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Favorite activities to entertain residents!
It’s always nice to receive good ideas! Several recreation specialists have shared with us activities that their residents enjoy. Running out of ideas? Let yourself be inspired by these activities that are sure to please! 1. Drive-thru service from your favorite restaurants It’s always fun to gather around a coffee to chat! When we can't go to the coffee shop, the coffee comes to us! That's what the CIUSSS MCQ St-Joseph residential center allowed its residents to experience. The recreation specialists had a brilliant idea by distributing good coffee and Timbits. They went from room to room, using a facade that resembled a Tim Hortons. The residents felt like they were at the drive-thru! The Trinity Village Care Centre also allowed its residents to experience Tim Hortons! Recreation specialists set up signs on tables in the dining rooms and residents came to the window to order. A simple idea that brought a lot of joy and they are still talking about it. For a person with Alzheimer's, daily life offers an inexhaustible source of friendly and useful activities. Everyday activities, such as going for coffee at your favorite restaurant, are a source of pleasure and comfort. 2. Do you know your chocolate? Everyone loves chocolate, but who really knows about it? That's what the CIUSS de l’Estrie – CHUS Centre Villa Bonheur tried to find out by creating a game about this treat. Louis went around with his cart asking residents and family members to participate in the quiz game Do you know your chocolate? The types of chocolate were displayed on his cart, allowing participants to have a visual for each clue. This game allowed families to feel involved! Would you be able to guess which chocolate it is? 😉 I have a cherry inside, parents know me well. 3. On your marks, get set, pinch! This competitive and fine motor skills game allows residents, in teams of 2, to collect various objects on a table, using tongs instead of hands. The team that collects the most objects on their table is crowned the winner of the game. To add a challenge, recreation specialists added a real-time countdown projected on the television to help participants keep track of time and encourage their intrinsic motivation to quickly gather objects. A game that strengthens teamwork, speed, fine motor skills while being really fun! An activity that allows you to be in the present moment, here and now! Keep an eye out for our next articles where we will share other activities we received! Thanks again to all those who shared their favorite activities with us! Organizing enjoyable activities with your residents, in addition to the material and moral support you can provide, goes far beyond the goal of just having a good time together! You help them work on their memory, maintain their dexterity, stimulate their concentration, etc. The benefits are numerous!
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Seniors and toddlers together to overcome loneliness
Matthew McConaughey Inspires Us All With His Virtual Bingo Sessions!"Actor Matthew McConaughey joined a group of seniors from The Enclave at Round Rock Senior Living community in Round Rock, Texas, on Friday, April 3, in a game of "virtual bingo" over a group video call. Joining McConaughey for the bingo party were his mother, his wife, and his children. "The generosity and kindness Matthew McConaughey and his family showed our residents was beautiful, but more importantly we were gifted with a humble message from his heart," said William Swearingen, marketing spokesperson for Spectrum Retirement Communities, owner and operator of The Enclave at Round Rock Senior Living. This footage shows a moment from the game, as well as the seniors thanking McConaughey and his family for joining them.[...]In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Matthew McConaughey, the American actor, took time out of his weekend to visit a retirement home — digitally — and spend time with some of the self-isolating senior residents of his home state, Texas.Along with his family, McConaughey, 50, called The Enclave at Round Rock Senior Living on Friday to host the community's weekly bingo session, via Zoom.The Round Rock, Texas-based residency reportedly reached out to the Insterstellar star last September in hopes of getting him to host a couple of games, according to NME.McConaughey finally stepped up to the table on April 3 and devoted his time to 18 of the residents in light of the novel coronavirus, which has left many — seniors more notably — coping with boredom and loneliness."Thank you to Matthew, his wife Camila, and his mom Kay for hosting our residents for a few rounds of virtual bingo," read a post shared by the Enclave at Round Rock Senior Living's Facebook page following the game."Our residents had a great time playing and they loved talking with Matthew about his family heritage and his favourite drink," they added.In another post — which featured a short clip of the lively interaction between McConaughey and his senior fans — the residency wrote, "During a time when we are all working to make lemonade out of lemons, we are so humbled that Matthew took the time to play our favourite game with us."[...]Article from Global News
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Seniors aren't afraid to get moving!
Seniors are not afraid to move... when given the opportunityCARDIO. Disco music, dynamic trainers and idyllic temperatures – everything came together to encourage the residents of Résidence Memphrémagog (Merry Street) to loosen their muscles and do some dancing on May 20th... live from their balconies.Knowing full well that many seniors have been particularly isolated since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, the organization Le Book humanitaire (Sherbrooke) and the company Cardio Plein Air joined forces to brighten up senior residences in the region.For about a month now, they have been carting their loudspeakers and their team of about ten people (and even a mascot) to offer lively cardio sessions, all on a voluntary basis. So far, seven residences have been visited. "We all enjoy participating in these sessions, and I think the seniors also appreciate the initiative," says Cardio Plein Air trainer, Dany-Pier Bernier."Our organization was already making follow-up calls to seniors to check on their health and morale. We found that many were suffering from loneliness," adds Johanne Bourgault, representative of Le Book humanitaire."I already knew Dany-Pier, so I had no difficulty convincing him to join this adventure. All we wanted was to break their routine a little," she specifies.And seeing all the smiling faces on the different balconies, we can confirm that the objective has been achieved.Credit: Patrick TurdeauClick here to see the original article!
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Cognitive health
Aging brings its share of changes, which can be perceived as a decline with its share of losses. The brain is no exception. There are a multitude of cerebral transformations, with countless variables from person to person. They will not necessarily affect the performance of all cognitive abilities.The main changes are:1. Slowing of thought and certain actions.2. Difficulty concentrating.3. Difficulty learning.These represent normal declines due to aging. However, the brain can undergo changes that lead to cognitive disorders, with impairments in attention, memory, language, planning, etc.There are multiple so-called malleable risk factors that you can influence to reduce the risk of developing cognitive diseases. Among those mentioned in the latest edition of The Lancet, let's mention diabetes, hypertension, and obesity which cause inflammation and high tension that would affect cognition, but also a low level of education, social isolation, depression, hearing loss, smoking, and physical inactivity…It is true that we have little control, but formidable weapons exist to prevent and maintain good cognitive abilities: our lifestyle habits and our behaviors… Physical exercise, an important factorIt is proven that older adults who exercise are more likely to maintain their cognitive health than those who do not. Although no randomized trials are available to demonstrate that physical activity prevents cognitive decline or dementia, observational studies have shown an inverse relationship between exercise and the risk of dementia.The results of a meta-analysis of 15 prospective cohort studies that followed 33,816 people without dementia for 1 to 12 years indicated that physical activity had a significant preventive effect against cognitive decline, with high levels of exercise being the most protective.Another meta-analysis included 16 studies involving 163,797 participants without dementia and found that the relative risk of dementia in the highest physical activity groups compared to the lowest group was 0.72 and that of Alzheimer's disease was 0.55.Physical exercise also has benefits for older people without dementia, such as improved balance and reduced falls, improved mood, reduced mortality, and improved function.It is advisable to exercise three times a week to maintain better general and cardiovascular health. In addition, it reduces stress and increases blood supply to the brain. Be curious and explore an activity you will enjoy and start at a level that is accessible to you. Above all, if you have a particular medical condition, consult a doctor before starting an exercise program.Maintain medical follow-upsPrevention is cure. Consult your doctor for annual health check-ups. As mentioned above, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are risk factors, so it is important to diagnose and then control them.To avoid any under-stimulation, remember to test your sight and hearing, as these senses are just as important for maintaining cognitive health. Eat wellTo avoid obesity but also to prevent any deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals, diversify your diet in a healthy way. According to the Quebec Association of Neuropsychologists, fish, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and good fats provide good nutritional benefits to the brain.Sleep wellFatigue, memory, and attention are primarily affected when we do not reach the five stages of sleep. Develop an evening routine and minimize the use of screens, such as television, at least one hour before bedtime.Avoid stressStress affects the brain and makes it vulnerable; it disrupts memory and impacts our perception and expectations. Therefore, it is necessary to develop good relaxation techniques and restful activities. Practice deep breathing and meditation, whether by listening to CDs or by practicing tai chi or yoga.Maintain social connectionsMaintaining a social life prevents isolation, depression, and anxiety. Social activities, however trivial they may seem, are crucially important for cognitive stimulation and protect against cognitive decline. Join a book club or golf club, contact community organizations in your region such as the Seniors' Home or the Golden Age Club. You can also volunteer, a simple way to build connections while giving back.In times of pandemic, social connections are even more important. Don't hesitate to video call your loved ones or see them while respecting social distancing.Keep playingBrowsing the internet, gardening, knitting, puzzles, reading, playing a musical instrument are just a few examples of intellectually stimulating activities. There is no one activity better than another; it simply needs to interest you and be daily. In conclusion, it is important to remember that the cognitive system undergoes changes throughout life and that aging affects the structure and chemistry of the brain. Know that the brain has surprising malleability and continues to adapt, regardless of age. By Patricia Cyr, specialized educator References:The Lancet, Dementia prevention, intervention, and careAssociation québécoise des neuropsychologues
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The steps
It is sometimes difficult to understand why, from one day to the next, our loved one no longer seems capable of doing an activity they were doing without problem yesterday. Neurodegenerative diseases are complex and develop non-linearly. Stages overlap and vary from person to person. It is important to keep in mind that a person may be unable to do an activity for several days or weeks and regain the ability to do it later. We must try to gently reintegrate the activity to allow the person to remain autonomous for as long as possible.There will be times when the meaning of words will be difficult to find, when it will be difficult to pick up objects, when connections will no longer be made automatically. But above all, remember that the important thing is to ensure that the person is in a situation of success. You must avoid making your loved one experience failures so that they continue to want to do activities and enjoy their residual abilities.When you offer an activity to your loved one, it can be difficult to decode the words or the purpose when it is out of context. For example, if you ask the person if they want to sort travel photos while they are getting up from the table, they may not understand what you have in mind. Let's say you take out the photos and spread them out in front of them; it will be much easier to understand and find interest in them. If your loved one does not react, you can look at a photo, comment on it, and put it in the "Seaside Trip" column. Take a second photo and ask your loved one to comment on it and put it in the correct column. Preparing column titles can help with this activity. Perhaps your loved one enjoys watching and listening to you? They can enjoy themselves while seeming more passive, just by listening to you and watching you do this sorting. If they do not disengage, that is a step in the right direction.So, to summarize, the first step would be to verbally invite your loved one to do an activity. Then, you can start the movement since people often have a click by imitating others, and finally, you can encourage them physically by helping them take the object to its destination. Often, within one of these steps, the assisted person will become interested in the activity and understand it. Take your time and let the other person do the same. The pleasure is in the steps and not in the result, and especially, in the time spent together.
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10 reasons to choose music
Studies show that music is a powerful stimulant for the brain, both emotionally and cognitively. This explains why music is a preferred intervention tool in the treatment of people with dementia. Even when cognition, semantics, comprehension, working memory, and information processing disappear, music reaches emotions from areas of the brain where neuronal activity is still active, in whole or in part.Regardless of the cause of dementia, it is the transfer of information from short-term to long-term memory that is disrupted. Retaining new information becomes impossible. Caregivers then look for strategies to effect this transfer from one memory to another.Strategies that succeed in doing so aim to create associations, emotional reactions, mood improvement; use repetition, organization and structuring of information; and even humor. Many of these concepts are found in music, which would explain its effectiveness as a trigger for recall.The connections of the auditory nerve to key limbic structures in the brain explain the emotional charge produced by hearing familiar music. The limbic area of the midbrain participates in long-term memory storage and emotion processing. Because memories persist when they have significant personal connotations for the individual, and because the brain's processing of familiar music seems to bypass higher cortical structures, it is possible to reach the "sense of self" in a person with dementia by using music meaningful to them.Using a familiar tune as a memory trigger in dementia treatment brings back past memories, helps affected individuals regain their "sense of self", especially if it evokes emotions linked to an experience that played an important and meaningful role for them.There are several reasons why music is an ideal choice to help people with dementia: Music maintains and stimulates memory. Music used individually can reduce agitated or combative behaviors. Music used individually helps rebuild identity and preserves the "sense of self". Music is a non-verbal mode of expression and communication that speaks to emotions and feelings. Music is an aesthetic experience that reintroduces beauty and spirituality into existence. Music could have a positive effect promoting the prolongation of the ability to make connections and adopt appropriate behavior. Caregivers can easily incorporate music into their care. Making music meets the psychosocial needs of people with dementia such as: comfort, attachment, inclusion, occupation. Music allows connections in all areas. Music contributes to quality of life by promoting socialization.
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It's never too late to discover new passions
Just because an elderly person has never done something doesn't mean it's not something they might enjoy. Our elders did not live in today's leisure society, and their daily lives were generally filled with tasks and obligations. So there's nothing stopping you from suggesting activities that are out of their routine. This in no way contradicts the idea of preserving their identity and not confronting them.In fact, one should not presume someone's past to define them today. People change and evolve; old age and illness sometimes bring surprising changes in interests and desires. Not to mention the inhibitions that fall away, accompanied by the fear of being judged and the pressure to conform to a model. Indeed, just because a man has spent his life working hard, with machinery and tractors, does not mean he will not enjoy painting, with a tiny brush, a work full of detail and finesse. Similarly, a woman who has always taken care of her family by cooking, knitting, and mending may prefer to wield a hammer, saw, and other tools that were inaccessible to her in her youth. So don't hesitate to suggest activities that may seem incongruous at first glance with the life story you have access to! Hidden talents, sometimes deeply buried, may be lurking in some people!Visit our store to discover our products, from artistic materials to construction materials, including music and gardening, adapted to all levels of autonomy!
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"Post-caregiving"
Interview with Isabelle Van Pevenage, researcher at the Social Gerontology Research and Expertise Centre (CREGÉS) of CIUSSS Centre-Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal.Ms. Van Pevenage's research interests are related to post-caregiving. They focus on—among other things—caregiving, bereavement and the relationship with death, as well as palliative and end-of-life care.What is "post-caregiving" called? Is it an official term?"Post-caregiving" is not an official term and is generally not recognized by either caregivers or professionals. Very factually, it is the period that follows the more or less long period of caregiving. I emphasize this notion of duration, because it can greatly influence the experience of post-caregiving. Caregivers can be absorbed by their daily role, projecting little into the future. Some do, but it's rather rare. And often, they know what's going to happen, but thinking about post-caregiving, about the "after," after death, after placement... it's difficult, you don't want to prepare for that. Somewhere, it's an end—the end of the relationship with the cared-for person. The accepted expression in a caregiving situation could be "we'll shovel when it snows." And, in the end, this can be a very good defense mechanism.For professionals, there is always the problem of a lack of resources, but beyond that, post-caregiving falls outside the scope of their work. Once the cared-for person has passed away, their file is closed. Unless the caregiver themselves has needs, they are no longer part of the process, unfortunately.What are the physical and emotional consequences for the caregiver?The consequences are closely linked to the duration of caregiving, as I mentioned earlier. If this stage was relatively short, the caregiver will experience their grief. In the case of post-caregiving, the consequences can manifest much later, but grief is added to post-caregiving, with all the sadness it implies. Physically, defenses can collapse, the person can finally allow themselves to feel extremely tired, depressed... They can also feel a certain relief that the situation is over. And that's where guilt can emerge, the guilt of feeling relief, even though the cared-for person is gone.What resources can these individuals turn to to better navigate this period?There is little psychosocial support available in the health network, especially if caregivers are not identified as such. So, one can turn to the community sector and look for social activities that will counteract isolation, such as community kitchens for example. These are resources that do not have a direct connection a priori, but which can be very useful. There is also the problem of accessibility of information: if you don't know that the problem exists, you won't try to solve it.Can post-caregiving be an opportunity for the person to "evaluate" their experience, in order to highlight the positive elements?Yes, and the best example is seen in palliative care homes, where volunteers are often former caregivers. They have been supported and want to give back in a certain way what they have received. Based on their experience, they have been able to develop skills that can allow them to bounce back, or even to re-enter the workforce for example. And they can also feel the pleasure of having given of themselves, of being able to transmit knowledge, and derive a certain pride from it.What means does the caregiver have to prepare for this stage?The best thing to do would be not to isolate oneself, try not to burn out, surround oneself with others, and find support. Also very important: not to stop investing in other "identities": continue to be a grandparent, a spouse, a friend... in short, not to be solely a caregiver.Are you going through a period of post-caregiving? The Info-aidant service remains available to you and can inform you about the resources available to support you during this phase. Do not hesitate to contact them at 1 855 852-7784 or by writing to info-aidant@lappui.orgTo see the original article, click here.
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Celebrating the holidays in a shelter
As the holidays approach, families make plans and buy gifts! Unfortunately, for many people, such as the elderly and residents in care homes, this time of year can sometimes be spent in loneliness and isolation. According to the National Council of Senior Citizens' report on social isolation among seniors, many residents in care homes are socially isolated or at risk of becoming so. Statistics Canada reported in a 2008 survey that 19% of individuals aged 65 and older lack companionship or feel neglected or isolated. Some may even feel disconnected. Festivities within the facility can soften this period, which can be difficult for some. Suggestions to avoid loneliness This time of year is full of memories, traditions, and anecdotes. It is the ideal opportunity to engage in reminiscence activities: Create family photo albums; Dance to Christmas music; Show classic Christmas movies; Make floral arrangements; Prepare cinnamon and clove potpourri; Talk about everyone's Christmas traditions. On Christmas Eve, elderly people who are alone could exchange gifts. This exchange will be greatly appreciated by the residents. Even though we tend to break with routine at this time of year, it is important to maintain some consistency in the residents' lifestyles. For example, try to schedule meals at the usual times, but add traditional dishes to the menu. And remember, even small gestures can make all the difference.
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Focus on what's working
When we face a difficult situation, we usually make a list of what isn't working in order to find solutions. If we consider the situation of a person admitted to a care facility due to loss of autonomy, a whole team has already inventoried what isn't working with the person: can no longer go to the toilet, no longer speaks, no longer walks, is depressed, no longer eats alone, forgets where things are located, etc. We then have a rather negative portrait of the person, or rather a restrictive portrait, although it is important if we want to address daily difficulties.However, do we take the time to list all the things the person can still do? What they still like to do, still want to do? What still works with the person if they are given a little help and tools to achieve it? We would then have a portrait that represents the glass half full rather than the glass half empty, wouldn't we? A more positive portrait of our loved one. A portrait that we could also share one day with those who will take them under their wing.There is much talk about empowering people with loss of autonomy so that they feel respected and encouraged. To do this, we must list what works. Can my loved one still use a list? Follow instructions? Participate in household chores? Do gardening, wash the car, cook simple recipes? Sort old photos? Go on short outings with children and grandchildren? Of course, these projects will require a little organization and planning. We will need to break down the steps of the activities so that the person is not in a situation of failure. But imagine a daily life in which your loved one feels less useless, still alive, still capable of doing something meaningful. We can immediately think of a decrease in depression, apathy, and stress. We can imagine helping our loved one find their smile again. And a smile is contagious!
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The Power of Reminiscence
Reminiscence means remembering past experiences, which we do daily. It is a natural and social activity that bridges yesterday and today. But why is it so important for someone with Alzheimer's disease? On the one hand, reminiscence allows them to return to a happier period of their life when they were healthy and in control. But what we often forget is that this activity can also give us back something we lost long ago: pleasure with our loved one.Too often, we are overwhelmed by caregiving, spending our time monitoring the person, living with worry, and this takes up all the space in the relationship. We lose the energy for enjoyable activities, or we simply no longer make time for them. We often hear about "empowering seniors," but we don't talk enough about the intimate moments we forget. Indeed, empowering people means letting them experience things they have always been a part of. Making time for these activities is a challenge. But it is so worth it. By taking the time to engage in reminiscence, we allow ourselves to reconnect with the person we love, and we stop seeing our loved one as someone always in direct need; we get closer to them and, most importantly, create intimate moments.But how do you rekindle the memories of someone with memory problems? How do you have a conversation when, today, the words just don't come to them? It's not always easy. But there is always a solution. You can use memory triggers. Take out an old pipe, put some Pledge on a washcloth, find a sewing machine oil pump, and let your loved one smell them. Everyday smells will revive their memories. Let the person touch, smell, and express themselves. Don't hesitate to go to an antique shop to find old objects (handbag, egg beater, curling iron, pipe, etc.), even if they are broken, they will revive memories for your loved one.Sometimes, all it takes is seeing a photo for memories to ignite. And other times, memories are not expressed through speech but through music. It's time to rediscover the songs your loved one used to dance to. Music will allow you to fill the house or room with an atmosphere we have long lost because we are too focused on caregiving.And for the best days, ask them open-ended questions so that the person is always in a successful situation. We know that sometimes memories don't come, but other times, memories come in thousands. You will be surprised by their accuracy, by the details that will lull you into these memories, as if you were there. You might even surprise yourself by learning more about your loved one and seeing them in a new light. By letting the person talk and get lost in the details of their stories, we not only get closer to them, but we also allow them to relive the joy of those happy moments. Remember to look the person in the eyes while they are speaking, make them feel that they have your full attention, and you will have a wonderful shared experience.Reminiscence is an important activity in maintaining the autonomy of seniors, but above all, it is a beautiful way to experience touching moments with your loved one. This inexpensive activity is easy to do at home and can also be done in a care home, and that is what makes it essential for empowering seniors.
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Doll therapy: a way to restore power
You’ve probably seen seniors in care homes looking after a doll, but do you know the therapeutic benefits? In fact, offering a doll to a person with loss of autonomy gives them the chance to give back in return... Some might think this tool is infantilizing, but it’s quite the opposite!Indeed, it is proven that a doll entrusted to someone can give them a great sense of usefulness. On a daily basis, as people's cognitive deficits increase, their decision-making powers are increasingly taken away from them. For their well-being, we take care of all their needs... By giving them a doll, we help restore their power, and thus a social role, and thereby reduce their anxiety and agitation. In addition, people with Alzheimer's disease will handle and rock their doll, which will allow them to express feelings of tenderness. These women and men who have given their entire lives now only receive care, attention, and some cuddles. But to give? Dolls are used by people with dementia who will handle and rock them to express feelings of tenderness, both in groups and individually.This calming activity awakens maternal feelings and restores a social role to users, helping to reduce daily stress and agitation. When the doll is used in a group within a reminiscence activity, it allows your residents to socialize in a family context. The realistic weight of the doll also helps reduce stress by acting in the same way as weighted blankets and therapeutic cushions. It should be noted that realistic features, such as weight, closing eyes, and a soft texture, promote better acceptance of the doll. It is truly a tool to be favored!
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Build special relationships
Some call them intergenerational activities, but more simply, we’d say it's about bringing seniors with a loss of autonomy into contact with young children. Why is this the most popular activity, across all categories, for seniors? Simply because children don't judge. They develop a special connection with seniors, without questioning their condition. In contact with a child, the senior feels valued because they can help the child with a puzzle, build a block tower, or read a story. We sometimes hesitate to bring young children to nursing homes for fear of disturbing. And yet, a child's laughter and shouts are incredibly stimulating for seniors who are no longer in contact with the normal sounds of daily life. If we still live at home, why not ask our grandchildren to visit once a week with the little ones? This free activity replaces many anxiety and depression medications. Smiles guaranteed!
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