Healthcare professionals:Access your CEU or Certification courses on your mobile device

Activities directors and other healthcare professionals here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care professionals to get an easyceu or two

Here are more interesting dementia brain boosting activities





Get your subscription to Activity Director Today's e magazine

Access your CEU or Certification courses on your mobile device!
easyceu
If you're as busy these days as I am, you know how great it is to be able to get some of the "to-dos" off your list while waiting in line, on the train or bus, or in those few minutes between appointments.

I've come to LOVE my iPad and iPhone for this purpose.  I can read a few pages of the novel I'm really into, grab a couple of emails on the go, catch up with work or agonize about yet another obscure NY Times crossword clue.  One thing is for sure - I'm wired in and loving it!

If you're nearing your renewal month for your CEUs, take a minute of your time - from your desktop or your mobile - to check out all the new courses we offer on
easyceu
.  We've added a significant number of new, leadership level courses through a recent acquisition - I know you'll find them interesting, useful and value-priced, too!

We're also VERY excited about the new Certificate courses we've added, including:
Assisted Living Administrator Certification (also NAB approved!)
Assisted Living Nurse Certification
Nursing Facility Administrator in Training
Nursing Facility Director of Nursing Certification
Whether you want to advance up the career ladder yourself with these additional Certifications, or you want to build the professional skills and reputation of your team, these are valuable additions!  Imagine your resume or your team's credentials with these Certification courses listed... you get the picture!

And try getting your CEUs on your mobile phone, iPad or other on-the-go device today!
easyceu

NEW Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of Older Adults - 6.25 CEUs
easyceu


NEW Cultural Diversity and Care of the Elderly - 6.25 CEUs
easyceu


NEW Ethical Issues in Health Services Management - 3.75 CEUs
easyceu

   
NEW Falling and Older Adults - 6.25 CEUs
easyceu
  

NEW Grief, Dying and Death - 6.25 CEUs
easyceu
  
 
NEW Hydration, Dehydration and the Aged - 5 CEUs
easyceu
   

NEW Infection Control in Long-Term Care - 6.25 CEUs
easyceu
 

NEW Leadership: The Skills Needed - 1.25 CEUs
easyceu

   
NEW Understanding and Assessing Pain in the Elderly - 6.25 CEUs
easyceu

People with dementia may turn to art

Activities directors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals,here is some great Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care professionals to get an easyceu or two

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here are more interesting dementia brain boosting activities

Here is a dementia music activity



Scientists are doing research on people with Alzheimer's disease and other brain disorders to help unravel how the brain works and why these people are interested in creating art. In increasing numbers, people with Alzheimer's disease are picking up paintbrushes or putting drawing pencils to paper. Some turn to art only after Alzheimer's disease has set in, and they may even be inspired by it. Both groups are helping researchers unravel the complicated and intertwined ways that biology produces creativity, including the contributions of inhibition, obsession and other personality traits. "There are virtually no situations where brain damage makes things better," says Anjan Chatterjee, a neurologist at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia , who is working on a book about art and the brain. But art is, he adds, one of the few complex aspects of human cognition that doesn't necessarily get worse.
"Think of a mobile where you have different weights that settle into some kind of equilibrium," he says. "If you take away certain weights, the whole system readjusts. In some instances, the art ends up being just as beautiful.
"In other cases, it's more beautiful."

Lester Potts had never picked up a paintbrush before his Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2001, at the age of 72. He had worked in a rural Alabama sawmill through the Great Depression. He served in the Korean War and grew into an even-keeled and dependable civic leader. But when his brain disorder struck, Potts lost the ability to take care of himself, and he sank into depression.
Painting with watercolors as part of a therapy program buoyed him, says his son, Daniel C. Potts. Even more surprising, his father had talent. When Lester brought home his first creation '" a bright purple and yellow hummingbird with green wings and a red head '" his wife asked him who gave him such a beautiful painting

As Lester's disease progressed, his paintings evolved too. And even though he lost the ability to talk or write before his death in 2007, his artwork continued to feature themes from his youth, offering comfort to his family and a fascinating look into the brain of someone with a degenerative and still-mysterious disease.

"It is a known phenomenon that folks can find....read all of  People with Alzheimer's Disease Turn to Artac content

Patriotic Pleasures: A Meaningful Activity for Those with Memory Impairments

Activities directors and other healthcare professionals here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care professionals to get an easyceu or two

Here are more interesting dementia brain boosting activities





Get your subscription to Activity Director Today's e magazine

ac content

There are many patriotic holidays throughout the year. This activity is appropriate for those times, as well as for any time you or they just feel or want to feel patriotic.

You should have a flag or a picture of a flag handy. You can start this activity by reciting the "Pledge of Allegiance." Then you can sing one or two patriotic songs, such as "My Country Tis of Thee'' or "America the Beautiful, Beautiful," with the person or people with dementia.

Now you can have a discussion about the flag. Instead of asking questions, make statements that the dementia participants can complete. Here are some examples.

The colors on the flag are_____,______ and____.

The flag today has_____ stars.

The color of the stars is_____.

The flag has_____stripes.

The colors of the stripes are_____ and______.

There are six____stripes.

There are seven____stripes.

The stripes represent the_____original colonies.

The first flag had____ stars.

I am sure you can think of many more statements. In fact, you can have your participants think of statements about the flag. Then sing the song, "You're a Grand Old Flag."

Now talk about the letters in the word "flag." Mention each letter one at a time. Say, "Lets think of words that start with each letter. If the participant is higher functioning, then have them say a word that starts with a particular letter that is a symbol or a feeling of the flag or patriotism.

For example:
Here are some words.......read all of Patriotic Pleasures: A Meaningful Activity for Those with Memory Impairments

Activities for Memorial Day

Activities directors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals,here is some great Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care professionals to get an easyceu or two

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here are more interesting dementia brain boosting activities

Here is a dementia music activity

ac content

Veterans who suffer from various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, often have very specific care needs. It is important that these veterans are cared for by people who understand their condition and
have the appropriate instruction and skills. Therefore, encourage family members of veterans to gain the training they need to care for their loved one with dementia.

For those in nursing homes and other institutions, make sure veterans with dementia are visited often. All people, including those with memory loss, need human contact. They need to be hugged. They need to hear your voice. They may not know you but as long as you know who they are, that's all that matters.

Talk to them about their service to our country. They will often share stories with you because their time in the service made a huge impression on them. Tell them how proud you are of them. Thank them for their service. This is sure to make them feel good. Most likely, it will make them smile. Smiling is good for everyone. It will put you and the veteran in a better mood almost automatically. Laughter is wonderful too. It is great medicine and will put both of you in a better frame of mind.
Sing patriotic songs with a veteran with dementia. They will often be able to sing many familiar songs even though they may not be able to speak.

Singing in general is good for a veteran in so many ways. Read, Sing with Me for the reasons why.
Read to them. Have them read to you. Large simple statements are best. You or they can read prose or poetry. You could also write a story with the veteran.

Share read all of.....Top Ways to Help a Veteran with Dementia on Memorial Day

Easyceus for healthcare workers

Activities directors and other healthcare professionals here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care professionals to get an easyceu or two

Here are more interesting dementia brain boosting activities





Get your subscription to Activity Director Today's e magazine

easyceu

Your No. 1 source for trusted continuing education units (CEUs) for senior care professionals. If you're a licensed or certified senior care Administrator or professional, we’ve got the CEUs you need! Every course is NAB approved; every course is designed to help you build leadership skills while getting the CEUs you need.

Whether you’re an Administrator of a California RCFE looking for approved CEUs, or a NHA Administrator in Maine, our courses are approved for you! Maybe you’re a Boarding Home Administrator in Washington, needing CEUs in dementia care – we’re the place

Social Workers and Family Therapists who work with elders and their families will also find these courses pertinent – and approved through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, NAB and more.

easyceu

Dementia: Spring Story

Activities directors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals,here is some great information

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care professionals to get an easyceu or two

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here are more interesting dementia brain boosting activities

Here is a dementia music activity

This story  is from

When I was little, I often helped my mother plant our family's garden. As soon as the chilly winds of Chicago winter gave way to spring, Mom would be outside with a spade, seed packets, gardening gloves, and a secret smile that had been hibernating all winter. That smile never seemed to shine as bright as on those first few days in April when she squatted in the mud with tiny seeds in her hands.
I would pull on my grubbiest jeans, choose my shovel with care, and bound across the yard before Mom could say, "You forgot a jacket!" I would kneel by her side for hours, carefully digging holes and cautiously pushing seeds into the earth with my chubby fingers. We would spend hour after hour repeating the process, until the formerly snow-smothered area barely knew what hit it!
Unfortunately, I grew up. Somehow, I found better ways to spend the first days of spring, and I threw my annual April morning job into the growing pile of childish, outgrown activities. After all, I was too old to kneel in the dirt all day planting some silly seeds. I came to the conclusion that the shopping mall needed my assistance more than Mom did.
Surprisingly, my mother never said much about my decision until two years ago, the spring I turned 14. I was on my way to a friend's house, when Mom stopped me.
"Would you please help me with the planting today?" she asked.
"Oh, Mom, I was just getting ready to leave," I pouted. "I'll probably be gone most of the day." "Well, could you possibly come home a little early and join me in the fresh air?" Mom asked.
I mumbled something along the lines of, "Uh, maybe . . . I'll see."
By the time I left the house, Mom was already in the garden. She looked up for a moment as I walked past, and from the corner of my eye I saw a certain pain and sadness in her gaze. At first my heart told me I should stay to help, but as I got farther from home and closer to an exciting day of hanging out with friends, I forgot my impulse.
A few hours later, as the sun started to fall from its place in the warm, spring sky, I decided to leave my friends a bit early and head back home.
"Mom usually finishes planting around six," I thought. "If I get back soon, I'll still have an hour or so to help her." I felt very noble for my selfless decision. But when I reached home, there were Mom's dirty boots by the door and a small pile of empty seed packets on top of the garbage can. I was too late.
I didn't think much about that day until nearly a year later.
One of my father's good friends suddenly lost his wife to cancer. The doctors hadn't discovered Sara's illness until it was too late. She died shortly after the diagnosis, leaving behind her husband and two small, confused children.
Right away, Mom went south to visit the family and see how the children, David and Rachel, were coping with the sudden loss of their mother. She spent a few hours with little Rachel. When she came home, she told me this story.
When Sara had received her terminal diagnosis, she asked her husband, "What should I leave our children? How do I give them something to remember me by, a symbol of my love for as long as they live?"
Mom learned the answer from Rachel.
"Mommy made me my own garden," Rachel cooed, as she tugged on Mom's hand and led her outdoors. Sara had decided to plant her children something that would live on long after she was gone.
Although the children had helped with the original planting, it was obvious that most of the work had been patiently completed by their mother. The result was a masterpiece, with so much more among the leaves and petals than simple foliage. A piece of Sara's heart and soul was left in full bloom for her children.
As I listened to my mother tearfully tell Sara's story, I realized the true power of a garden. How had I missed it? Our annual planting was not about kneeling in dirt, throwing in some seeds, and hoping for the best. It was about kneeling there together, planting potential life, and creating the best memories possible out of those moments together. I was so lucky to have a healthy, vibrant, caring mother who was always there for me. As I suddenly realized how badly I missed seeing her soft hands place seeds in mine, many things became clear. I began to understand that the pain I had seen in her eyes that day a year ago had come from missing the little girl who was once at her side.
A few weeks later, I came home to find several bags of seeds on the kitchen table. I knew spring planting was near. The following Sunday, I woke to rays of sunlight streaming through my window. I looked outside to see a figure stooping in the dirt. I threw on the first clothes I could find and ran outside.
The first rays that encircled me were the ones streaming from my mother's smile. The first water our seeds encountered were the teardrops sliding happily from my eyes. We worked together all day and didn't stop until nightfall.
I won't ever miss planting day again.

How to Create a Care Plan for a Dementia Patient

Activities directors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals,here is some great information

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here are more interesting dementia brain boosting activities

Here is a dementia music activity

ehow

A care plan for a patient with dementia, no matter where he is living, ensures the highest quality of life for him despite this diagnosis. Since each person with dementia displays different behaviors, has specific interests and different strengths, the care plan is person centered. His dementia progresses over time. Because of this, it is more difficult to assess the dementia patient's needs and preferences as time goes on. Learn all you can while the dementia person is able to communicate. The outcome of the care plan makes the dementia patient's life as happy and satisfying as possible.


Difficulty: ModerateInstructions

Step 1Get an accurate history about the patient with dementia. This includes current medications, strengths, weaknesses, current and past interests, former jobs, and a thorough family history.

Step 2Observe the dementia patient. Make note of how she reacts to her environment, especially triggers for unwanted behavior.

Step 3Meet with all team leaders who are responsible for every aspect of the dementia patient's care. The teams include nursing, social work, therapy, activities, family members and the dementia patient, unless the meeting will upset him.

Step 4Together write a care plan that includes the best ways to care for this person. Include specific goals for each team and ways to accomplish these goals. Assign team members to each goal. Make sure to get everyone's input.

Step 5Share...read all of How to Create a Care Plan for a Dementia Patient

Drug-Induced Dementia and Delirium Common in Seniors But Often Undetected, Public Citizen Says

Activities directors and other healthcare professionals here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care professionals to get an easyceu or two

Here are more interesting dementia brain boosting activities

Activities directors, other healthcare professionals and categivers, here is something you should know

CommonDreams.org

Older patients become more susceptible to drug-induced dementia and delirium as they age, but the symptoms are often overlooked by doctors who don't realize that the condition may be caused by drugs and reversed, Public Citizen writes in a Worst Pills, Best Pills News article released today on WorstPills.org, the organization's drug safety Web site.

Unlike most forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, which cannot be reversed, dementia caused by prescription drug use may be stopped by discontinuing the offending medication. The drug safety experts at Public Citizen have identified 136 commonly prescribed medications, especially certain antidepressants and pain medications, that can cause difficulty thinking.

Drug-induced dementia and delirium are commonly misattributed to underlying medical illness or merely to "old age." But by stopping or modifying the dosage of numerous, frequently prescribed drugs, most patients can be restored to a pre-drug state of mental clarity.

Older people are more susceptible to drug-induced delirium and dementia because the body's ability to rid itself of drugs decreases with age, often because of normal age-related decrease in kidney and liver function. Also, older patients are often prescribed multiple drugs at the same time, resulting in complicated interactions and enhanced side effects. Some research also suggests older patients' brains may be more sensitive to drugs' effects on the central nervous system.

"Sadly, doctors don't always recognize cognitive impairment as a side effect, so many patients needlessly suffer from this debilitating but reversible condition," said Sidney Wolfe, M.D., director of Public Citizen's Health Research Group and acting Public Citizen president. "After beginning new drugs, doctors, patients and their families should watch for subtle changes in cognition and assume changes may be caused by drug therapy. People already suffering from some cognitive impairment are most susceptible."

Delirium is a syndrome of changes in vision, hearing and thinking that usually starts abruptly and is commonly seen in the hospital setting or during an acute illness; symptoms typically improve when the cause is treated. Dementia, on the other hand, is a chronic alteration in thinking that progresses slowly. Alzheimer's disease is dementia's most common cause, but it also can be caused by strokes and other conditions.

How did your Mother's day go?

Activities directors and other healthcare professionals here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care professionals to get an easyceu or two

Here are more interesting dementia brain boosting activities


Activities directors, other healthcare professionals and caregivers, here are some pictures from our Mother'd Day event

We enjoy good food and conversation while the piano player plays music we love

We have a resident choral group. They always perform on Mother's Day at a tea for residents and their families

WHAT A GREAT START TO NATIONAL NURSING HOME WEEK!

National Nurses Week

Activities directors and other healthcare professionals here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care professionals to get an easyceu or two

Here are more interesting dementia brain boosting activities



Fur the sake of teamwork in a long term care setting, celebrate National Nurses Week 2011 Nurses Trusted to Care
Often described as an art and a science, nursing is a profession that embraces dedicated people with varied interests, strengths and passions because of the many opportunities the profession offers. As nurses, we work in emergency rooms, school based clinics, and homeless shelters, to name a few. We have many roles – from staff nurse to educator to nurse practitioner and nurse researcher – and serve all of them with passion for the profession and with a strong commitment to patient safety.

Background
National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6, also known as National Nurses Day, through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Visit the NNW

History page, part of the NNW Media Kit. The National Nurses Week logo is developed by the American Nurses Association (ANA) to help celebrate nurses and all that they do. ANA does trademark this logo but allows facilities to use it in their own celebrations.

All About Eggs: An Activity for Those with Dementia

Activities directors and other healthcare professionals here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care professionals to get an easyceu or two

Here are more interesting dementia brain boosting activities





Get your subscription to Activity Director Today's e magazine

AC Content



When you hear the word egg, you might think of breakfast, an omelet, bacon or any number of things. This game is all about things eggs remind people with dementia of. Just about everyone has eaten or cooked with eggs or both. Thinking about eggs may remind you of certain holidays and special days as well. That is why the egg is a perfect topic.

You can really start anywhere. In June National Egg Day is celebrated. I like to start by asking group members about ways to cook eggs. Most people with dementia do not eat raw eggs. Participants might say that you can fry eggs. Now here you could ask about ways to fry eggs such as scrambled or you could go on with other ways to cook eggs like boiling them.

You could discuss what breakfast foods you make with eggs like French toast, waffles or pancakes. Pancakes and waffles could be another side discussion because there are many different foods you can mix with the batter to make different varieties of these breakfast treats. You might also put different types of toppings on as well.

Still on the topic of breakfast, you and your participants with dementia can talk about foods you eat with eggs such as ham, bacon sausage or toast. As another side discussion, you can talk about varieties of any of these things. For example, if you are talking about types of toast and what toppings you could put on toast.

When you have exhausted breakfast foods, move onto what ...read all of All About Eggs: An Activity for Those with Dementia

Do not forget the ladies in nursing homes on or around Mother's Day

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here are more interesting dementia brain boosting Corrier-journal.comactivities

Here is a dementia music activity


Even if Mother's Day has past, choosing the right present for someone with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia is certain to give him/her joyful times independently or with a loved one. Here are some tips on how to pick a perfect gift. You can give a gift anytime, but Mother's Day is coming soon which is a perfect opportunity to give that special someone a special gift.

Over 5.3 million Americans are living with dementia. Is one of them someone you know or a client of yours? Get him/her or anyone with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia, a gift that will keep on giving.

Of course, person appropriate offerings are the best. This means matching a gift to a person’s interests and abilities, However, there are some presents that will make them smile no matter what.

One such gift is a book by Susan Berg called Adorable Photographs of Our Baby -- Meaningful, Mind-Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones and Involved Professionals, This book features baby photographs that seniors with dementia love. This book shares a plethora of ideas and resources for you. Mothers especially love babies

Another gift dementia persons will fancy is a classic musical video or DVD especially a musical love story. A classic movie of this type is Rogers and Hammerstein’s movie, Carousel (1945) or South Pacific (1949)

Any Roger's and Hammerstein movie is a good choice, However matching their interests and favorite actors and actresses should simplify the gift giving process. You can even discuss some of the movies to get a better feel for the one they might like the best.

A video sing along is great for persons who has Alzheimers disease or another dementia. Even if they were not music lovers in the past, music is extremely therapeutic for them. Often non-verbal folks with dementia will sing along to a song that is familiar to them. Russ Carlton has a series of videos that will enchant a person with dementia.

An audio cassette or CD is another good choice. Just as with the movies, talking about songs often brings to light a good musical selection. There are some by Mitch Miller that are favorites of many. Also Broadway tunes are a preference of those with Alzheimers disease or a related dementia.

Especially for a lower functioning person with dementia is the gift of hand or body lotion. Any kind will do. Just be aware of any allergies or pain issues he/she might have. If he/she can tolerate it, those with a pleasant scent work well. Give him/her a relaxing hand massage talking about how good the hand massage feels and how much you love this person,

If you cannot afford or do not have time to get these gifts before Mother's day, give the gift of yourself. No matter how hard it is for you to visit a dementia person, he/she will appreciate your company even though he/she may not be able to express it. Take him/her for a walk, sing some of your favorite songs together, or share some messages of love. Just spend some quality time with a dementia person. Both of you will feel better. Do remember to be upbeat animated and excited about visiting.

A phone call or a Mother's day card will do if there is no way you can visit in person. At least they will know you are thinking of them. Then visit on another day.

So no matter what you do, do not forget your favorite lady friend with dementia this Mother's day because it will make you and her feel good. What could be better than that?

Order most of the products mentioned in the article at Amazon.com or from the artists directly

Cinco de Mayo for those with dementia

Activities directors and other healthcare professionals here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care professionals to get an easyceu or two

Here are more interesting dementia brain boosting activities





Get your subscription to Activity Director Today's e magazine


Cinco de Mayo is another opportunity to have a celebration and to create moments of joy for those with dementia

Start by getting a picture book like the one shown above. Have a discussion about Cinco de Mayo. There is information on the May page Make up some trivia questions using the information

Make some easy Mexican dishes such as tacos, tortilla chips and salsa, or refried beans. Or you can be adventurous and make something in the cook book below

Do not forget the Mexican music. You can play it as you are cooking

Top the celebration off with an arm chair trip to Mexico

A Mother's Day Devotional

Activities directors and other healthcare professionals here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care professionals to get an easyceu or two

Here are more interesting dementia brain boosting activities





Get your subscription to Activity Director Today's e magazine

Activities directors, other healthcare professionals and caregivers, here is a Mother's Day devotional from
Faithful Friends
Nursing Home Ministry

Half of what I think I know about mothers comes from having one. The other half comes from being married to one. In fact, I probably know more about my mother from being married to my sons' mother for twenty-two years. Here are the key things I've learned:
Mothers are the people who take Jesus at His word when He says to forgive each other "seventy times seven."

Mothers are the ones who still believe in you when everyone else begins to doubt.

Never get between a mother and her cubs. Even if you are the father, you lose.

The best gift you can give your children is to love their mother.

A mother's prayers are more powerful than any force on earth or in heaven.

A father may know best, but a mother cares best, and children will pick caring over knowing every time.

We may pray to "Our Father," but the face of God we see, the hand of God we clutch, and the heart of God we trust, belongs to our mothers.

Lord, thanks for giving us mothers so that we can see, hold, and hear You more clearly.

By Eric Fellman - Devotional From Daily Guideposts


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Her children rise up and call her blessed. . . . Proverbs 31:28 (RSV)