Jean

We have the placemats :) We did an activity where we researched each residents name and its meaning. Name on the front with their birth flower ( or stone) and name meaning or origin on the back, the residents love them :)

you will need a diamond tip drill bit. Usually about $20.00. Drill slow ! Adding a little cool water over the plate as you drill will help. Alternatively take your plates to a tile shop, smile and plead ignorance. The nice tile man may like to show you how clever he is and do it for you :)

Ebay has some really cheap DVDs. Fish tank one cost me $4.00 with free post ! They are mostly region free so check that as even if they come from overseas they will still play

I think your program sounds like a great idea. Of course I never for a moment thought that you were talking about a " Playschool " format ! You obviously mean a televised program suitable for interactive activity ideas eg: exercises crafts etc. Would be great to see one up and running. Dont be put off by the bah hum bugs of the world. Go for it :)
Jean

I love to use cooking for sensory stimulation. Making bread or something with cinnamon or even the monthly BBQ can be a sensory stimulation.

Hi Heather, a simple " Beauty Shop" program was very popular where I worked. Brushing hair, bit of makeup, painting nails, Hand massage., put on some beads or jewellery.
I also used to run a " relaxation" hour for our dementia residents. Did this between 2 and 3 which was change of shift time and allowed the nursing staff to get themselves organised for the afternoon. A quiet room, soft colour changeing light, some aromatherapy through a diffuser ( electric), worked atreat, especially with the "sundowners". Cheers, Jean

Hi Jill, have done this idea and found that old kitchenalia such as collanders, cannisters wooden spoons etc were very popular. We also had an old kettle, iron and mixer. Goodluck!

Hi all, was wondering if anyone could recommend a " Chair Dancing" DVD. We already do seated exercises but would like to step it up a little and have some music that the clients would enjoy. Cheers, Jean

This is a fantastic idea Christine :)

Hi Lauretta, I am an RAO and before that an AIN. We have recently been told by our management that we are not to feed or elp toilet residents. They are trying to make a distinction between lifestyle staff and nursing staff. Whilst I agree with this to a degree, I am very aware that caring for our residents is a team effort. As stated by Carol, I enjoy the one to one time that sitting feeding a resident can offer. It is a time when your attention is only focused on them. If I am going to call on nursing staff to assist me with activities then I believe that I need to be able to assist them with whatever I can if the need arises ( within my capabilities ). RAOs will understand that a good working relationship with nursing staff is crucial to the successful outcome of a lot of your activities. If we have a "thats not my job" mentality , we will go nowhere. Its everyones job to assist our residents wherever we can.