustle and bustle which may be associated with volunteer duties may improve physical wellness. Examples include door-to-door solicitation for candidates for local elections, helping build community gardens, collating flyers, preparing mailers or something in between. Developing New Skills: Residents might learn a new skill that previous decades of work did not offer. For instance, an interest in our furry and feathered friends could be an opportunity to volunteer in an animal sanctuary or zoo to learn a thing or two about the animal world and plays into the cognitive health benefits of volunteering. Need ideas for volunteer or community service projects? Here are a few ideas from the staff at notjustbingo.com to help get you started. https://ssww-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Community-Service-Projects-for-Senior-Residents-Checklist.pdf References: https://www.ssww.com/blog/summer-community-service-projects-senior-residents/ https://aginginplace.org/how-to-volunteer-as-a-senior/ https://www.nationalservice.gov/vcla/national Have a topic request or question for Celeste? Send them over to celestechase@activitydirector.org Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

Celebrate Mother's Day on May 9th! Mother's Day is coming up quick! Pass this fun Mother's Day Quiz out to your residents to test their Mother's Day knowledge. Answer sheet included. Click Below for a FREE Mother's Day Pop Quiz! Free Mother's Day Pop Quiz Printable Share Tweet Share Pin Forward Celebrate Internat'l Hummus Day on May 13th! Crostini with Balsamic Strawberries and Ricotta Makes 12 appetizers by SheKeepsaLovelyHome.com Ingredients ½ cup strawberries, chopped ¼ cup balsamic vinegar 1 tsp. lemon zest 2 tsp. brown sugar 5 tbsp. ricotta ½ baguette Steps 1. Slice the baguette into 12 ½ inch slices. Toast them at 350 F. for 5 minutes or until nicely toasted. 2. While your tiny toasts are toasting... Click Below for Full Recipe! Get Recipe Share Tweet Share Pin Forward Share Tweet Share Pin Forward Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

Celebrate Cartoonist Day on May 5th! There just may be a hidden cartoonist in us all! To celebrate Cartoonist Day we have created a FREE set of 4 blank cartoon pages for your residents to utilize. Invite your residents to create a comic or graphic shorts of any kind. It doesn't have to be superheroes and villains or Sunday morning funny.... everyday scenes can be depicted. This opens the door for more creative and varied stories to come forth in the work. Display the stories with permission. Click Below for a FREE Cartoonist Day Activity Pack! Free Cartoonist Day Pack May is Mystery Month! I love a good mystery! Chance are many of your residents do too! In honor of this month's theme, setup a Top Sleuth Contest utilizing the fantastic interactive website www.5minutemystery.com. How it Works: Setup a free account on www.5minutemystery.com. Select 31 different mysteries from the mystery archives and create a list for each participant. These are to be attempted in order, on a daily basis throughout the month of May. Print out the mystery for the day and hand it out to each resident. Instruct residents to circle the main clues in the story and then write their primary suspect down before turning it in to you at the end of each day. Check the answers through 5 Minute Mystery and keep a tally of each resident's progress. Optional- Create a public bulletin board with each resident and their ranking throughout the month. Throw a mystery themed party for the top 3 Sleuths and award them with a Top Sleuth award and gift. NOTE: If your residents have access to the internet, they can create their own accounts and attempt it online. By doing it this way, they can note their completion time as an added component of the competition. Simply have them attempt it once and mark their suspect and time. Check out the story below to get a feel for how it works. Check your answer by clicking the link below the story. Department Store Murder Written by Tom Fowler Source: www.5minutemystery.com Leon Adams clocked in a few minutes before 10:00 a.m. on a very mild and sunny Tuesday in April, as he was supposed to. It took only a few minutes to open the cash registers in the men’s department. Leon was a suit salesman and he knew from experience that the first couple of hours on a weekday would be very slow. Slow to the point of boredom. So, he was surprised when customers began to show up shortly after opening. The first to arrive was Ed Puckett, (Leon would introduce himself to all of the morning customers and learn their names). Leon greeted Ed as he entered the men’s area. Ed looked around and picked out a few suits to try on in the fitting room. Ed had not been back there long when Leon’s second customer, Louis Murphy, showed up at the cash register asking about a good deal on a sport coat and pair of slacks. Leon helped Louis in finding them and led him back to the fitting room. Meanwhile, Ed was still in the dressing room. Leon was pleased that he had two customers in his area so early -- it was only 10:20. Leon spotted Gene Roberts browsing the edge of the men’s area at 10:25, just after noticing that Ed had left the dressing room. What a busy day! It was difficult to keep track of so many customers. Leon could see Ed wandering in the shoe department, so he moved on to his next sale, greeting Gene and escorting him to the dress shirt table, all the while Louis examined himself in the fitting room’s full length mirror. He hoped Louis would like the sport coat and slacks he was trying on. Although he was some distance away from him, the garments appeared to be a good fit. Justin Tanner came in at 10:30 and asked Leon where the men’s sweaters were. Leon walked Justin over to the sweater table. Justin thanked him and said he wanted to pick one out to try on in the fitting room. As Justin was browsing the sweaters, Leon decided to check on Louis. As he walked back toward the fitting room, he saw Louis walk away from the mirror and return to his dressing room. It was only 10:36 and Leon was having an uncharacteristically busy weekday. At 10:45, Leon saw Justin enter the fitting room with a green sweater and Leon noticed that Louis was still in his dressing room. At 10:50 George Whitley walked over to Leon from the shoe department and asked about a catalog order. Leon placed the order for him at the cash register, but it took a few minutes and he did not finish with it until after 11:00. George paid for the order, which was a pair of dress slacks, and left. At 11:04, Leon noticed Justin leaving the men’s department. He had not purchased the sweater. At 11:10, Leon knew that Louis had never left his dressing room and went to check on him. When he found him, he received the shock of his life. Louis was dead on the floor with a knife wound in his heart. Blood covered the carpeting of the small fitting room. Mercifully, there were now no customers in the men’s department as Gene Roberts had left without trying anything on. Leon held on to his composure long enough to return to the cashier station and call the store security officer, Ronald Clay. Leon’s mouth was hot and dry as Ronald answered his phone, saying simply, “Clay speaking.” Leon stammered, “Ron, get over to the suit fitting room. A customer has been murdered.” Ronald was the retired detective Lieutenant Ronald Clay of the city police department. He came to work at the store after retiring from a 25-year career as a law enforcement officer. There wasn’t much that went on in the store that escaped his attention. Leon was grateful he was on duty and available to handle this nightmare. Clay quickly found the shocked Leon still standing at the cash register. Firmly, but gently, Ronald had Leon lead him to the deceased customer. As soon as Clay saw him he knew who it was. He said, “I know this guy. He’s Louis Murphy. I dealt with him and his friends quite a bit when I was on the Force. He’s known as ‘Louie the Lip’ and is a career mobster.” Weakly, Leon asked, “So you think another crook got to him?” “Yeah,’ Ron replied. “It’s too much of a coincidence for it not to be mob related.” Dryly, he added, “I’ve never seen a person murdered in a department store dressing room before, and I’ve seen a lot.” Within minutes, the store closed and a dozen police officers appeared on the scene. Clay knew that the key to solving the murder quickly rested with Leon, who always knew where men’s department customers were at any given time. Ronald led him back to his office for a quiet visit. He wanted to speak with him before his former associates did. After determining Leon was recovered sufficiently from the shock, he asked him to relate all of the morning’s activities he could remember. Leon remembered everything and relayed the activities and movements of the five customers in detail. Clay listened intently. After considering what he had been told, they went to the video room and reviewed the security tapes. After watching it a couple of times, Ronald told Leon, “This is the murderer.” Check Your Answer Share Tweet Share Pin Forward Celebrate Internat'l Hummus Day on May 13th! Hummus Cucumber Cups Makes 24 appetizers Written by AlwaysOrderDessert.Com Ingredients 2 English Cucumbers, cut into 1 1/2" thick rounds Kosher salt 1 10oz container hummus (or about 1 1/2 cups of your favorite homemade hummus) 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted Finely minced parsley, for garnish Steps Use a melon baller or round measuring spoon... Get Full Recipe Below! Get Recipe Share Tweet Share Pin Forward Share Tweet Share Pin Forward Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

This recognition will take place May 9-15 and will honor the collaborative commitment of skilled nursing care facilities and their staff in providing compassionate care to their residents during these unprecedented times. Over the past year, despite the challenges of the current pandemic, skilled care centers and their staff have shown an incredible and steadfast commitment to providing quality care and ensuring the safety of their residents. This recognition does not come as a surprise given the daunting challenges that our front line “essential workers” have had to overcome to ensure the safety and well being of our residents. The week will focus on the collective efforts and the amazing strength and dedication of those who worked tirelessly each and every day to care for and protect the frail, elderly, and disabled adults in long term care. With each new season comes new beginnings, and together we will get to a place and time of healing. Why is it Important to Recognize Milestones Nevertheless, celebrating milestones along the path towards our goals is a crucial component of engagement. It helps honor the hard work folks are putting in, recognizing achieved goals, and simply creates a more positive environment. The intent to offer time to recognize these areas sprinkles coveted “positivity” throughout the facility for both residents and staff members. Milestones, whether personal or work-related, become inspiring memories that are needed to renew our energy supply and shouldn't go unrecognized. Celebrating achievements is a way for us to see how far we've come and can serve as our motivation should another challenge present itself. When recognition brings attention to efforts having a direct impact on the success of a company, it motivates staff and contributes to a sense of united celebratory reward that values the staff and honors resident well being. It also contributes greatly to meaningful organizational purpose. Programming Ideas Established by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) in 1967, NSNCW, formerly known as National Nursing Home Week, recognizes the essential role of skilled nursing care centers in caring for America’s frail, elderly, and disabled. This coming May, celebrate all members of your community and participate on social media using the hashtag #NSNCW. Below is a list of general activity ideas taken from the American Health Care Association/ National Center for Assisted Living: NOTE: At the time of publishing, care centers were following social distancing and other restrictions due to COVID-19. Please be sure to plan your activities through an infection prevention and control lens and modify them based on the latest guidelines as needed. Celebrate Together coordinates interactive games and raffles. Decorate and provide food to staff in celebration and appreciation of their efforts. If safe and guidelines allow, invite family members to share a meal with residents. Plan a themed dress-up day or a dance contest and offer prizes. Create Together Engage residents in creative art projects focused on the theme of the four seasons and togetherness. Coordinate a project that allows everyone to participate such as a fingerprint or button tree. Display all artwork in a “gallery” and invite staff members on a “gallery walk”. Reaching Out Together Find ways to connect to the wider community. Ask loved ones, members of the community, and/or local school groups to send feel-good notes, drawings, or video messages for residents and staff. Work with residents to create signs and messages of their own to share with loved ones. Enjoy Music Together Plan a concert or talent show and invite residents and staff with musical talents to share their gifts by playing or singing. Create personalized playlists for residents with dementia through the Music & Memory program. Music is the universal language and a great way to foster connections. https://www.ahcancal.org/Education-Events/Documents/NSNCW/NSNCW_2021_FINAL.pdf?csf=1&e=8EmyYh Have a topic request or question for Celeste? Send them over to celestechase@activitydirector.org Enroll Now Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

View this email in your browser Listening to Understand Active Listening and Communications Instead of thinking about what you want to say while the resident is talking, really listen during the exchange of conversation. It is not uncommon to feel a need to be thinking ahead to formulating a response, particularly while multi-tasking. Picture this --- Someone is speaking to you, expressing their thoughts very carefully for you to understand. In this scenario, you need to be mindful of behavior that presents signs of the individual struggling to communicate his/her needs. To fully understand the meaning behind the words, you must focus on the intent and seek purposeful understanding of its meaning. All this needs to be first and foremost during the interaction and your main focus during every conversational exchange with your resident. The experts call this “active listening”, and there are a few different components: Pay attention. When someone is talking to you, look at them. Notice their eye contact and body language. Take in their tone of voice as well as what they are actually saying. Really listen. Listen with your body. Turn toward the person who is talking, lean in, and make them feel listened to because you really are listening. Make eye contact, smile, nod, and make leading noises (“Uh-huh”, “Really?”, “Go on”, etc.) when appropriate. Don’t interrupt. The best way to make someone feel like they are not being heard is to interrupt or talk on top of them. Listen fully and wait until they are done to ask questions or add your thoughts. Repeat what they said. Don’t just say what you were planning to say. Show that you have heard what they said by repeating back to them a summary of what you heard when appropriate before adding your own opinions. Respond to what they said. Be honest and respectful in your responses, and remember to talk — and listen — in the ways that you would want to be talked or listened to. Seven Quick Reference Active Listening Tips Older people may have trouble following rapid-fire questioning or torrents of information. By speaking more slowly, you will give them time to process what is being asked or said. If you tend to speak quickly, especially if your accent is different from what your residents are used to hearing, try to slow down. This gives them time to take in and better understand what you are saying. 1. Allow extra time for older patients. 2. Minimize visual and auditory distractions. 3. Sit face to face with the patient. 4. Don't underestimate the power of eye contact. 5. Listen without interrupting the patient. 6. Speak slowly, clearly but not necessarily loudly. 7. Use short, simple words and sentences. Be Careful About Language Some words may have different meanings to older patients than to you or your peers. Words may also have different connotations based on cultural or ethnic background. For example, the word “dementia” may connote insanity, and the word “cancer” may be considered a death sentence. Although you cannot anticipate every generational and cultural/ethnic difference in language use, being aware of the possibility may help you to communicate more clearly. Communication Barriers due to Disabilities Older adults can suffer from a variety of ailments that can disrupt their expressive and receptive communication. Evaluate the older adult to ensure that the person is able to hear, see or understand you. For individuals with hearing issues, make sure that you are facing them when you speak. This is particularly important with current mask wearing restrictions. Our residents often were previously reliant on reading your lips to fill in the gaps that may be caused by hearing deficits. Make sure to speak in a clearly and articulate each syllable. Enhance communications through body language. Be sure to partner your verbal communications with your residents by incorporating supportive body language. Actions can speak louder than words and your body sends volumes on that note. Speak in a calm tone and exercise good body posture so that your stance is inviting and open to enhance the message you wish to communicate. Utilization of specialized equipment can be one of the many ways to get past these barriers. Some individuals may have hearing aids so be sure that they are being used. If hearing aids are not available, there are amplifiers that can be purchased and utilized as well. For individuals who may not have the ability to speak, a communication board may be able to be utilized. Utilize communication boards, dry erase board or a note pad that can be written, large print if needed, to ensure accurate interpretation of the conversation. Images are particularly effective to communicate the intent of your message and has been reported to be effective with varied levels of cognitively compromised adults. Have a topic request or question for Celeste? Send them over to celestechase@activitydirector.org Enroll Now April 6th N.A.P.T. Nat'l Activity Professional Training for National Board Certification Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

View this email in your browser Fatigue in Older Adults Each and everyone one of us will find ourselves feeling tired from time to time but usually feeling refreshed after a solid night’s sleep. However, normal aging and related health concerns may contribute to sleeping difficulties known to result in unrelenting fatigue. Sometimes, fatigue can be the first sign that the body is experiencing some health issue. Many medical problems and treatments can add to fatigue included but not limited to: Taking certain medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and medicines for nausea and pain management. Undergoing medical treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation, or recovering from major surgery. Fending off infections (Flu, bronchitis, etc.). Chronic diseases: diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Rheumatoid arthritis; a painful condition that affects the joints, often complain of fatigue. Untreated or persistent pain and diseases like fibromyalgia. Diagnosed Anemia Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders Those afflicted with Cancer may battle fatigued from the disease progression, treatments, or both. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome *** What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or ME/CFS, is a condition in which fatigue lasts 6 months or longer and is not related to other diseases or conditions. People with CFS experience symptoms that make it hard to do daily tasks like dressing or bathing. Along with severe fatigue that doesn’t get better with rest, CFS symptoms can include problems with sleep, memory and concentrating, pain, dizziness, sore throat, and tender lymph nodes. What Else Causes Fatigue? Some lifestyle habits may affect energy: Having too much caffeine. Drinking caffeinated drinks like soda, tea, or coffee late in the day can keep you from getting a good night's sleep. Limit the amount of caffeine you have during the day and avoid it in the evening. Commentary: Our residents LOVE what they LOVE to drink and eat and sometimes it is wise to indulge their cravings if it helps to increase nutritional intake for a resident that shows decreased interest in eating. Some of these cravings however, are bread out of habit/established patterns over the years and drinking that morning cup of Joe can leaned itself to an all day partaking. When that cup of coffee contains caffeine, enough of it may contribute to sleep disturbances. Consult with your nursing staff when you notice signs of fatigue to investigate if it stems from over caffeinated drinks. Getting too little or too much exercise. Regular exercise can boost your energy levels, but don’t overdo it. Commentary: Age progression may bring an increased challenge to remain as active as the individual may have been in younger days and may be due to illness, body decline due to the normal aging process or lifestyle changes. Regular physical activity may improve sleep. It may also help reduce feelings of depression and stress while improving mood and overall well-being. Almost anyone, at any age, can do some type of physical activity. Even moderate exercise may improve appetite, energy, and outlook. Some people find that exercises combining balance and breathing (for example, tai chi or yoga) improve your residents energy level during daytime hours to get a restful night’s sleep. NOTE: Consult with nursing staff/physical therapy to ensure that you meet the needs and limitations of your resident. Daytime Naps- Try to avoid long naps (over 30 minutes) late in the day. Long naps may cause unwanted grogginess during the daytime and may make it harder for your resident to fall asleep at night. You are charged with keeping your resident engaged during the daytime hours to help them more readily slip into those nighttime Zs. Can Emotions Cause Fatigue? Absolutely! Stress, anxiety, worry can take a toll on the soul (and the body) and we are seeing residents with more elevated emotions and unwanted behavior during the current pandemic. In addition, residents are sensing the loss of family and friends (due to social distancing) taking a toll on everyone and often depleting personal energy. Fatigue can be linked to many conditions, including: Anxiety Depression Grieving for loved ones or friends Loss of control Be on the lookout for resident fatigue and do what you all do best during the current pandemic and everyday throughout the year. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/aging-and-sleep https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/fatigue-older-adults Have a topic request or question for Celeste? Send them over to celestechase@activitydirector.org Enroll Now Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

CMS Updates Nursing Home Guidance with Revised Visitation Recommendations The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), issued updated guidance today (March 10, 2021) for nursing homes to safely expand visitation options during the COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency (PHE). This latest guidance comes as more than three million doses of vaccines have been administered within nursing homes, thanks in part to the CDC’s Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program, following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authorization for emergency use of COVID-19 vaccines. According to the updated guidance, facilities should allow responsible indoor visitation at all times and for all residents, regardless of vaccination status of the resident, or visitor, unless certain scenarios arise that would limit visitation for: Unvaccinated residents, if the COVID-19 county positivity rate is greater than 10 percent and less than 70 percent of residents in the facility are fully vaccinated; Residents with confirmed COVID-19 infection, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, until they have met the criteria to discontinue transmission-based precautions; or Residents in quarantine, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, until they have met criteria for release from quarantine. The updated guidance also emphasizes that “compassionate care” visits should be allowed at all times, regardless of a resident’s vaccination status, the county’s COVID-19 positivity rate, or an outbreak. Compassionate care visits include visits for a resident whose health has sharply declined or is experiencing a significant change in circumstances. CMS continues to recommend facilities, residents, and families adhere to the core principles of COVID-19 infection control, including maintaining physical distancing and conducting visits outdoors whenever possible. This continues to be the safest way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, particularly if either party has not been fully vaccinated. “CMS recognizes the psychological, emotional and physical toll that prolonged isolation and separation from family have taken on nursing home residents, and their families,” said Dr. Lee Fleisher, MD, CMS Chief Medical Officer and Director of CMS’ Center for Clinical Standards and Quality. “That is why, now that millions of vaccines have been administered to nursing home residents and staff, and the number of COVID cases in nursing homes has dropped significantly, CMS is updating its visitation guidance to bring more families together safely. This is an important step that we are taking, as we continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining infection prevention practices, given the continued risk of transmission of COVID-19.” High vaccination rates among nursing home residents, and the diligence of committed nursing home staff to adhere to infection control protocols, which are enforced by CMS, have helped significantly reduce COVID-19 positivity rates and the risk of transmission in nursing homes. Although outbreaks increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission, as long as there is evidence that the outbreak is contained to a single unit or separate area of the facility, visitation can still occur. For additional details on the updated nursing home visitation guidance released today, visit here: https://www.cms.gov/medicareprovider-enrollment-and-certificationsurveycertificationgeninfopolicy-and-memos-states-and/nursing-home-visitation-covid-19-revised A Fact Sheet can be found here: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/cms-updates-nursing-home-guidance-revised-visitation-recommendations https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-updates-nursing-home-guidance-revised-visitation-recommendations Have a topic request or question for Celeste? Send them over to celestechase@activitydirector.org Enroll Now Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

View this email in your browser The Unsung Hero of Long Term Care Facilities The COVID-19 pandemic has come in like a lion (through infection); ruthlessly and relentlessly devouring the physical well being of the individual from which this disease takes claim. The other less recognized, less publicized, and profoundly less understood yet equally sinister devastation bestowed by this infection is the retaliatory affects of social isolation and other psychological stresses affecting our aging population living in nursing homes during this pandemic. In addition, the sudden onset of COVID-19 has unceremoniously and expeditiously eliminated the once familiar daily routines that residents have come to know and expect. The Challenges The impact of current pandemic related stressors and social isolation cannot be overstated. Facilities have justifiably but abruptly ended group stimulation, social interactions and temporarily paused self-directed choices that have been deemed necessary to reduce high risk infection spread for facility residents and the staff. Long Term Care Facilities’ residents suddenly and unexpectedly find themselves confined to their rooms without social dining, interest based group pursuits, and no longer allowed to have in-person family visits. Emotional disruptions of such magnitude may perpetuate mental health conditions such as, post-traumatic stress (PTSD), depression, loneliness and anxiety that may lead to life-threatening status and failure to thrive. Highly elevated emotional stressors may be detrimental to the functioning of the individuals’ immune system. Additionally, elevated loneliness, anxiety, and unrelenting fears may further lead to a number of deleterious consequences, such as high blood pressure, depression, and suicidal thoughts. The Unsung Heroes Claim Their Place Amongst the tenacious and dedicated nurses, doctors, and therapists is a member of the Interdisciplinary Team that goes unnoticed. These healthcare professionals work day in and day out in the midst of this pandemic to support the emotional health of our elderly population living in Long Term Care facilities. These are the Long Term Care nursing home “Unsung Heroes” of the Covid-19 epidemic. The nursing home Therapeutic Programming Professional takes responsibility for resident “engagement” and partners closely with the other IDT members in the continuum of care dedicated to delivering “whole health and wellness”. These professionals create facility programming intended to support the residents’ emotional well being which in turn, greatly helps to reduces imposed epidemic related stressors. Consequently, leading to better immunity and that is a “golden ticket” with unlimited value. These professionals focus on the residents’ personal interests and individualized needs. They create the pathway for each unique resident so they may continue enjoying the same leisure quality of life interests which they had previously come to treasure during their lifetime. Supporting the residents’ choice to continue enjoying deep roots preferences allows them to continue being connected to their personal identity well into aging years. The Spirit to Succeed One can only imagine the immense challenges brought on by the pandemic social distancing and mask infection control practices or the spirit and tenacity these professionals must draw upon to support and maintain resident connectivity at a time when imposed limitations curtail even the best of those well laid out plans. These programs may help residents spend time constructively, thereby decreasing loneliness and anxiety while maintaining social distancing. In addition, these trained professionals collaborate with the clinical staff and therapists to utilize clinical & psychology approved therapeutic approaches. Here are several suggestions to help reduce social isolation and improve engagement with residents: Non-group or solitary interventions, such as laughter therapy, horticultural therapy, and reminiscence therapy, can be more effective in reducing residents’ feelings of loneliness. Staff have transformed into surrogate family members with frequent and more lengthy contacts. Have them wear photos and name tags on top of their PPE. Regular video chats with family members facilitated by social work and/or therapeutic programming staff is essential. Regular telehealth visits should be provided by doctors and other therapists. Celebratory, fun, and interesting snacks, treats, and programming (e.g., music therapy) can be brought to the door, room, and bedside. Drive-thru family visits to the facility can be set up, using masks and social distancing. Offer in rooms stimulation via video and/or closed-circuit TV. We must remember that ALL front line caregivers are true heroes, facing daily stress that can be overwhelming for the benefit of those they serve. Heartfelt gratitude to every healthcare “Essential Personnel”! Whether in Long Term Care or Hospital Critical Care, it cannot be overstated that family members and close friends lack adequate words, in any language, that will sufficiently convey the level of gratefulness and thankfulness to those devoted nurses, doctors and therapist and Therapeutic Programming Professionals that remain dedicated despite potential exposure and personal risks. From each and everyone one of us! https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-mental-health-in-long-term-care-settings Have a topic request or question for Celeste? Send them over to celestechase@activitydirector.org Buy Now We Proudly Support : Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

Subscribe Past Issues RSS Translate Check Out Our Bestsellers National Activity Professional Training Course (NAPT) Our 8 week training course meets APNCC's Continuing Education Requirements for Path 2 and includes up to 12 LIVE CE Hours. This course is designed to prepare you to pass the CMS Approved APNCC National Board Certification exam to become Activity Professional Board Certified (AP-BC). Learn More >> The Activity Directors Bible 2nd Ed. From start to finish this book will help you set up your department to make sure that the department is doing everything it needs to provide the quality of care that each resident requires. $55 Visit Store >> The Care Plan: A Road Map 10 CEs This course takes you through the Activity Departments required documentation process from the Baseline Care Plan through the final creation of the Comprehensive Care Plan. Enroll Now>> Find us online Want to be social with us? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. view this email in your browser Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 West Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Not only is it the month of LOVE, but it is also Heart Health Month! Today we will focus on some of the ways you can promote heart health in your facility. Below is a great article from Total Wellness Health that incorporates some action steps that you can take within your facility to celebrate. Who knows, one of these action steps just might save someone's life. 5 Ways to Celebrate American Heart Month By Seraine Page Source: TotalWellnessHealth.Com February is American Heart Month, which presents a great opportunity to spread awareness about heart disease throughout the workplace. Every year, heart disease kills 1 in 4 people. Heart disease is also known as coronary heart disease or coronary artery disease. Over time, “plaque” builds up in the arteries that take blood to the heart. What causes plaque? ● Smoking ● High blood pressure ● Too much fat and cholesterol in the blood ● Too much sugar in the blood The great news is this chronic, deadly disease can be avoided when people make healthy lifestyle choices while managing other health conditions. By spreading awareness like heart health facts and the major signs of a heart attack, employers give workers potentially life-saving tools. Hearts will be everywhere in February. Take advantage of all the love talk to circle around to matters of the heart, including a healthy heart. Ready to show some heart love? Here’s 5 ideas to celebrate American Heart Month: 1. Host a Quit Smoking Day Give away gift cards to employees who quit smoking on a designated day in February. It may only be one day, but if an employee is willing to try it, they may continue the trend. Quitting smoking improves breathing, blood pressure, and oxygen levels — all necessities for a healthy heart. Action step: Have employees planning to quit write their names on a bulletin board for the quit smoking day. It will bring staffers together who have a common goal in mind, and it allows accountability partnerships to develop. Encourage non-smokers to write encouraging notes on the board, too. 2. Give Your Heart Away Give away items that are cute and heart-related. A heart-shaped pen or a heart stress ball with a note of attached heart health facts are fun ways to spread awareness. Action step: Send out Valentine’s cards with heart healthy facts to every employee. It’s an affordable and memorable way to share heart disease information. 3. Sweat it Out As an entire staff, dedicate one day a week to workout together for all of February. It’s a short month anyways, so even gym haters can try out working out short-term in the name of a healthier ticker. The habit may even turn into an activity they enjoy instead of loathe. Action step: Ask an employee to coordinate each week’s physical fitness activities. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Head to the local park for a walk, or set up a Stairmaster challenge within your company’s stairwell. 4. Wear Red Raise awareness about heart disease by wearing the color red. Every Friday, have your entire staff wear various shades of red. Action step: To get into the team spirit, have shirts created with facts about heart disease on the back of the T-shirt. If you host a fundraiser to donate proceeds to a foundation like the American Heart Association, wear your shirts during the event to spread additional awareness. 5. Spread the Word The more you share, the more people will learn about heart disease and its lasting impacts on health. Knowledge is power, and the more your employees know, the better off they'll be. Action step: There are plenty of ways to get the word out. Share heart health facts in your monthly newsletter. Use #HeartMonth to tweet about American Heart Month on your company account. Host a cardiologist for a lunch and learn, and provide a heart-healthy meal catered by dieticians. Have a Little Heart to Heart With Employees Serious topics don't have to be boring. Bring some heart to your American Heart Month awareness campaign, and employees are unlikely to forget the importance heart health. All five of the ideas to celebrate American Heart Month above are doable for companies of any size. Early action is critical for heart attack victims, and knowing the warning signs increases the chances of survival when emergency treatment happens fast. By sharing details like warning signs and symptoms and prevention measures, you’ll give your employees information that could one day save their life. Share Tweet Share Pin Forward Checkout these worksheets from Dr. Oz. Hand them out to your residents and co-workers. Information is power. Print Dr. Oz Worksheets Share Tweet Share Pin Forward Buy Now Cinnamon Sweet Tortilla Chips with Fruit Salsa Source: Heart.Org Servings: 8 Serving Size: 6 tortilla chips and ¼ cup salsa Ingredients Cooking spray 2 teaspoons olive oil 12 drops cinnamon-flavored liquid stevia sweetener ½ packet stevia sweetener or ¼ teaspoon stevia sweetner 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon salt 8 6-inch corn tortillas, each cut into 6 wedges 1 medium orange, peeled and diced ½ cup diced mango (from ½ of a medium mango)... Click Button Below to get Full Recipe Heart.Org Share Tweet Share Pin Forward Source: The Awkward Yeti by Nick Seluk Share Tweet Share Pin Forward Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

Recognizing you... National Activity Professionals Week is January 24-30, 2021 National Activity Professionals Day was first celebrated on January 27th, 1984 to recognize all the activity professionals who care and develop interest and needs based programming for active seniors in Long Term Care nursing homes and other elder care facilities all around the country. What is Recognition? Recognition is a means for an organization, business, or specific industry to honor and support the contributions made by an individual or group achievements. It conveys appreciation and acknowledges the undaunted efforts and drive of that individual or group of individuals has not gone unnoticed. Recognition may be bestowed publicly or privately yet the value of this one small mention often matters more than that weekly paycheck. Recognition helps employees build a sense of security in their unique and individualized value to the company; often motivating them to continue their great work. Recognition matters: From a very early age, we crave recognition from parents, teachers, and friends. So strong is our desire for positive affirmation, particularly during developmental periods, that we can even perceive a lack thereof as a negative unspoken message. This continues to hold true as we move into the workplace. Motivated workers put more time and effort into their work, as they feel they have a purpose and play an important role in the company. Employee recognition helps to: Retain top talent thus, reducing staff turnover Increase employee engagement and motivation Elevate and encourage high performance Recognition is especially meaningful this year The Bigger Picture Who could have imagined the level of demand and the overdrive of dedication needed from our healthcare professionals this year? The very nature of the work these professionals commit to, under normal circumstances, is a huge undertaking, but current events have created an unimaginable workload that has caused many of us to forge ahead on autopilot; leaving the trauma to be dealt with at a later date. It’s clear that this infectious disease has created hardships on many levels, whether they are personal, economic, or financially related. Though some industries have experienced lower demand prompting layoffs, the healthcare industry has experienced the opposite problem. Healthcare workers have felt immense strain as increased demand has led to equipment shortages, working overtime, and sacrificed well-being to help those in need. Some healthcare institutions have had an especially rough time. We are now seeing the operations of many long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and retirement homes, breaking down as outbreaks occur in these institutions. These facilities are home to the most vulnerable - our precious aging population. Indeed it takes a very special soul with immense compassion such that the average human being cannot comprehend. This year, the current pandemic has asked more from these professionals each and every day. So this past week we are reminded to give praise and appreciation to our healthcare professionals diligently working to maintain “infection control” standards while reinventing creative facility programming to optimize the quality of life and well being of the residents they serve. It seems more imperative and especially fitting to recognize these “essential care” professionals in lieu of the very challenging and unprecedented past year. THIS YEAR . . . Recognition is neither about promotional offers nor the variety of exclusive employee appreciation gifts. It’s not about the flowers gift sets, mug gift sets, appreciation treat sets; etcetera, etcetera! Senior care programming professionals have sacrificed personal safety for the sake of those they serve and are rightly claiming their place in the health care industry. Activity professionals have “come into their own” and have made their mark in the industry of healthcare. Activity professionals have faced the current challenges to combat resident loneliness while ensuring cognitive engagement and safety– more than any previous year before. Thank You – Each and every one of you deserve the upmost recognition for your demonstrated dedication, tenacity and determination – you have arrived and have earned your place alongside all your health care counterparts. You have secured your place amongst the clinical staff, therapists, social workers, and physicians that care plan for our unique and individualized residents needs and sit proudly as a member of that elite group of “continuum of care” professionals known as the (IDT) Interdisciplinary Team members. In honor of today's Activity Consultant's Help Desk Topic, we wish to honor our wonderful instructor and author of the Help Desk, M. Celeste Chase. Have a topic request or question for Celeste? Send them over to celestechase@activitydirector.org Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

Celebrate Feed the Birds Day on February 3rd Our residents are spending a great deal of time in their rooms due to COVID restrictions and loneliness is likely. Bird watching out one's window is a natural result from this heightened alone time. Residents have long loved the interaction between animals of all sorts around the care home. Studies have proven the effectiveness of creating an environment in care homes that is inclusive of all kinds of animal interactions. A way that we can help connect our residents with the nature that surrounds them is by hanging bird feeders outside of each window. Of course, it is not feasible to buy a bird feeder for every window, so the solution is to enlist your residents to help with this fun activity. You may want to create a feeding schedule to make sure you have a dependable rotation to keep the birds interested and around. You should also plan to make extras for the residents that aren't able to participate but would benefit from the bird interaction outside their windows. How To Make A Teacup Bird Feeder Source: https://www.practicallyfunctional.com/how-to-make-a-teacup-bird-feeder/ Here’s what you need to make your own teacup bird feeder: an old teacup and saucer ceramic glue (I recommend either E6000 craft adhesive or DAP clear silicone adhesive) twine birdseed a bird feeder hanger Start by gluing the teacup to the saucer. Place a line of glue on the teacup from the rim to the bottom, exactly opposite the handle. Then, holding the teacup by the handle, press the cup down into the saucer. Make sure the cup is at the back half of the saucer so there is room for the birdseed to “spill out”... Read Full Tutorial By Clicking Below Practically Functional Tutorial Celebrate National Inventor's Day on February 11th with this FREE Printable from Worksheets-to-Print.com Free Worksheets-to-Print Printable Celebrate National Margarita Day on February 22nd Many of our residents may not drink, but perhaps they still love and miss the unique flavor of a margarita! Just because alcohol has lost its appeal for some doesn't mean this drink needs to be retired. Make this fun non-alcoholic mocktail to celebrate National Margarita Day! Make a cart up around it and fill it with chips, salsa and guacamole! Margarita Mocktail Recipe Source: LizonCall.Com Yields: 4 Servings Ingredients 2 cups limeade 3/4 cup orange juice 1/4 cup simple syrup 1/2 – 1 cup club soda Sugar and coarse salt for rim Limes for garnish Ice Instructions In a small pitcher, mix together limeade, orange juice and simple syrup... Get Full Recipe Below LizonCall Mocktail Damon Jones and Sheryl Bacon Jones, 2/14/09 February is National Weddings Month! Celebrate by having residents and co-workers bring in their wedding photos to display in the facility. Have participants share a story or important detail from their wedding with you and include some of the photos and information in your newsletter so that everyone can be involved. I have shared mine here to kick things off. An interesting detail about my wedding day is that I wore white knee-high Converse tennis shoes under my dress and it ended up raining cats and dogs. By the end of the outdoor ceremony, my shoes and dress were stained red from all of the clay in the dirt. I ended up celebrating my wedding day in blue jeans, a tank top, and a hoodie that said BRIDE in crystals! Buy Now WE Proudly Support ---- Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

Memory, Forgetfulness, and Aging: What's Normal and What's Not? In general as we age, we begin to notice and worry about memory and how aging may or may not change our cognitive abilities. For example, we might forget to pay the bills or find ourselves unintentionally leaving a boiling pot of water on the burner. Such instances can be upsetting but are often considered to be “mild forgetfulness” that is often a normal part of aging. Facility Programming What's the difference between normal, age-related forgetfulness and a serious memory problem? When memory related issues prevent the individual from attending to everyday tasks that are required to maintain a self-sufficient independent lifestyle, it may indicate further investigation. Signs may include: Repeating the same questions over and over again Confusion in familiar places Inability to proceed independently from task to task in sequential order Disorientation concerning time, people, and places Mild Cognitive Impairment Some older conditions known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), relate to memory deficits that are not in keeping with common aging related problems. However, individuals with MCI can usually take care of themselves and do their normal activities. MCI may be an early alert warning that points to Alzheimer’s disease, but not everyone with MCI will develop Alzheimer's. Signs of MCI include: Misplacing or losing things more frequently Not recalling important events or appointments Presenting with “aphasia” (difficulty with word finding) more than other individuals of the same age Diagnosed instances of MCI, are tracked every six to 12 months to document changes in memory and other thinking skills over time. Dementia and Aging I often am asked about Dementia. There is a great deal of confusion on the topic. To be clear, Dementia is not a normal part of aging. Dementia is not in of itself a disease. Instead, it's a group of symptoms caused by other conditions. Dementia is a group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions, such as memory loss and judgment. Many things can cause dementia. It happens when the parts of the brain used for learning, memory, decision making, and language are damaged or diseased. Symptoms include forgetfulness, limited social skills, and thinking abilities so impaired that it interferes with daily functioning. Medications and therapies may help manage symptoms. Some causes of dementia are reversible. While there are different forms of Dementia, Alzheimer's disease is the most common disease associate with Dementia for those over the age 65. There are a number of other diseases and circumstances presenting with dementia affecting both young and old. The most common causes of Dementia include: Degenerative neurological diseases. These include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and some types of multiple sclerosis. These diseases are progressive, get worse over time. Vascular disorders. These conditions affect the blood circulation in the brain. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) caused by car accidents, falls, concussions, etc. More recently presenting in football athletes (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy – CTE). Infections of the central nervous system. These include meningitis, HIV, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Long-time alcohol or drug use Certain types of hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain. NOTE: Hydrocephalus is a condition in which an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) occurs within the brain. This typically causes increased pressure inside the skull. Older people may have headaches, double vision, poor balance, urinary incontinence, personality changes, or mental impairment. Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/memory-forgetfulness-and-aging-whats-normal-and-whats-not https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/types-dementia#1 This chart explains some differences between normal signs of aging and Alzheimer's. Have a topic request or question for Celeste? Send them over to celestechase@activitydirector.org Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

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Visit our Newsletter Archives We Proudly Support the APNCC Activity Professionals National Credentialing Center! Heart Valentines Day Pop Up Card Source: https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/heart-valentines-day-pop-up-card/ Materials: Scissors Glue Cardstock paper Colored paper Directions Start by folding the cardstock to create a card base. Cut a colored paper with the same size of your card and fold... Click button below for full directions, along with step by step pics! Visit Website FREE Printable Back in the time of the feast of Lupercalia, entrees were understandably quite different. It is said emperors ate exotic things like giraffe and flamingo. We won't be suggesting you serve giraffe here, but we wish to offer inspiration for your foray into Roman foods. Below is a link to more obtainable Roman recipes for you to try with your residents in honer of Valentine's roots. First, let's explore a little bit more about the food culture in Roman times. Roman Flavors Roman food was heavily reliant on fish sauce for its success. Wine, honey, vinegar, oil, and fish sauce are combined to create a balance of sweet, sour, and salty. Sample Roman Banquet Menu Appetizers Jellyfish and eggs Sow's udders stuffed with salted sea urchins Patina of brains cooked with milk and eggs Boiled tree fungi with peppered fish-fat sauce Sea urchins with spices, honey, oil, and egg sauce Main Courses Fallow deer roasted with onion sauce, rue, Jericho dates, raisins, oil, and honey Boiled ostrich with sweet sauce Turtledove boiled in its feathers Roast parrot Dormice stuffed with pork and pine kernels Ham boiled with figs and bay leaves, rubbed with honey, baked in pastry crust Flamingo boiled with dates Desserts Fricassee of roses with pastry Pitted dates stuffed with nuts and pine kernels, fried in honey Hot African sweet-wine cakes with honey A firsthand account of the food served at one of Emperor Nero's "simple" meals. "After a generous rubdown with oil, we put on dinner clothes. We were taken into the next room where we found three couches drawn up and a table, very luxuriously laid out, awaiting us. We were invited to take our seats. Immediately, Egyptian slaves came in and poured ice water over our hands. The starters were served. On a large tray stood a donkey made of bronze. On its back were two baskets, one holding green olives, and the other black. On either side were dormice, dipped in honey and rolled in poppy seed. Nearby, on a silver grill, piping hot, lay small sausages. As for wine, we were fairly swimming in it." - Gaius Petronius (27-66), advisor to Emperor Nero in matters of luxury and extravagance. Source: https://delishably.com/world-cuisine/ancient-food-rome Six Ancient Roman Recipes 1943 Whitmore Chocolate Ad Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

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View this email in your browser Celebrating you and all the hard wok you do is the perfect way to kickstart 2021! You have likely worked harder, longer and stretched yourself thinner than ever before this past year. You nailed it and now it is time to reflect upon your accomplishments and do a little celebrating! How Do You Celebrate Activity Professional's Week? One idea is to educate others about the profession and to build a sense of camaraderie and teamwork throughout the facility through this knowledge. Other ways include fun and career building activities. Some ideas you can use to accomplish this will be the focus of today's Activity Corner! *Activity Idea Career Swap A great way to educate others about what you do, is to let them do it! Celebrate Activity Professional's Day by having some volunteers from your facility step in and host each of your planned activities for the day. Directions: Have co-workers volunteer to host one of your planned activities for the day. You can decide how many activities to swap for based on the type of activity and willingness. During the planned activity, you will take over their job while they host your activity! Be sure and let everyone know beforehand. It will certainly peek everyone's interest and may even garner a higher attendance rate for the activity! Certification Checklist Why not celebrate by advancing in your career? You may be closer to being eligible for national certification than you even realize! Becoming Nationally Board Certified with APNCC (formerly known as NAAPCC) puts your career in the fast lane and provides opportunities for growth that are actually within reach. “ The industry’s mark of excellence recognized by CMS.” Step-by-Step Guide to Get Certified” for APNCC Board Certification Step 1 - Prepare Your Documentation Depending on your Pathway, you will need to gather corresponding documents to submit with your application. Below are some helpful forms for this purpose: Determine Your Pathway and Complete Your APNCC Application: • APNCC Pathways • APNCC Applications NOTE: If you have a college degree you may be able to apply for Advanced Activity Professional Board Certification. Check your credentials closely to determine where you fall. • Activity Experience Hours Verification Form Continuing Education You will have received your Live CE Continuing Education certificates throughout your NAPT Course by participating in Live Chats. If you are not enrolled in the NAPT course, you will need to obtain this through APNCC approved sources. Collect them together to send with your application. High School Diploma/GED/College Degree Your Pathway will determine which of these documents will need to be presented with your application. Determine what is needed and get a copy on hand. NAPT Course Certificate of Completion This will be awarded to you upon your successful completion of your course. It features a Seal of Authenticity from Activity Directors Network and will be signed by your instructor. *Note: THE NAPT course is not required for all certification pathways. For example, if you have a Bachelor's Degree you will not need to take the NAPT course. Once you have your application completed and your documentation together, you will then mail everything to APNCC at: APNCC 17840 Weymouth Avenue Parker, CO 80134-7775 USA Step 2 - Register for Your APNCC Board Certification Exam Visit https://apncc.org and register for your exam. You will then receive a code that you can enter when you are ready to begin. The exam is one and a half hours long and 150 questions. Educate Using Signage The truth is, many people don't know or understand exactly what it is that an Activity Professional does. This can be somewhat frustrating, but it also leaves a giant opportunity for us to educate others and motivate deeper working relationships. A good way to educate is with signage. Take time to create some bulletin board displays that offer information about the profession. To get you started, print out the FREE printable sign below. Include this on your bulletin board or offer as a handout during Activity Professional's Week. Want More? We have created a beautiful set of 6 Decorative Signs which highlight the importance of the Activity Professional and the ways they enhance the quality of life for each resident. Scroll down to purchase your pack and get ready for Activity Professional's Week! Print FREE Sign Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351