National Activity Professionals Week 2013

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

NAAP

Greetings from the National Association of Activity Professionals

We would like to thank you for your interest in celebrating National Activity Professionals Week,
 

January 19-24, 2014

NAP Week was created to celebrate the contributions of Activity Professionals in all senior living communities. This year’s theme is “Gateway to Activities”.  The NAPWeek Packet 2014 will provide you with ideas on how to celebrate NAP Week in your facility, community, or with fellow Activity Professionals and will be available soon.  Please share by posting here how you plan to celebrate NAP Week.

  

A letter addressed to Administrators reminding them to honor the activity 

department as an important part of your community’s team is included. 

Samples of proclamations, press releases and public service 

announcements, are also in the packet. You can find more information at 

naap.info. Take the time now to plan for this very special event!

 

Smile songs

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

Smile Week is coming up







Get your subscription to Activity Director Today's e magazine



Till We Meet Again
Smile the while you kiss me sad adieu
When the clouds roll by I'll come to you.
Then the skies will seem more blue,
Down in Lover's Lane, my dearie.

Wedding bells will ring so merrily
Ev'ry tear will be a memory.
So wait and pray each night for me
Till we meet again.

Tho' goodbye means the birth of a tear drop,
Hello means the birth of a smile.
And the smile will erase the tear blighting trace,
When we meet in the after awhile.

Smile the while you kiss me sad adieu
When the clouds roll by I'll come to you
Then the skies will seem more blue
Down in Lover's Lane, my dearie,

Wedding bells will ring so merrily
Ev'ry tear will be a memory
So wait and pray each night for me
Till we meet again.

When You Are Smiling
When youre smilin, when youre smilin
The whole world smiles with you
When youre laughin, when youre laughin
The sun comes shinin through

But when youre cryin, you bring on the rain
So stop that cryin, be happy again
Keep on smilin, cause when youre smilin
The whole world smiles with you

When youre smilin, when youre smilin
The whole world, it smiles with you
When youre laughin, oh babe, when youre laughin
The sun would-a come shining through

But when youre cryin, you bring on the rain
So stop that sighin, come on and be happy again
Keep on smilin, cause when youre smilin, baby
The whole world smiles with you

Smiles
There are smiles, that make us happy
There are smiles, that make us blue
There are smiles, that steal away the teardrops
Like the Sunbeams steal away the dew

There are smiles, that have a tender meaning
That the eyes of love alone can see
But the smiles, that fill my life with sunshine
Are the smiles that you gave to...

But the smiles, that fill my life with sunshine
Are the smiles that you gave to me!

A picture is worth a thousand words

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]

Engaging in creative endeavors is vital for long term care residents. It is an important way to keep them thinking. It keeps their minds working and raises self esteem.

 

One such activity that easily encourages creativity, I call, A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

 

This is an easy activity to do as long as you have the right picture for participants to describe and the right frame of mind to facilitate the discussion of the picture. As with any activity you need to adapt and modify it so that it is success oriented and failure free.

 

Use a picture that is colorful with large, easy to describe items, that interests your audience.

 

Baby photographs are one type of picture that seems to have universal appeal for nursing home residents especially those with dementia.

 

You act as the facilitator in some cases. Be ready to help the participants with discussion questions. Make sure you have pencil and paper handy. You may want to give some higher functioning residents some paper and magic markers so they can jot down some “notes” for you. Of course, you will be taking down most of the information.

 

Before you show the person(s) the picture, tell them you are going to help them write a story about a picture because you know they are smart and have good ideas.

 

Now you are ready to show the picture(s) to the members of the group. As you ask the questions, make sure you show the picture to the participant(s) that you are directing the questions to. You or someone in the group can be the eyes for visually impaired participants. However, you will see that the discussion may take on a life of its own where the picture may not even be needed. Think of the picture as a story starter.

You might begin with the question, “Do you like this picture?”

 

If the majority of the audience says, “No”, use a different one. It is important to have at least two pictures available in case this happens.

 

Now that you have a picture most group members like, you want to ask a series of questions about it.

 

As you ask the questions about the picture, note any remarkable responses. That is, statements about the picture that will make the story interesting. Remember to assist members of the audience with answers to questions by providing the help they may need.

 

For example, if they are having trouble deciding what season is shown in the picture, talk about the seasons of the year, by asking them to name the seasons. If they are having trouble, give them a choice of two. If there is still some confusion, say that the baby and the lady are wearing swimsuits. Ask about the season that swimsuits are worn in etc.

 

Understand that you can ask any question that you want to, which will help facilitate the discussion.

 

You could print out a list of these or similar questions to help you in the note taking process

 

You may have to give two choices for an answer to a question if you do not get any response from an open ended question. An example to the question, “How is he feeling”, might be: “Is he happy or sad?” If you still don’t get a response, then say, “I think he is happy because he is smiling. Do you agree (say the participant’s name)?” Then you might extend the thought by asking about the baby’s face. There is a good chance a participant may say that the baby is smiling. You could ask what kind of smile he has etc... You can include these facts in the story when you write it.

 

Emphasize that there are really no right or wrong answers to any of the questions. Tell them that it is just what they think the answer is. Again stress that you know how smart and creative everyone is.

 

Thus this is a good creative outlet for long term care residents even if they have limitations.

 

You may want to have the group members suggest an opening line to the story such as: “Once upon a time”, “One sunny day”, “A few days ago” or whatever works.

After you have compiled all the answers to the questions, write a simple story about the picture using all or some of the answers given.

 

Then, later on, show the picture and read the story perhaps noting some great remarks of those that participated. Of course, be complimentary. You may want to post the story or create a short story book. Sometimes I share ideas that were expressed in this group to family members.

 

 

 

You probably will not include as many details.

 

Adorable Photographs of Our Baby, flash cards, are ideal for this activity

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1424321859/ref=ord_cart_shr?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

As with any activity, a sure way to guarantee success is for you or the group leader to be animated and excited about doing the activity. Praising the participants for their efforts is key to a positive outcome as well.

Foods that keep you happy

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

Follow alzheimersideas on twitter

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

Buzzle

 

10 Foods that Keep You Happy

Chocolate
One of my favorite anti-stress foods. I think everyone in this world loves chocolates. People are just looking for excuses to have a bite. Chocolates contain anadamine, a chemical that makes us cheerful. Scientists believe that other components in chocolate help anadamine to stay longer in the brain. The sugar content boosts our levels of glucose and endorphins (another hormone which makes us happy). Don't have chocolate in excess though.

Salmon
Salmon fish is a sea of omega-3 essential fatty acids which are regarded as one of the top antidepressants in the world. No one is quite sure how it works. But according to a recent research it has been found out that, people who consume omega-3 fatty acids daily, are always in a good mood than others. Other fish which have similar effects like salmon are mackerel, eel, and tuna. All of these are also known to fight symptoms of depression, persistent pessimism and erectile dysfunction.

Bananas
I have always heard the phrase the "mighty banana" from my mother and trust me, it is. Banana has tryptophan, a protein when consumed is converted into serotonin by the body. Most of us know that serotonin is directly associated with cheerfulness. Bananas also contains carbohydrates and high levels of potassium which are good for our body. Health experts believe that banana is one of the most healthiest foods. So, include a banana in your daily diet.

Rice, Bread, Noodles or Pasta
Carbohydrates, a favorite with many. Following all these low carb diets will make you thin, but trust me they are going to pull the life out of you. Eating carbohydrates increases serotonin levels in our body which has a calming effect. Choose healthier carbohydrates like brown rice, noodles, wheat bread and vegetables. These are some of the few healthy foods that fill you up.

Bake Potato
Heat one of these high energy potatoes and it will improve your concentration to a high extent. Have baked potato with salsa and low sodium salt. This is a great snack before going for a heavy workout. It gives you the energy that lasts.

Beans and Soybeans
Beans are filled with soluble fiber, folic acid and omega-3 fats, these three ingredients work best to make your mood cheerful. Beans are also an excellent source of iron and calcium which increases the number of blood cells in the body. Soy products contain genistein which helps in preventing prostate and breast cancer. You can also have soy milk and taho, they are also excellent sources of fiber which keep you healthy and happy.

Fresh Peas
Yes fresh green peas are also one of the healthy foods that make you happy. Peas contain high amounts of folate, a nutrient which helps body to produce serotonin. You can buy fresh frozen peas for your food, but avoid the canned ones as they have a minimal quantity of nutrients left. Peas are very easily included in salads and various other gravies.

Milk or Skim Milk
Milk and milk products are rich in tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid which is needed by our brain to develop serotonin which helps us stay calm and cheerful. Milk also contains antioxidants, vitamin D and vitamin B12 that helps us brain to fight stress and old age. You can also go for skimmed milk, it makes you happy and is rich in calcium.

Spinach
It's Popeye's favorite food. So, if you want to be strong and powerful like Popeye, have spinach. It is rich in folic acid which helps body to make serotonin which gives your body a feel good factor. Most kids don't like it but it's very necessary that spinach becomes a part of their diet. Eat a cup of cooked spinach to help you feel strong and full of positivity to face the world.

Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which are also well-known stress busters. Antioxidants help eliminate free radicals (toxins) which keep moving in our body. These free radicals cause us to age faster and harm our internal organs. Blueberries are packed with fiber which aids in good digestion. Some scientists also believe that blueberries and strawberries also prevent cancer.

So, these were some of the healthy foods that make you happy. If you really want to find healthy foods that keep you happy, then you must stop focusing on junk food and eat such healthy foods that enlighten your mind and make your day bright. Believe me, the above mentioned foods can cheer you up. Just add them to your daily diet and you will see the effects in a short span of time

Are you from a happy state

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

What is this all about?, you ask.Be sure to read the January 2014 edition of Activity Director Today

In December 2005, we requested proclamations for the 5th Annual Hunt for Happiness Week, Jan. 15 – 21, 2006, from 46 governors. We did not have Happy Proclamation Coordinators in Arkansas, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Vermont.
If you didn’t like your governor’s response, feel free to tell them. And, if you are happy with your governor’s response, please tell them! (That’s what the Society is all about). If we don’t get a proclamation this year, we’ll ask again next year.
“Happy Governors (proclamation issued)Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell  (See the proclamation)
Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius
Maine Gov. John Baldacci
Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman   (See a picture)
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson
Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski   (Text of proclamation)
Texas Gov. Rick Perry
Unhappy Governors (no proclamation issued)Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski
Florida Gov. Jeb Bush
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty
Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer
North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley
Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen
No Response YetAlabama Gov. Bob Riley
Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
Colorado Gov. Bill Owens
Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner
Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue
Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle
Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels
Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack
Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher
Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco
Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich Jr.
Massachusetts Gov. Mitt RoomeyMississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (601) 359-3150Nevada Gov. Kenny GuinnNew Hampshire Gov. John LynchNew Jersey Gov. Richard J. CodeyNew York Gov. George E. Pataki
North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven
Ohio Gov. Bob Taft
Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell
Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr.

Virginia Gov. Mark Warner(804) 786-2211

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire
West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin III
Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle
Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal

Other Mitten Stories and Ideas

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

The Old Man's Mitten

 

The old man’s mitten   A story from Latvia Translated in English by Pērses pamatskola, Koknese ,Latvia   

 

 It was cold winter. An old man wanted to go to the forest to get wood. Suddenly the old man wanted to light his pipe. Whilst he was searching for tobacco and a cigarette-lighter, he lost one mitten. A fly that was running away from the frost, noticed the mitten and ran inside it. She was happy and started to dance.   A mouse that was running from the frost, ran to the mitten and asked: “ Who dances in the mitten ? “I - the queen of the flies. But who are you?” “I am a mouse-pepper. Allow me to warm myself.” “Crawl in and get warm!” The mouse crawled in the mitten. Both the mouse and the fly started to dance. A hare that was running away from the frost, noticed the mitten, ran to it and asked. “Who dances in the mitten?” “I - the queen of the flies and the mouse-pepper. But who are you?” “ I am a hare – white tail. Allow me to warm myself.” “OK, crawl in and get warm!” The hare crawled in the glove and all the three began to dance.

A wolf that was running from the frost ran to the mitten and asked: “Who dances in the mitten?” “I - the queen of the flies, the mouse-pepper and the hare – white tail. But who are you?” “I am a wolf – snappy ear. Allow me to warm myself.’’ “OK, crawl in and get warm!” The wolf crawled in the mitten and all the four begin to dance. A bear that was running from the frost, ran to the mitten and asked: “Who dances in the mitten?” “I - the queen of the flies, the mouse-pepper, and the hare – white tail and the wolf – snappy ear. But who are you?” “I am the big shaggy-haired bear. Allow me to warm myself.” “OK, crawl in and get warm!” The bear crawled in the mitten and all the five begin to dance. Suddenly a cock arrived and sang “Kikerigu, let’s run!” The dancers got scared and everybody began to force their way out of the mitten. The fly left for the king’s palace, the mouse to the cellar of potatoes, the hare – to the oats, the wolf – to the bushes, the bear – to the wood. While they were running, they tore the old man’s mitten. And so to this day the old man walks with one mitten.

 

A Mitten Song

 

 

The Mitten in the Snow Song
Tune: The Farmer in the Dell
This is the order of the animals in Jan Brett's version of the book:
A mole is the first to discover the mitten and crawls inside, followed by
a snowshoe rabbit, a hedgehog, an owl, a badger, a fox, a bear and, finally a mouse.
The mouse causes the bear to sneeze; the mitten and all its occupants go flying.

The mitten in the snow
The mitten in the snow
Help us please so we won't freeze!
The mitten in the snow.


A mole squeezes in
A mole squeezes in
Help us please so we won't freeze!
The mitten in the snow.


A rabbit squeezes in
A rabbit squeezes in
Help us please so we won't freeze!
The mitten in the snow.


A hedgehog squeezes in
A hedgehog squeezes in
Help us please so we won't freeze!
The mitten in the snow.


An owl squeezes in
An owl squeezes in
Help us please so we won't freeze!
The mitten in the snow.


A badger squeezes in
A badger squeezes in
Help us please so we won't freeze!
The mitten in the snow.


A fox squeezes in
A fox squeezes in
Help us please so we won't freeze!
The mitten in the snow.


A bear squeezes in
A bear squeezes in
Help us please so we won't freeze!
The mitten in the snow.


A mouse squeezes in
A mouse squeezes in
Help us please so we won't freeze!
The mitten in the snow.

"A-choo"
The bear says, "A-choo!"
The bear says, "A-choo!"
All the animals fly out of
The mitten in the snow!

 

 

 

 

Another fishing game 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,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Get your subscription to Activity Director Today's e magazine

Materials

Construction paper
Scissors
Pen, crayon, or marker
box, pot, or other container to be the fishing pond

Directions

Cut fish shapes out of colored construction paper.
On each fish write a different instruction: "Find something red"; "Count to ten"; "Touch your face"; "Sing a song"; "Shake your neighbor's hand"and so on.

Place the fish in a box or container and let each participant pick one fish at a time.

You or he read the instruction and have him perform it. You may want to do some of the things with the whole group depending on the skill level of the participants and the commands you have written.