rworley

My residents do the same thing, they aren't in the mood to do anything in the afternoon. The only thing that perks them up is a Birthday party, Resident of the Month party, Memorial service or some celebration. There is one thing they like very much and that is when the clowns come in with ice cream cones in the afternoon. The clown outfits we made and volunteers will be clowns or at times the staff will be clowns. This is inexpensive after your clown outfits are made. One gallon of ice cream serves most of the residents.

This is an inexpensive way to make lots of paint and easily removed. This would come in handy for children who can't wear masks over their face because they can't breath or see well with masks. Have you given this idea to daycare centers and Activity Centers for children. The soap and water wash off would be a plus for anyone dealing with painting faces. Even clowns.

We transfer residents to their eye and doctor appointments. We transport residents that wish to go to their childhood homesites, within reason. The appointments plus bus rides and mall shopping trips keep us pretty busy. We have two units with a young population dementia unit that are very active. Two nearby nursing homes transport there residents in the same manner with a maximum capacity of 14 residents per vehicle.

I think this is a great idea, not only for New Years but it could be for any special holiday. The residents usually like to have their picture taken and to get it out and posted throughtout the year would make them feel important and enjoy seeing themselves after three to four months have past. My residents are not able to wear masquarade mask and enjoy them, the reason being it would restrict somes ability to breath and others would possible be scared by the mask. This is a great activity for the alert and mildly confused.

Dementia residents need to have a program that they can relate to. This also includes exercise programs that they can adapt to and not get confused or theatened while performing with other residents. Perform the exercise so they can observe and feel comfortable with the situation.

A scarf exercise program is fun for the residents if they like to reach far and wave the scarfs about their heads. they also reach the floor. the scarves can be in any color, pretty pinks, purples and blue and red for men.

I have a volunteer lady who knits only one thing hand warmers, a long tube that is big enough to put your hands in even inside. They use them to go on bus rides also. Some men have even worn them if there blue of brown. This part of Maine is very cold, zero in the winter and it comes in handy instead of gloves that are hard to put on if they have arthritis.