Busy September

Hello Everyone,
On Sept. 22 I'll be going to England to visit my son's family. Their adorable 2 year old twin girls are growing up so fast I've just got to see them! While in the UK I'd like to meet with someone about the possibility of holding a training seminar there. Any guidance would be appreciated.

September is going to be a busy month. On the twelve we'll be having a party for our Uncle Jerry's 102nd birthday After living with us for nearly six years we moved him into Savannah Court Assisted Living.He gets help with all his activities of daily living. There are lots of activities and the staff is caring.

Motivating the Elderly

Follow the Benevolent Ballet-Fall Prevention Blog for helpful hints on motivating the elderly and inspiration. http://benevolentballetfallprevention/blogspot.com prevention/blogspot.com

Creativity in Alzheimer's Disease

I have found that creativity is not affected by deficits in memory or cognition. In my classes I have found that after the participants become aware and focused they can exhibit remarkable creativity. It happens after he or she has participated in the exercise program for around thirty minutes or so. Their attention is drawn to the music and they are instructed to “Listen to the music and let it guide you anyway you like” The exercise is facilitated with a scarf, ribbon or balloon. Take Lee, who I’d say is middle to late stage AD. He is amicable and tries but has very poor cognition. The gentleman next to him keeps chiding him which is not good for Lee’s self esteem. I began by placing my hands over his, holding the large balloon. As we began to move with the music and I saw that he understood I backed away asking him to continue. The transformation was astonishing. With a little encouragement he continued to interpret the music with amazing creativity. At the end I told how wonderfully he had done. It was a compliment he badly needed!

I’d be interested to know what experiences you have had regarding creativity with this population.

On Aggressive Behavior

The aide told me not to bother with the new resident who. I’ll call Mr. J. “He may get violent.” They said. I believe that most bad behavior is the result of the inability to communicate one's needs, indeed, the basic needs of all personhood or the inability to understand their environment. Put yourself in this position. Wouldn’t you be frustrated nearly to the point of lashing out? Just yesterday I overestimated a day care client's ability to follow verbal direction. He immediately tensed up and made a very belligerent remark. A staff member strongly chastised him. It was my fault. I had asked him to understand something that he simply was unable to do. He was frustrated and angry. I went to him taking his hands in mine while comforting him saying something like,” It’s alright. Come on we'll do it together" Finding a building block or retained strength I said “Good music eh?” Mr. J nodded. He felt safer and willing allowed me to take him through the movement and was smiling by the end. I even was able to back away while he continued the movement on his own.

7 Steps for Involving those with Severe Cognitve Deficits in Exercise Programming

Yes it is possible for those with severe cognitive deficits to participate in exercise and other activities programming. The process goes like this:

1. Greet warmly putting person at ease and feeling safe ( i.e. unchallenged).

2. Use body language and eye contact to keep person focused

3. Use as few words as possible giving one or two word directions and then just demonstrating

4. Always approach and direct the person from the front keeping eye contact

5. Ask permission to take the person’s hands and then guide him through the exercise gradually letting go and backing off while giving positive reinforcement for even the slightest effort. Ifise necessary repeat this process.

6. With each effort make empowering statements. For instance, “See you can do it!” or “Beautiful!” or “That’s exactly right!”

7. Watch for signs of frustration, pain or fatigue.
Let me know if this works for you and please feel free to add to this list.
Enjoy

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I have updated my blog with stories, tips and pictures. I hope that everyone interested in caring for the elderly will Follow Me. If you have a relevant site I'd be happy to exchange links with you.

The Wanderer,,Funny Story

Who says that those with late stage AD can't plan or make decisions? Helen was a new client at the adult day center. She was a wanderer pacing aimlessly in and out of the room where we were having class. At one point she paused and looked at me. I thought she was feeling the music. Aha! this was my chance. I said "Come on Helen. Lets dance."I take her hands and begin to dance with her. After reluctantly moving with me she starts to lead and I'm thinking "Oh this is good". Helen then very purposely leads me to the couch and sits me down! Her attitude was "I'll show You!" Well, she showed me alright and put me in my place!