Fun facts to share: New Years

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


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


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The Dementia Caregiver's Little Book of Hope [Kindle Edition]

The History of New Year's Resolutions




The tradition of the New Year's Resolutions goes all the way back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar.


With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year.


The New Year has not always begun on January 1, and it doesn't begin on that date everywhere today. It begins on that date only for cultures that use a 365-day solar calendar. January 1 became the beginning of the New Year in 46 B.C., when Julius Caesar developed a calendar that would more accurately reflect the seasons than previous calendars had.


The Romans named the first month of the year after Janus, the god of beginnings and the guardian of doors and entrances. He was always depicted with two faces, one on the front of his head and one on the back. Thus he could look backward and forward at the same time. At midnight on December 31, the Romans imagined Janus looking back at the old year and forward to the new. The Romans began a tradition of exchanging gifts on New Year's Eve by giving one another branches from sacred trees for good fortune.


Later, nuts or coins imprinted with the god Janus became more common New Year's gifts.
In the Middle Ages, Christians changed New Year's Day to December 25, the birth of Jesus. Then they changed it to March 25, a holiday called the Annunciation. In the sixteenth century, Pope Gregory XIII revised the Julian calendar, and the celebration of the New Year was returned to January 1.


The Julian and Gregorian calendars are solar calendars. Some cultures have lunar calendars, however. A year in a lunar calendar is less than 365 days because the months are based on the phases of the moon. The


Chinese use a lunar calendar. Their new year begins at the time of the first full moon (over the Far East) after the sun enters Aquarius- sometime between January 19 and February 21.


Although the date for New Year's Day is not the same in every culture, it is always a time for celebration and for customs to ensure good luck in the coming year.


Ancient New Years


The celebration of the New Year is the oldest of all holidays. It was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago. In the years around 2000 BC, Babylonians celebrated the beginning of a new year on what is now March 23, although they themselves had no written calendar.


Late March actually is a logical choice for the beginning of a new year. It is the time of year that spring begins and new crops are planted. January 1, on the other hand, has no astronomical nor agricultural significance. It is purely arbitrary.


The Babylonian New Year celebration lasted for eleven days. Each day had its own particular mode of celebration, but it is safe to say that modern New Year's Eve festivities pale in comparison.


The Romans continued to observe the New Year on March 25, but their calendar was continually tampered with by various emperors so that the calendar soon became out of synchronization with the sun. In order to set the calendar right, the Roman senate, in 153 BC, declared January 1 to be the beginning of the New Year. But tampering continued until Julius Caesar, in 46 BC, established what has come to be known as the Julian Calendar. It again established January 1 as the New Year. But in order to synchronize the calendar with the sun, Caesar had to let the previous year drag on for 445 days.

Sadie Hawkin's Day

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The Dementia Caregiver's Little Book of Hope [Kindle Edition]

This information is for an activity discussed in the February E- magazine oF Activity Director Today

Sadie Hawkins Day is a fun holiday usually celebrated on February 29 on leap years Sadie is a comic strip character. Over the decades, it has developed into a well-known celebration.

Sadie Hawkins was created by a man called Al Capp. He wrote a now-classic cartoon called Li'l Abner. He worked on this from 1934 to 1977. Ms Hawkins lived in a small rural community in the fictional town of Dogpatch.

She waited and waited and waited for a marriage proposal, but none came. At the age of 35, her father struck upon an idea to marry off his daughter. He decided to name a day after his daughter.

There was a special event on this day(Feb 29). Sadie had to chase all the unmarried men in the town. Whoever she caught, she would marry.

The bachelor chase in the cartoon strip is still observed today in many places in the USA. The most common events are special parties at which girls can approach boys and ask them to dance. The parties are sometimes called "WPAs" (Women Pay All) or "Turnabout". Obviously, this is because the girls invite the boys and pay for dinner and dance tickets, etc. These events are declining in popularity. In 1952, there were over 40,000 Sadie Hawkins Day events. Nowadays, with the rise of the modern feminist movement, it has become more of a fun event. It is common today to “go dutch,” which is when a man and woman split the bill at a restaurant.

Some people celebrate Sadie Hawkins Day in November

Learn about leap year people, events,and music

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


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The Dementia Caregiver's Little Book of Hope [Kindle Edition]

This information is for an activity discussed in the February E- magazine oF Activity Director Today

People
Famous people born on February 29 include*:
1468 – Pope Paul III (d. 1549)
Some people have a leap day birthday. ©iStockphoto.com/iofoto
1792 – Gioacchino Rossini, Italian composer(William Tell, The Barber of Seville) (d. 1868)
1896 – Morarji Desai, former Indian prime minister (d. 1995)
1916 – Dinah Shore, American singer (d. 1994)
1924 – Al Rosen, American baseball player
1924 – Carlos Humberto Romero, former president of El Salvador
1960 – Richard Ramirez, American serial killer
1960 – Anthony (Tony) Robbins, American motivational speaker
1964 – Lyndon Byers, Canadian hockey player
1972 – Antonio Sabàto Jr, Italian-born actor
1976 – Ja Rule, American rapper and actor
1980 – Chris Conley, American musician and songwriter/composer
Events
Events that took place on February 29 in history include*:
1692 – First accusations began during the Salem witch trials. The trials occurred in Massachusetts in the United States, where more than 150 people were arrested and at least 25 people died by hanging, torture or during their prison stay.
1848 – Neufchatel declares the independence of Switzerland.
1940 – Hattie McDaniel was the first African American actress to win an Oscar. She won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role as “Mammy” in Gone with the Wind. The movie won eight Oscars.
1944 – The invasion of the Admiralty Islands began as United States General Douglas MacArthur led his forces in "Operation Brewer". Troops surged onto Los Negros, following a month of Allied advances in the Pacific. This event was one of the highlights of World War II.
1952 – The first “Walk/Don't Walk” signs were installed in New York City.
1964 – Australian swimmer Dawn Fraser received her 36th world record. She was timed at 58.9 seconds in the 100-meter freestyle in Sydney, Australia. She was the first female swimmer to win gold medals in three consecutive Olympic Games (1956, 1960 and 1964).
1972 – The Carpenters received a gold record for the hit single Hurting Each Other. The Carpenters were a vocal and instrumental duo of siblings, Karen and Richard, who produced a softer style of music in an era when loud rock was in demand. They were one of the best-selling music artists in the 1970s. 1904 - On this day in Washington, DC, a seven-man commission was
 created to hasten the construction of the Panama Canal. Work began
 May 4th. It's always hard to get something going by committee; so we
 guess that's why it took seven men two months to get the work going.
 1920 - Dateline -- Budapest, Hungary: Miklos Horthy de Nagybanya
 became the Regent of Hungary just six months after leading a
 counterrevolution. He probably gained control because everyone else
 was distracted while trying to pronounce his name.
 1932 - Bing Crosby and the Mills Brothers teamed up to record "Shine"
  for Brunswick Records.
1936 - Fanny Brice brought her little girl character "Baby Snooks" to
 radio on "The Ziegfeld Follies of the Air" on CBS Radio. Miss Brice
 presented the character and later sang "My Man" on the program. She
 was 44 at the time, and was known as America's "Funny Girl" long
 before Barbra Streisand brought her even greater fame and notoriety
 nearly 30 years later.
 1940 - Hattie McDaniel was the first black person to win an Oscar. She
 won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role as Mammy in "Gone
 with the Wind". GWTW also won Best Picture, Best Actress for Vivien
 Leigh's performance and Best Director for Victor Fleming, Best
 Screenplay for Sidney Howard's writing plus awards for Color
 Cinematography, Interior Decoration and Film Editing. Other Oscar
 winners on this night were Best Actor, Robert Dunat in "Goodbye, Mr.
 Chips", and Best Supporting Actor, Thomas Mitchell in "Stagecoach".
 1944 - The invasion of the Admiralty Islands began on this date as U.S.
 General Douglas MacArthur led his forces in "Operation Brewer".
 Troops surged onto Los Negros, following a month of Allied advances in
 the Pacific.
 1944 - The first woman appointed secretary of a national political party
 was named to the Democratic National Committee. Dorothy McElroy
 Vredenburgh of Alabama began her new appointment this day. 1944 -
 The Office of Defense Transportation, for the second year, restricted
 attendance at the Kentucky Derby to residents of the Louisville area to
 prevent a railroad traffic burden during wartime. We imagine that horses
 were allowed in from elsewhere, though...
 1952 - New York City pedestrians were told when to walk and when
 not to as four signs were installed at 44th Street and Broadway in Times
 Square. Each sign flashed "Walk" for 22 seconds, then "Don't Walk" for
 ten seconds before the "Don't Walk" turned red for 58 seconds more.
 We're told that eight out of ten people obeyed the signs ... not bad for
 New Yorkers who will walk right through one door of a car and out the
 other to get across the street quickly.
 1960 - A report from the White House stated that America's kids were
  getting too fat! I'll have a cheeseburger, fries and a shake.
 1964 - Dawn Fraser got her 36th world record this day. The Australian
 swimmer was timed at 58.9 seconds in the 100-meter freestyle in
  Sydney, Australia.
 1964 - The United States was in the grip of Beatlemania! "I Want to
 Hold Your Hand", by the lads from Liverpool, was in its 5th week at #1
 on the pop charts. It stayed there until March 21, when it was replaced
 by "She Loves You", which was replaced by "Can't Buy Me Love",
  which was finally replaced by "Hello Dolly", by Louis Armstrong, on May
 9, 1964. 14 straight weeks of #1 stuff by the Beatles! Yeah, yeah, yeah...
 1964 - Hang on to your racquets on this one, sports fans: A shuttlecock
 drive record was set by Frank Rugani this day. Mr. Rugani slammed the
  birdie 79-feet, 8-1/2 inches in a test at San Jose, CA. A giant leap for
  badminton. A little leap for all mankind.
 1972 - The U.S. Justice Department had recently settled an antitrust
 lawsuit in favor of International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation.
  On this date, newspaper columnist, Jack Anderson revealed a memo
 written by ITT's Washington lobbyist, Dita Beard, that connected ITT's
 funding of part of the Republican National Convention with the resulting
 lawsuit settlement.
1972 - Swimmer Mark Spitz was named the 1971 James E. Sullivan
Memorial Trophy winner as the top amateur athlete in America.
1972 - Karen and Richard Carpenter of Downey, CA, received a gold
record for the hit single "Hurting Each Other". When they tore the golden
platter from its protective frame and plunked it on the player, they heard,
"Hurt So Bad", by Little Anthony and the Imperials. They were so upset
by this that they ran out to the back yard and used the record as a
Frisbee for the rest of the day. (Some of the preceding is based upon
actual fact.)
1988 - "Day by Day", a situation comedy, premiered on this date on
NBC-TV. It was one of the "yuppie sitcoms" that were all over the TV
dial in the late '80s. This particular one was about a suburban
overachieving couple who dropped out and opened up a day-care center
in their home to spend more quality time with their children. The quality
time lasted just under five months.
1956
                        The Great Pretender - The Platters
                        Band of Gold - Don Cherry
                        The Poor People of Paris - Les Baxter and his Orchestra
                        I Hear You Knocking - Gale Storm
                        1964
                        I Want to Hold Your Hand - The Beatles
                        Dawn (Go Away) - The Four Seasons
                        You Don't Own Me - Leslie Gore
                        See the Funny Little Clown - Bobby Goldsboro
 
                        1972
                        Without You - Nilsson
                        Never Been to Spain - Three Dog Night
                        American Pie - Don McLean
                        It's Four in the Morning - Faron Young
                        1984
                        Jump - Van Halen
                        Girls Just Want to Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper
                        Thriller - Michael Jackson
                        Stay Young - Don Williams
                        Special thanks to 440 International Inc.

MERRY CHRISTMAS or HAPPY CHANUKAH

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


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The Dementia Caregiver's Little Book of Hope [Kindle Edition

To all the readers of this blog who are eager to learn more about dementia, I want to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very merry Christmas.


Try to relax on Christmas day. Enjoy the holiday. Remember it is not just about giving gifts, but more importantly, it is about being with family and friends and taking pleasure in their company.


It is about remembering the good times and forgetting the bad. It is about letting go of useless grudges.


It is about enjoying the moment because with dementia, that is all you may get. Remember to create your own moments of joy so you and your dementia friends can have the most joyous holiday possible


Thank you all for making “Activities Director” a stop on your blogging journey. In the days to come, I will be discussing more information about dementia that you will find most helpful. See you soon and…..


MERRY CHRISTMAS or HAPPY CHANUKAH


From Susan Berg author of Adorable Photographs of Our Baby-Meaningful Mind Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones and Involved Professionals a book for those with dementia and an excellent resource for caregivers and healthcare professionals.

Animals that leap

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The Dementia Caregiver's Little Book of Hope [Kindle Edition

This information is for an activity discussed in the February E- magazine oF Activity Director Today

Animals that leap or jump

Most animals can leap, and some are really good at it.


Antelopes, gazelles, tigers, leopards, cats, monkeys, flying squirrels, gliding lizards and horses (think:  dressage), kangaroos lions, tigers, rabbits, grasshoppers and frogs


In fact, most types of animals can leap with the exception of large ungulates such as elephants, rhinos, hippos, etc.

Why there is leap year

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The Dementia Caregiver's Little Book of Hope [Kindle Edition]

Leap year comes every four years

Learn why

subscribe to the  Activity Director e-magazine to learn about great leap year activities in the February 2012 edition

It was the ancient Egyptians who first figured out that the solar year and the man-made calendar year didn't always match up.

That's because it actually takes the Earth a little longer than a year to travel around the Sun — 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds, to be exact.

Therefore, as the hours accumulated over the centures, an extra day was occasionally added to the calendar, and over time the practice became more or less official.

The Romans first designated February 29 as leap day, but a more precise formula (still in use today) was adopted in the 16th century when the Gregorian calendar fine-tuned the calculations to include a leap day in years only divisible by four - 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024, etc.

Another stipulation ruled that no year divisible by 100 would have a leap year, except if it was divisible by 400. Thus, 1900 was not a leap year ... but 2000 was! Go figure.

Thankfully, all this intricate plotting will continue to keep us in tune with the seasons over the next several thousand years.

While leap day helped official timekeepers, it also resulted in social customs turned upside down when February 29 became a "no man's land" without legal jurisdiction.

As the story goes, the tradition of women romantically pursuing men in leap years began in 5th century Ireland, when St. Bridget complained to St. Patrick about the fair sex having to wait for men to propose. Patrick finally relented and set February 29 aside as the day set aside allowing women the right to ask for a man's hand in marriage.

The tradition continued in Scotland, when Queen Margaret declared in 1288 that on February 29 a woman had the right to pop the question to any man she fancied. Menfolk who refused were faced with a fine in the form of a kiss, a silk dress, or a pair of gloves given to the rejected lady fair.
A similar modern American tradition, Sadie Hawkins Day, honors "the homeliest gal in the hills" created by Al Capp in the cartoon strip Li'l Abner. In the famous story line, Sadie and every other woman in town were allowed on that day to pursue and catch the most eligible bachelors in Dogpatch. Although the comic strip placed Sadie Hawkins Day in November, today it has become almost synonymous with February 29.

Why are leap years needed?

Leap years are needed to keep our calendar in alignment with the earth's revolutions around the sun.
The next leap year will occur in 2012.

More Christmas Ideas for Those with Dementia

These ideas can also be used with others who reside at a long term care facility
Therefore Activities Directora, other healthcare professionals and caregivers will find this post of interest

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


Your residents will love the Amazon Kindle Fire 

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

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Alzheimer’s Care Group


Christmas Ideas
Hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner. Commericals for Christmas sales are already beginning to pop up on the TV. Here is a great idea for Christmas gifts that can be made by your residents.


Dough Art


Overview


Dough Art is a fun activity that gives residents the chance to use their hands and imagination. The residents may use the dough to make ornaments and give them as Christmas gifts.


Purpose
To stimulate creativity and imagination
To give residents a sense of accomplishment
To provide sensory stimulation


Materials
Two cups of flour
One cup of salt.....read about this Christmas idea


click here for some more holiday ideas for those with dementia and others in long term care


Go here for a great idea for Chanukah

Christmas tree safe for patients with Alzheimer's

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


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To all the readers of this blog who are eager to learn more about dementia, I want to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very merry Christmas.

You, as an activities director, other healthcare professional or caregiver will be interested in this story about decorating a Christmas tree that is safe for most with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia
Calgary Herald
Canwest News Service
Alice Jones's home is decorated with a special Christmas tree that glitters with everything edible.


Tinsel has been replaced with popcorn strings and Cheerios chains. Gingerbread men and sugary santas have taken the places of wooden soldiers.


The old-fashioned tree was the idea of the staff at the McConnell Place north Alzheimer Care Centre in Edmonton.

Alice Jones's home is decorated with a special Christmas tree that glitters with everything edible.
Tinsel has been replaced with popcorn strings and Cheerios chains. Gingerbread men and sugary santas have taken the places of wooden soldiers.
It's a way to spark Christmas memories in the residents, but also to keep them safe should they decide to eat something pretty.
Years ago, one woman was attracted to the tree trimmings and occasionally tried to take a bite.
That's a rare occurrence, said Kerry Kilback, a resident companion in one ward of the alzheimer's centre, where 12 of 36 people live.
But horrific things can happen to people with dementia.
"We have to be aware of our surroundings. we want to make it safe for ourselves as well as our residents," Kilback said. "We wanted what the residents were used to, what would trigger memories. It seemed like a neat idea."
Such "reminiscence therapy" isn't new for the centre, which also puts on re-enactments of weddings to rekindle memories, even if those memories can't always be voiced. Long-term memory is generally the last to go for people with dementia.
Alice Jones has lived at McConnell Place north for two Christmases.
The 74-year-old said she associates Christmas with carols and festive trees.
"I don't think it would be Christmas without them."

© (c) CanWest MediaWorks Publications Inc.

Strategies for Having An Enjoyable Christmas With Those Who Have Dementia

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We all benefit from sharing
Christmas with someone we care about. The smells, the
sounds, and the sights bring back happy memories. People
with dementia should have this opportunity too. Following
these tips will ensure you and your loved one with Alzheimer’s
disease or another dementia a pleasurable holiday season.
Use these tips ti help you choose a gift they will enjoy now and
in days and months to come.
The gift of yourself is one of the
best gifts you can give so do
things together.
One thing you can do is decorate for Christmas together
There is nothing like the excitement of preparing for the Christmas holiday
together.
In order to make the decorating experience for someone with Alzheimer’s
disease or a related dementia, better, follow these tips:
Have most of the decorating complete before you involve the dementia
person. Then they can help you with the finishing touches.
Buy unbreakable ornaments. They are much safer. However, if your
dementia friend likes to put inedible objects in his mouth, do not use any
ornaments
Do not use candy canes or any edible decorations on the tree. Do not use ones that even look edible
What safe things can you use?
In most cases, garland is safe
Angels made out of material are most likely appropriate.
Here is another activity you do together. Make ornaments out of old Christmas cards, together...
Cut out the pictures on the front. Punch a hole near the top of the picture and put string or ribbon through
the hole. You can then hang these homemade ornaments on the tree.
You know the person with Alzheimer’s disease the best. You know what is most likely appropriate.
You can have two trees. Keep the room to the one with the traditional decorations locked unless you or
someone can supervise the person with dementia.
Here is something else you can do together. You can have the person with dementia put Christmas
window clings up. You and the dementia person can display unbreakable Christmas knickknacks.
Yet another idea is to make a tree out of paper and display pictures from past Christmases. This is not
only fun to look at, but it is a great opportunity for reminiscing. This kind if tree is very safe
Share in the joy of the decorations of others
If decorating is too much for you, or you feel that your decorations are not safe, or you want something
wonderful to do, you can drive around town spotting all the decorations families, merchants, schools, town
centers and libraries are displaying. Stay away from crowded malls, however.
Sing favorite Christmas carols often
Most families have favorite songs they sing. Even if a person with Alzheimer’s disease or another
dementia is non verbal, he or she may be able to sing most of the words to a favorite song. Singing is a
great activity. It lifts spirits and is good for the lungs.
Pray with them.
Most folks with dementia have strong ties to their religion. Even those with advanced dementia may
spontaneously recite portions of a prayer service that was part of their past.
The problem may be to find a service that is appropriate. The traditional service is long and crowded.
Here are a few suggestions
Go at the beginning or end of the service. That is when the least amount of parishioners are in
attendance.
Contact some assisted living or nursing homes in the area. Many of them have short simple services
highlighting the important prayers. This is a win, win situation. You can see what a place is like, and most.......read all of Strategies for Having An Enjoyable Christmas With Those Who Have Dementia

More Sensory Ideas for those with Dementia

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Here are some more ideas for residents who have dementia, especially those who are lower functioning


Sorted by type


Vision
Pretty Wrapping Paper & Florescent Papers
Animals such as Birds, Bird Feeders, Fish Tanks
Bubble Tubes
Colored Lights, Strings of Lights, Christmas Lights
Light Box
Rattles, Tambourines
Mirrors
Flashing lights & Strobe Lights
Wind Up Animals
Mobiles that are age appropriate
Wind Socks & Wind Chimes
Activity Boxes, Easy to Watch Videos
Relaxation Videos


Taste
Peanut Butter, Licorice
Jelly, Spices, Honey
Chocolate, Peppermint
Nutella (located with Peanut Butter)
Tea, Coffee, Milk Shakes, Sodas
Strong Smelling Soups
Yogurt, Ice cream, Ice Chips Flavored
Lifesavers, Pickles, Horseradish


Smell
Lavender and other oils. Use an Electric Aroma Fan
Pot Pouri, Sachets
Perfumes, Powders, Lotions
Sun Tan Lotions (Coconut)
Candles, Incense, Aromatherapy
Bath Oils, Bubble Baths, Bath Soaps
Spices
Powders, Talcum Powders, Pillows with Powders inside
Flowers, Shrubs with Scents, Flowering Trees
Bakery, Candle Shop, Candy Shop
Pet Shop, Fruit Stand
Licorice


Hearing / Sound
Water Sounds, Fountains, Bubbling Brooks, Sound of Waves
Faucet turned on, Waterfall
Washing Machine, Dishwasher
Music, Bag Pipers, Concerts
Wind Chimes
Ticking Clocks, Metronomes, Coco Clocks
Music Boxes, Whistles
Instruments- Maracas, Pianos, Tambourines, Rattles, Chimes, Electric Key Boards, Pianos, Drums


Touch
Fake Fur, Soft Ear Muffs
Pets, Horses, Cows
Outside-Leaves, Tree Bark, Roses
Snow, Sand, Shells, Sea Weed
Hard Items-Rocks, Tree Bark, Fences
Soft Items-Clay, Dirt, Play Dough
Cotton, Sheepskin, Feathers,
Pastas, Cereals, Spaghetti
Large Beads, Jewelry, Gaskets
Pat Mats, Activity Aprons & Activity Pillows
Body Pillows, Textured Fabrics
Massage, Silk Materials
Vibrators, Dryer vibration, blow dryers, washing machines

Top Appropriate HOLIDAY Gifts For Those With Dementia

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


Your residents will love the Amazon Kindle Fire 

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


Follow alzheimersideas on twitter


To all the readers of this blog who are eager to learn more about dementia, I want to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very merry Christmas.


to buy for their loved ones with dementia. Here is an article that will help you, other healthcare professionals and caregivers
prlog
Christmas,Chanukah and alike are the perfect chance to give gifts that are not only enjoyable but also are beneficial to persons with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. These presents keep on giving long after the holiday season is gone
First on the list of gifts 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.


Another gift dementia persons will fancy is a....read the whole article

Dice ganes for those with dementia

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


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


Your residents will love the Amazon Kindle Fire


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

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The Dementia Caregiver's Little Book of Hope [Kindle Edition]

In December, we celebrate Dice day.Why nit take some suggestions from this article


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Large dice are a useful tool when it comes to designing and playing games with those who have dementia. This is particularly true if the person or persons in question liked to play games using dice before they had this

There are several things you should keep in mind before and during the designing and playing of dice games or any games for that matter when it comes to people with dementia.


Although it may be fun for some to have winners and losers, it is best not to emphasize this, but rather the fun of the game complimenting those who try their best to play.


Also introduce one game at time. Then play this game for several weeks before trying another similar game. If the games are quite a bit different, you may be able to introduce more than one at a time. Always follow the KISS rule. That is keep it as simple as possible.


You should you play dice games for several reasons Dice games are fun. Dice games have been played for years. Thus many people with dementia find dice games familiar. Familiar is always good when you are doing something with those who have dementia.
Dice games are extremely versatile. Some dice games rely on luck, and some use skill and planning. Some games use a combination of both. You can find dice games to play with one player or a whole group of players. There are dice games you can play on a table or on the floor.


Dice games are mind stimulating. This, as you probably know, is especially good for....read all of Mind Stimulating Dice Games

Dementia and dice rolling

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


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


Your residents will love the Amazon Kindle Fire


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

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The Dementia Caregiver's Little Book of Hope [Kindle Edition]

Yet another success oriented dementia game is dice rolling.


You can make the dice with easily handled cardboard boxes or use large foam or stuffed dice.


Higher functioning dementia residents can wrap boxes in white paper.
and place circle stickers to make the dice look like regular dice or silly dice.


After the dice ar made or purchased, you are rady to play the game.


You can just have dementia folks take turns rolling the dice. After everyone has had a turn, the highest number in the wins.

This is a no fail activity. Everyone
can throw dice, even if you must assist with the throw. Much cheering
and congrats accompanies this and it becomes a lot of fun

Dementia activity board game

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


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


Your residents will love the Amazon Kindle Fire

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

Follow alzheimersideas on twitter

The Dementia Caregiver's Little Book of Hope [Kindle Edition]

Here is another dice game for those with dementia. Each player is allotted a colored counter and they roll the dice and move accordingly around the board. On the board I have cards with the first part of well known trivia. (probably about 30) Each alternate Square on the board is marked with the letter "T" for Trivia and if they land on it they have to pick up a card, they or I read it and complete the trivia statement. The first one around the board is the winner. It is very popular


TRY IT TO SEE IF IT WORKS WITH YOUR RESIDENTS


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