Search the Community

Our amazing consultant, M. Celeste Chase, has earned her CMDCP and we are most excited to congratulate her accomplishment! Celeste works extremely hard to ensure that she is delivering the absolute best advice and education in every single one of her weekly columns. Her contributions are greatly helping Activity Professionals everywhere to improve the lives of the residents they serve while maintaining confidence in their skill set. We are very proud and grateful for you Celeste. Celeste was kind enough to provide information below regarding the certification mission and process in case any of you are interested in obtaining it for yourself. We support you! Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional (CMDCP) About my New Certification The Montessori Method can help build self-worth in dementia residents—and help them connect with the outside world despite their dementia. With its focus on respect for the resident, a safe and nurturing environment, and activities that promote engagement on a level that’s possible. Montessori Method for Dementia Residents Maria Montessori was one of Italy’s first female physicians. In 1907, she developed a new type of school—designed for challenging students who were once considered “un-teachable.” Her work gradually allowed her to recognize that her methods were equally successful for adults with dementia. Under the Montessori philosophy, nothing the resident says or does is “wrong.” The work incorporates creative involvement within the resident’s version of the world, rather than to attempt to correct memory or perceptions. Promote Value Focus remained on the value of the resident and the importance of promoting that he/she still has intrinsic value—and to introduce activities that foster that feeling. For example: Higher-functioning dementia residents may be asked to teach others with lower functions on how to do certain tasks—promoting the idea that they still have useful skills to teach others. Montessori principles and interventions are effective with people who have a memory deficit but could still engage in procedural learning. Activities with patients with dementia are structured to progress from the simple to the complex and are intended to be interactive for short bursts of time. Engagement by stimulating the mind with activities that use fine motor skills. Use of shapes, cards, chips, and objects that enhance dexterity. Engaging Senses Montessori activities are specifically designed to appeal to all five senses, helping dementia residents connect to the world around them in a safe and nurturing environment. The program often uses art and music therapy, mild physical exercise, and group activities that focus on the individual's abilities. These activities are designed to evoke positive emotions—and help them reconnect with the world around them. Connection with Long-Term Memory While more recent memories are often destroyed by dementia, many residents retain their long-term memory. Montessori method creates opportunities for dementia patients to reconnect to positive long-term memories, a tactic that can help draw dementia resident out of states of withdrawal, isolation, or paranoia. Maintaining Respect This means respecting and honoring their current perceptions and memories—even if those are “wrong” by objective standards. It also includes trying to meet the resident where they are, offering activities that start with their capabilities and gently push the envelope to help them build new skills, and honoring the abilities and achievements the resident is still capable of doing. The Montessori Method places an emphasis on independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a person’s natural psychological, physical, and social development. I am honored to have recently achieved this designation. Approval Process Your experience and credentials are submitted for approval to the International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (ICCDP). Once approved, you are required to take a 6 hour course through the Center for Applied Research in Dementia and pass an exam. FYI- There is a cost and requirements for renewal. More INFO Have a topic request or question for Celeste? Send them over to celestechase@activitydirector.org Our MEPAP 1&2 Courses 2 Course Formats www.ActivityDirector.org - 1.888.238.0444 Structured Class (16 Weeks) - Begins the First Tuesday of each Month Self Paced Class (13 Weeks-1 Year) - Enroll and Begin Anytime 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 © 2019 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

I have a resident in AL who has mild to moderate dementia. Recently we have noticed more decline. The thing is that he is obese and gets around by power chair. It has not gotten to the point where we need to take the power chair away but he is always up and down and it got me thinking; of all the dementia training I’ve had and all the discussion about wandering the subject of wanderers in powerchairs never came up. What do you all think; have you ever discussed this before? More and more residents are moving in with power chairs and I have residents who should have never passed the test we give. They go too fast and some run into things and now I have a wanderer whose apartment is right next to my activity room and when I mentioned it to the RNs at my work , they said they have never heard of what to do in that situation either so we are all researching it

A Gift from : Paul Tedesco <htlk@comcast.net> There’s No Place Like (Nursing) Home – Stories of Dementia, Dying, and Peeing on the Christmas Tree Paul publishes non-fiction memoir to inspire caregivers. The book is free between January 23-25 on www.amazon.com , Kindle Store, if the link doesnt work, goto the Kindle Store and search for the title. (https://www.amazon.com/Theres-Place-Like-Nursing-Home-ebook/dp/B07899SL4F/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1516736109&sr=8-1&keywords=paul+tedesco). Paul Tedesco is a former pastor, counselor, and administrator at a human services organization, holding a Master of Divinity degree. He has been a trainer locally and nationally, a weekly columnist for The Catholic Spirit, a contributor to The National Catholic Reporter, and an invited headline guest on ABC 20/20 and the Canadian Broadcast Corporation radio network. There’s No Place Like (Nursing) Home – Stories of Dementia, Dying, and Peeing on the Christmas Tree: I have an Nh.D. Doctorate in Nursing Homes. I got it at the University of Experience. One day my mother moved into a nursing home. On another she died there. What happened in between changed my life. This is a book for my friends, almost all of whom I haven’t met. They, like me, are getting older. So are their parents. Many are or will end up in nursing homes. Most who do will die there. Whether my friends learn to smile in between can change their lives too. The book is a short folksy memoir, a compendium of stories about what I saw, learned, and felt, and how I learned to smile again, then and now. Three-part dementia-inspired operas will do that. So will listening to a saintly mom call a white nurse a “honky.” I found laughter amidst my tears. I also found serenity for a troubled soul. So can my friends. URL: www.paultedescoauthor.com Please contact: Paul Tedesco, 412-327-8078, htlk@comcast.net For Free Kindle App: KINDLE Store https://www.amazon.com/Theres-Place-Like-Nursing-Home-ebook/dp/B07899SL4F/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1516736109&sr=8-1&keywords=paul+tedesco

Olympics between nursing homes: starting January 29th! Winter Olympics arrives ! From January 29 to February 9, 2018, join the Winter Olympics of Nursing Homes! In July, more than 230 nursing homes competed in this worldwide competition! Several institutions will take part in a challenge based on general culture questions. Seniors will be asked to answer 32 questions per day, 16 very easy and 16 more difficult, to give all residents a chance to participate. Residents will play as a team on a tablet-based application created just for the occasion by DYNSEO. Displayed on a television screen, facilities can create an exhilarating animation and even involve their families! Nursing homes, retirement homes, assisted living facilities, memory care centers… All institutions can participate. Sign up to the Winter Olympics Spread over 12 days, the contest is played on 10 sets of 32 questions. If you miss a day, you will have the opportunity to catch up with the questions another day. In a series of 32 questions, there are 16 easy questions and 16 more difficult questions, to allow all residents to join in the fun regardless of knowledge level. HOW TO PARTICIPATE ? To participate in these Olympics you need: – An Android tablet Optional – A Wi-Fi connection : to follow your ranking – A television : to project your tablet on a big screen COST TO PARTICIPATE Free participation for the first edition By participating in the contest you get free of charge our tablet memory games program for the duration of the Olympiads : The best way to train your team ! TO WIN The first three positions will receive prizes. First place will win a one-year subscription to Stim'Art, our cognitive stimulation program. Second place will win the Rolling Ball, our new app to work attention and motor skills. Third place will win Dynseo Family, a service platform to promote exchanges between seniors and their families in a simplified way. CROWD FAVORITE PRIZE Each institution will be able to submit their favorite photos of residents playing! The institution with the most likes will also earn a one-year subscription. A stimulating, cultural and creative experience of connections With its expertise in cognitive and cultural stimulation developed through extensive collaboration with nursing homes, DYNSEO offers questions of general culture adapted to their generations as well as their abilities. Connections between residents will be strengthened, encouraging team spirit and communication, as well as relationship between seniors and caregivers. All nursing homes, retirement homes, assisted living, and memory care centers are invited to participate! Sign up to the Winter Olympics FOLLOW US Find all our news and our different applications of cognitive games and social link on tablet. Like our pages, it makes us happy! DYNSEO, cognitive games apps and social link on tablet intended for seniors in nursing homes. 0033 9 66 93 84 22 curieux@dynseo.com www.dynseo.com

Visit http://www.tymtest.com/ ////////////////////////////////////////// NOTE: This website is for health professionals only The TYM testThe TYM test is a new cognitive test comprising of 10 tasks presented on 2 sides of a single sheet of soft card. Most people take about 5 minutes to complete the TYM. The test can be completed under supervision from a health professional. The maximum score is 50/50. The average TYM score for normal individuals is 47/50 up until the age of 70 years and then there is a small decline. The TYM test has several features which should help the diagnosis and management of patients with memory problems: The patient fills in the test themselves. This saves time. The TYM test is a permanent self-written record of a patient’s achievement on a certain date and can be referred back to. The TYM tests 10 different cognitive domains including anterograde memory, semantic knowledge and visuospatial skills which are typically affected early in Alzheimer’s disease. There is a very clear distinction between the scores of normal controls (average 47/50) and patients with mild AD (average 33/50). A cut off of 42 has a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 86% in the diagnosis of AD in our study. It is powerful in detecting mild Alzheimer's disease detecting 93% of cases in our study. The results of giving the TYM test to 139 patients with organic memory problems and 540 controls has been published in the BMJ (ref: 2009;338:b2030) – www.bmj.com

Hello! I would like to let know about Memory Mats which is a new company within the healthcare industry. Aimed at Activity Directors for creation and purchase within the homes. Memory Mats are just what you think they might be! Beautiful personalized mats that have your residents photos on them to help with reminiscing therapy and consistant recollection. The online website is easy to use to create a mat and 10% of your purchases are donated back to your resident council. Memory Mats are a way to help the aging population remember people, places and things. They also give back 10% to Alzheimer's Research! The cost of a mat is $20.00 which is a great price for the benefits they come with: Programming one on one's Group activities for creating mats Spill proof Washable Infection control friendly Builds patient/staff relationship Families love that homes are sharing life stories in a creative way Nursing staff can bring to resident when agitated or sundowning Conversation starters Reminiscing therapy Visit www.memorymats.org for more information.

http://www.shadowboxpress.com Shadowbox Press publishes a collection of eight books created to provide an easy and effective way to improve the quality of communication with memory-impaired adults. The books offer an innovative format and a variety of subject matter. They are designed to encourage socialization, evoke memories, and prompt conversation with individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, brain injury, or other memory-impairment Contact Name - Matthew Schneider