A sensory hat game

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

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Hat day is in September

Bring in a collection of hats for your participants to use.  Such as a;

Snow hat

Baseball hat

Hard hat

Women’s hat

Mickey Mouse hat

Fireman hat
Nurse's hat

Chef hat

Baby hat

Sailor hat
Top hat
Lady's hat
Hats of different colors
Sun hat
Baseball caps from different teams
Football helmet

Have a sensory activity with the hats
Make statements like these:

I like ______hats. Fill in these word one at a time
soft, hard, white, fuzzy, scratchy, other colors, hats you wear in winter(or another season), hats you wear that have to do with sports, hats that keep you warm, or any other easy to understand descriptive words.

Talk about the hats you have. then say
show me whatever hat you described. 

For a low functioning group use less hats and for higher functioning groups use more hats

Best country music artists

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

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

Your residents will love the Amazon Kindle Fire

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About.com

You'll find various lists with suggestions on the best of various types of artists and their albums.

Country's Top 10 Most Influential Artists

Trying to determine the 10 most influential country music artists of all time is a tricky endeavor. Beyond a small handful of very obvious choices, the waters get a little muddier, and the debate becomes a little more heated.

Top 10 Most Influential Women of Country Music

In honor of Women's History Month, I've compiled a list of the 10 most influential female artists of country music. The women I've chosen are based on their total influence on other artists, record sales, among other things.

Top 10 - Classic Country Males

Classic artists are those that have recorded prior to the mid-1980s. These are the stars we know now as legends. Many of them are sadly not played on radio, except for during an oldies session. The picks below will comprise what I feel are the ten best albums by classic country males.

Top Ten Picks - Classic Country Females

Classic artists are those that have recorded prior to the mid 1980s. These are the stars we know now as legends. Many of them are sadly not played on radio, except for during an oldies session. The picks below will comprise what I feel are the ten best albums by classic country females.

Top Ten Picks - Contemporary Country Males

Contemporary artists are those that have recorded from the 90s through today. These are the artists that are the ones you will hear most often on country radio. The picks below will comprise what I feel are the ten best albums by contemporary male artists.

Top Ten Picks - Contemporary Country Females

Contemporary artists are those that have recorded from the mid 80s through today. These are the artists that are the ones you will hear most often on country radio. The picks below will comprise what I feel are the ten best albums by contemporary female artists.

Top Ten Picks - Classic Country Groups/Duos

Classic artists are those that have recorded prior to the mid 1980s. These are the stars we know now as legends. Many of them are sadly not played on radio, except for during an oldies session. The picks below will comprise what I feel are the ten best albums by classic groups and duos.

Top Ten Picks - Contemporary Country Groups/Duos

Contemporary artists are those that have recorded from the mid 80s through today. These are the artists that are the ones you will hear most often on country radio. The picks below will comprise what I feel are the ten best albums by contemporary groups or duos.

Top Ten Picks - Country Hat Acts

To some, the term "hat act" can be degrading. Back in the early 90s, the term was tossed around to describe the up-and-coming acts that came on the scene wearing a cowboy hat, many of whom were gone in a year or so. But, these "hat acts" are those with staying power. They may wear a hat, but they can also sing their hearts out.

Top Five Picks - Female Rising Stars

These gals have been around for less than three years, and none of them have more than two albums released to the public.

Most Underrated Male Country Artists

A list of the 5 country artists that seem to constantly be passed over for awards and attention, even though they put out outstanding music.

Top Picks - Diamond Award Artists

The Recording Industry Association of America hands out awards when an artist reaches a milestone of 500,000 units sold (Gold), and 1 Million units sold (Platinum). When an artist reaches that point of selling 10 Million units, they receive a Diamond Award. The artists below are those who have reached this incredible plateau.

Top Five Picks - Canadian Country Artists

Canada has given us some great country music artists. The top five listed below are some of the most successful acts that are still selling country music in the U.S. today.

Top Five Picks - Male Rising Stars

These guys have been around for less than three years, and none of them have more than two albums released to the public.

Top Five Picks - Rising Stars Groups

These groups have been around for less than three years, and none of them have more than two albums released to the public.

Top Picks - BNA Nashville Artists

BNA Records Label is one of three labels that is part of the RCA Label group, which is a unit of BMG Entertainment. The BNA roster includes: Kenny Chesney, Kellie Coffey, Lonestar, Brice Long, Tebey Ottoh, Pinmonkey, and Rachel Proctor. Also included in this label is the sub-label Bandit, with George Jones. Only artists with released albums are listed below.

Top Picks - Lost Highway Artists

Lost Highway is a division of Mercury Records, and is home to the "O Brother Soundtrack," and the "Down From the Mountain" project, as well as Tift Merritt, Willie Nelson, and Robert Earl Keen.

Top Picks - Lucky Dog Artists

SonyNashville is a country division of Sony Music. Lucky Dog is one of four labels under the Sony Nashville label. Artists listed on the Label are BR549, The Derailers, Deryl Dodd, Jack Ingram and Charlie Robison.

Top Picks - Mercury Nashville

Mercury Nashville is a division of the Universal Music Group. The artists on the roster are Steve Azar, Terri Clark, Daisy Dern, Meredith Edwards, Tom T. Hall, Marcel, David Nail, Jamie O'Neal, James Otto, Anthony Smith, Keith Stegall, Shania Twain, and Mark Wills. Only artists with released albums are listed below.

Top Picks - RCA Nashville Artists

RCA Records Label is one of three labels that is part of the RCA Label group, which is a unit of BMG Entertainment. The RCA roster includes: Alabama, Tracy Byrd, Sara Evans, Andy Griggs, Aaron Lines, Martina McBride, Tommy Shane Steiner, and Clay Walker. Only artists with released albums are listed below.

Top Picks - Warner Nashville Artists

Warner Nashville is a sub-label of the larger Warner Brothers Records. The artists on the roster are Faith Hill, Blake Shelton, Trick Pony, Dusty Drake, Sixwire, Tracy Lawrence, John Michael, Neal McCoy, and Elizabeth Cook. Only artists with released albums are listed below.

Top Picks - Country Females With "The Voice"

There are country singers that give you chills when they belt out a song. These are the singers with what I call "the voice." The list I've compiled below are today's country female singers that have the type of voice that can sing anything, and do it with power, or understated elegance.

Best of Classic Country Males

Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and George Jones. All these men are legends in the genre of country music. Whether you're new to country music, or have just not purchased music from anyone other than today's country stars, I've chosen three of the best from classic country male artists, so you can get a feel for the artists that paved the way for the stars of today.

Country music trivia

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

Country music day is July 4

Squido

Country Music Trivia Facts

• Determining Patsy Cline's hometown is difficult since she and her family moved 19 times before she reached the age of 15.



• Despite her greatest hit being "Stand By Your Man", country singer Tammy Wynette has been married five times.



• In the US, there are more radio stations that play country music than any other type of music.



• Kris Kristofferson worked as a janitor at Columbia studios while Bob Dylan was recording the album Blonde on Blonde.



• Roy Rogers is the only person inducted two times into the Country Music Hall of Fame.



• Charley Pride was a professional baseball pitcher before becoming a country music artist.



• Faith Hill sang her first gig at a Mississippi Tobacco Spit contest.



• Dottie West was the first female country singer to win a Grammy.



• Dolly Parton penned the song "I will always love you" for Porter Wagner.



• Johnny Cash had the first country music album to top the US Pop Album charts with "Ring of Fire" in 1964.

Country Music Trivia Game

Country Music Trivia Questions

Country Music Trivia

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Presents Country Music Trivia (Includes CD-Rom Game)

Country Music Trivia Questions

Trivia Questions and Answers - Printable Trivia

Position your cursor over the question mark found beside each question for the answer.

Where was Johnny Cash born?

Who is married to country music singer Faith Hill?

Who's signature song is 'Kiss An Angel Good Morning'?

Which country music singer appeared in the films Thief and Gone Fishin?

Who's first country album was titled 'Here in the Real World'?

Which county singer is noted for helping to create the Bakersfield sound?

Which country music star changed their focus from country music to gospel?

Which county singer has an album called 'Here You Come Again'?

Which country music stars auto-biography is titled Coal Miner's Daughter?

Where was Garth Brooks Born?



Click Here To Print This Quiz

Top ways to help a veteran with dementia on Memorial day

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

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

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

• Veterans who suffer from various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer 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. Often they will 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
• 
  
• Smile with a veteran. Laughter is wonderful medicine.
• 
  
• Sing patriotic songs with a veteran with dementia. Often they will be able o sing many familiar songs even though, they may not be able to speak.
• 
  
• Read to them. Have them read to you. Large simple statements are best.
• Share pictures with them, especially large colorful ones
• 
  
• Make a visitor's packet for them.
• 
  
• For more ideas on things you can do with a veteran or anyone with dementia on this Memorial Day or any day, read the book, Adorable Photographs of Our Baby-Meaningful, Mind-Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, 
• Their Loved Ones, and Involved Professionals 
• 
  
• So please remember all our veterans on Memorial Day including those with dementia

Fun facts Leonardo Da Vinci

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

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

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

• Leonardo da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452 and died on May 2, 1519. He was Italian.
• Different to a typical surname you might think of today, "da Vinci" simply means "of Vinci", the Tuscan town where he was born.
• He lived during the Renaissance, a cultural movement that led to important developments in areas such as art and science.
• Leonardo d Vinci is perhaps best known as a painter, with his legendary works including the Mona Lisa, the Vitruvian Man and the Last Supper, among others.
• Leonardo da Vinci wasn't just an incredible artist, he was an inventor, scientist, mathematician, engineer, writer, musician and much more. Talk about talented!
• His conceptual drawings included plans for musical instruments, war machines, calculators, boats and other ideas. Many of these plans were limited by the level of technology at the time.
• Flight was of particular interest to da Vinci. He studied the flight of birds and created plans for flying machines that resemble hang gliders and helicopters.
• Many of Leonardo da Vinci’s machines have since been built and tested, to varying levels of success.
• He became an expert in the anatomy of the human body, studying it in detail and creating hundreds of drawings to help explain his thoughts.
• The Vitruvian Man is a drawing by Leonardo da Vinci that describes the relationship between human proportions and geometry.
• Da Vinci wrote in the opposite direction to what is normal, meaning you’d need a mirror to read it properly.
• The Mona Lisa is perhaps the most well known painting in the world. It is a half-length portrait of a woman who, along with the composition, background and other details, has been the subject of much speculation and discussion. It is believed that Leonardo da Vinci began painting the Mona Lisa around 1503. It has been on permanent display at the Louvre Museum in Paris for over 200 years.
• In 1994 Microsoft founder Bill Gates purchased perhaps Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous scientific writings, the ‘Codex Leicester’. It contains explanations of water movement, fossils and the moon among other things.
• Famous Leonardo da Vinci quotes include:  "He who thinks little, errs much."
• "Movement will cease before we are weary of being useful."
• "What is fair in men, passes away, but not so in art."
• "Drawing is based upon perspective, which is nothing else than a thorough knowledge of the function of the eye."
• "Good culture is born of a good disposition; and since the cause is more to be praised than the effect, I will rather praise a good disposition without culture, than good culture without the disposition."
• "I know that many will call this useless work."

April is Occupational Therapy Month

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

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

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

ehow

According to an article in “Age and Ageing” from 2004 in volume 33, pages 453-460, “occupational therapy interventions for elderly people in the community results in positive outcomes.” Nearly one-third of occupational therapists (OTR) and certified occupational therapy assistants (COTA) work with the geriatric population. They do a lot of types of treatments and activities, using many strategies. The main goal of helping those in the geriatric population is for them to regain or maintain the highest level of independence possible. It is the hope of most elderly people to stay in their homes as long as possible.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy commits to improving and maintaining the highest level of function possible of its clients so that people can have healthier, more productive and satisfying lives. Occupational therapy dedicates itself to quality health care which includes disease prevention, staying well and rehabilitation services for individuals across the lifespan. As people age, they use more occupational therapy services as a rule.

Effectiveness

Occupational therapy has been proven effective for the geriatric population, with a number of medical conditions and surgical recoveries. Besides working with individual people to increase their strength and regain important life skills, occupational therapists work with a geriatric community to counsel families, local governments and community groups to make sure that each group is doing its part to help older adults maintain their independence.

Conditions

The most common diseases, conditions and surgical recoveries that OTRs and COTAs are involved in for the elderly include: arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke, broken shoulder, wrist, hip and knee replacement as well as repair or replacement of these body parts, depression, diabetes, sensory impairments and dementia. The key in geriatric care is to avoid these injuries and illnesses to begin with. To do this, OTRs and COTAs focus on adapting and modifying the performance of activities of daily living that have become difficult or impossible to do because of age-related changes, disorders or disabilities. Occupational therapy provides help with other activities that relate to geriatric clients that still work. They also find ways for elderly patients to be involved in leisure and social activities that are dependent upon the patient's capabilities and interests.

Settings

It is the aim of occupational therapy to improve the ability of elderly people so they can stay in their home. If institutionalized care is required, occupational therapy can enhance their lives there by helping them to maintain their highest level of function there, even if full recovery from a health issue is not possible.

Activities Of Daily Living

Occupational therapy focuses on ADLs because they are necessary for independent living. The basic ADLs include: going to the bathroom, bathing, grooming, dressing, eating and moving from one surface to another, such as moving from a chair to a bed or bathtub. Instrumental ADLs require more complex thinking. These tasks include things like preparing meals, using the telephone, operating a computer, managing finances and medications as well as cleaning; doing laundry, going shopping, and other errands, traveling from one place to another, which includes driving. Driving is quite complicated because it includes integration of visual, physical and mental tasks and being able to coordinate these tasks, which may be mild to moderately impaired as you age. Occupational therapy may help geriatric clients with other activities to help reduce the risks of social isolation and its detrimental consequences. They do this by assisting geriatric patients to maintain social activities they know and encouraging involvement in new ones as well as providing ways to promote continued learning and other mind-stimulating activities, which help promote feelings of self-worth and may help prevent dementia.

Twelve Days of Christmas

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


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Make sure you are ready for Christmas this year.


Here are the lyrics to the song, The Twelve Days of Christmas.


Use them for a Christmas activity with your residents


On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
A Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
Four Calling Birds*
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
Ten Lords a Leaping
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
Eleven Pipers Piping
Ten Lords a Leaping
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
12 Drummers Drumming
Eleven Pipers Piping
Ten Lords a Leaping
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

An activity about mittens

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


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]

Winter will be here before you know it. Here is a story just for winter that is sure to please your residents. Mitten Tree Day is in early December

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                                                       The Mitten by Jan Brett

Thanksgiving gifts 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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Get your loved one with dementia a perfect gift to enjoy on Thanksgiving or anytime.

Over 5.5 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 persons 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.

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 Hammersteins 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.

A music download 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 Thanksgiving, 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 Thanksgivings 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 friend with dementia this Thanksgiving 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

Songs about hats

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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Hat Day is in September

by HATREVIVALIS

Where did you get that hat?

by Several Artists

Top hat white tie and tails

by Fred Astaire (originally) and others

You can keep your hat on

by Joe Cocker (and others)

Mexican Hat Dance

by Several Artists

Leopard Skin Pill Box Hat

by Bob Dylan (principally)

Without a hat

by the Fraggle Rock people

The bird on Nellie’s Hat

by Maidie Scott and others

I have a bonnet trimmed with blue

by Kathleen Ferrier (and others like Hattie Jaques)

Any Place I hang my hat is home

by Sammy Davis Junior and others

All Around My Hat

by Steelye Span

Easter Parade

Get Happy

Johnny (or Johnnie) Fedora and Alice Bluebonnet

Put on your old gray bonnet

Autumn craft: A simple centerpiece

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

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






Get your subscription to Activity Director Today's e magazine

Autumn gardens are filled with the makings for bouquets and arrangements that can be placed outside or, when it turns cooler and the holidays approach, brought inside for a centerpiece. Try an arrangement with the following late-blooming flowers, vegetables, berries, fruits, and leaves:

Flowers
Sunflowers, asters, dahlias, zinnias, hydrangeas, September flower, sage, autumn bugbane

Vegetables and herbs
Pumpkins, winter squash, gourds, peppers, winter wheat, dill, sage

Berries and fruits
Cranberries, beautyberries, nandina, baneberries, porcelain berries, crabapples, blue cohosh berries, apples, pomegranates, mandarin oranges

Leaves
Colorful leaves from trees such as maple, oak, and magnolia; bushes such as viburnum and burning bush; or vines such as grape leaves and porcelain vine

Uses of mint

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

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

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]

Many residents love mint

Mother Earth News

MINT SPLASH Mint leaves (peppermint is especially good) in a pint of hot water for about ten minutes ... then strain through a sieve, let cool, and chill. When you need a lift, sprinkle yourself with this solution. You'll perk up! (The liquid is usable for several days.)
MINT RINSE. Prepare mint-water as above and add it to your bath water for a tingly wash, or use the solution as a final rinse after shampooing. It's also good as a mouthwash, an after-shave lotion, and a soak for tired feet.
BREATH PURIFIER. Simply chew a sprig of your favorite mint.
TEA. Steep 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried (or 3 teaspoons of fresh) chopped mint leaves in a cup of hot water. Sweeten to taste with honey, then sip slowly, breathing in the fragrance. (Think of green fields warmed by the summer sun.) For iced tea, simply serve hot mint tea "on the rocks."
MINTED VEGETABLES. During the last two minutes of cooking, add two tablespoons of fresh chopped mint (or one tablespoon of dried chopped mint) to each quart of peas, green beans, carrots, or cauliflower.
ZESTY SALAD. Toss together two cups of lettuce, two cups of lamb's-quarters (the herb, not the animal), two or three scallions (green leaves and all), a couple of sprigs of fresh marjoram or lemon thyme (chopped), and three tablespoons of fresh, chopped mint (more if you want, but be careful not to overpower the salad with mintiness). Serve with your favorite oil-and-vinegar dressing. (Yield: 4 servings.)
MINT-CHEESE SPREAD. Add a few minced mint leaves to cream or cottage cheese, mix well, and spread on wholegrain crackers or rounds.
MINTED FRUITS. Add chopped mint to applesauce, baked apples, or fruit compotes. (For a morning eye-opener, blend chopped mint with orange juice.)
Finally, you might want to try what I call "mint sniff." Bruise a mint leaf, raise it to your nose, and inhale. Do this whenever you've forgotten the beauty in the world ... and — believe me — you'll remember.