Maree

Hi Jerri
My role is PAG co-ordinator.
I don't know if this helps, our aged care activities co-ordinator tries to involve family members wherever possible, inviting a family member to BBQ's, to BINGO on a Thursday night and also to Christmas lunches and other events. They are always encouraged to join in any activities. And obviously...they always need to feel they are listened to.
We feel that our relationship between staff and relatives is pretty good here, obviously with hiccups!
Thanks.
Maree.

Hi Clara.
First of all...my grandmother's name is Clara and she turned 102 the other day!
Anyhoo...I also used to use these magazines all the time and have some old copies. Honestly I tend to use the golden carer's resources more these days, but occasionally dig one out to find something.
Maree.

Hi Gemma. I am the PAG co-ordinator at Boort District Health. My room is attached to acute hospital and residential care facility. I will pass onto my colleague Sandra your inquiries, as she is our residential activities co-ordinator and works with high and low care people, about 25 residents, and she may be able to suggest some activities. I know we have had conversations in the past regarding the challenges that go with providing activities for people with a wide range of abilities. We try and work on the Montessori principles as much as we can, often breaking down an activity into smaller steps so that clients can be involved as much as they can and want to. All should be able to participate in some way and you have already demonstrated how this can be done in your music activity...whether singing, playing or simply tapping toes to the music, choosing the song or for more active people setting out song books or helping others to find correct page. Music is a great activity for all.
Another I have found to be wide enough to involve all, is cooking. From choosing the recipe, getting ingredients, discussing and giving opinions, cracking an egg, perhaps not measuring but putting in sugar, etc, stirring, smelling and tasting.
And of course being in the fresh air whilst doing activities, or simply being there seems to evoke different reactions in people as well.
I will pass on your inquiry though...good luck.
Maree.
Maree
PAGASS Co-ord
Boort District Health.

An activity that our residents enjoy is hitting a balloon with fly swats, they will get increased exercise as they reach out to hit the balloon, purchased alot of fly swats and labeled them for activity use only.

Hi Vitty
We have made wonderful Christmas wreaths, small and large, just out of recycled Christmas cards. It's so simple just gluing them together, they don't have to be perfect. And they can be decorated with a bit of glitter, bows or whatever. You could also use plain card and decorate with autumn leaves or just use cutouts of autumn leaves to make the wreathes.
Have fun.
Maree.