Judy

Wire coathanger wreath. stretch hanger into circle shap,roughly, cut strips of plastic supermarket bags roughly 16 long 8wide,perfect willnot make a difference.tie one at a time just one slip knot onto coathanger,push all together so no wire showing and wreath is all fluffy.wind around some tinsel onto wreath,add some baubles,hang by hook of coathanger.men also enjoy this activity,its cheap and recycles things we all have.

Maybe ask different carers to speak to the Residents about their lives,Families,culture etc this may help both groups to bond.We all know how much easier it is to relate to our Residents,when we know more about them.Could organise a bowls game or quiz,Residents vs Carers. Judy NZ

A electric aromatherapy burner with calming scents,flowers,anything special to the Resident and Family,photos etc. Judy NZ

We are at present knitting twiddle muffs for Dementia folk.You knit a muff in different textured, different wools and yarns, 45 stitches two balls of double knit at a time, lenght approx 80cm long, attach buttons,buckles,small wooden knobs,lace,bells, stuffed toys etc mens and ladies things of interest,anything that can be attached securley and is ageappropriate.sew up the side seam as a long sausage then stuff half inside as a double sided muff and stitch up the end.they are very comforting and interesting.they are on a uk website. Judy NZ

I always read the reports in the community papers and ask the speakers they have, eg Womens groups,gardening clubs,etc. Also Police Community staff,Councillers,Library and School staff any Family members of Residents and staff who have interests, hobbies,travel stories,interesting jobs or collections.We have a regular speaker from the museum,and a local man who has a collection of old things,he also has written many books on the district.the local school children bring their electronics and we teach them to play bowls,knit etc. Judy NZ

We do at least one theme per month Jan back to school,Feb Valentines day etc Spring Summer Winter Autumn.Aand P show,Royals,Swiss National day August 1st is chocoholics week,anything can be turned into a theme.Eskaleen Tooleys books are excellent For a Good Old Age 1,2,3,also Never to Old for fun 1,2,3,4, You can get a lot of events off a calender so you are ready and prepared,save your resorces and you have something to add to next year. Judy N

A new activity has been submitted by Judy: Soap Making Recipe

Maybe ask staff and volunteers if they have the things you need for say crafts,used greeting cards,knitting wool,lace,buttons,fabric,cellaphane,florists,net,etc and some Residents when they come into care have unfinished hobbies the Family are happy to pass on.The library will supply local books for reminiscing groups,the local schools will entertain or just come for bowls etc.get visiters,volunteers,staff to speak and share their hobbies and passions.We are lucky and have entertainers,speakers etc.who do not charge for their time and we have to limit these activities so we can fit in the everyday things.People with animals are also well recieved by our folk. Judy NZ

A new activity has been posted by a Golden Carers member: Soap making

Seat each resident with a small table or tray in front of them,place ten assorted playing cards on each tray,purchase large cheap pack of cards for caller,call out and show the card,if aresident has that card,they turn it over,first person who turns all cards over is the winner.The casinoes will provide once used playing cards free of charge.We also do cheap crafts with mainly recycled materials,send a newsletter home for old buttons,decopage materials old jewellery etc make greeting cards from recycled cards etc.Have a cheap soapmaking recipie if you want it we make them in silicone baking moulds.Cheap supermarket soap looks great with decals cut from papernapkins and modgepodged on. Can give u more ideas if you wish,good luck Judy NZ