Elizabeth

In colour or black and white?

Always ask for a discount, take your staff id card etc and explain that you have a limited budget and could the store please help. Some stores may give up to 25% discount - as a 'donation'. Make sure you thank them in your newsletter etc too.

Start taking photos of residents now, and utilize online coupons and deals, like vistaprint. Get a mug etc printed with their picture. Or frame a lovely photo of them with something they love doing in the center.

I have previously had to provide 120 gifts for retired volunteers for very little $$. Think outside the square sometimes helps. It's the thought that counts.

Just out of curiosity - how many hours does each resident average AND is there a recommended amount anywhere? (residential care)
eg: number of lifestyle hours per week divided by the number of residents. (eg 2 full time staff @38 hours per week = 76 hours of lifestyle divided by 75 residents = just over 1 hour per resident each week) Happy to hear any / all opinions. Thanks

anyone got any STATE OF ORIGIN activity ideas?

Hi
Has anyone seen these inset puzzles? I was wondering how effective / good these would be with dementia clients? Opinions welcome please. http://www.teaching.com.au/product?KEY_ITEM=ED7154&KEY_ALIAS=ED7154

Has anyone ever put on an old time dance?
Did you do it in the day or late afternoon?

Make it special with all the ladies frocking up and the men putting on a tie etc.

Please would LOVE your feedback and ideas.

Residents only or family too>?

I need some advice on placement of a piano in a Dementia unit. Space is limited, and it currently sits (unused) in a corner of the dining room - great for stacking resources on and that's about all. The only other space is in the lounge room - along a wall, with a tv and fish tank. My thought was to move it in there and make it nice with a few floral arrangements (silk) on it. Also, I have a low care resident that plays piano and has agreed to come visit with me to tinkle on the keys. Do you think this is a good new home? Advice please. (typically the tv is just put on constantly and that's the limit of the leisure time there, I am only new, so moving softly softly).

Where are the answers :)

Hi all. Quick query - how often do you hold concerts/entertainers in your facility? Thanks

We currently use a monthly form, (by 80 residents) but I am thinking a daily form with each resident on that form would be more productive. It would use less paper, and you would be able to check off each activity daily as you go. Also good for viewing what activities are well attended or not. Opinions please welcome.