Erica

Hello All,
I am a 20 yr plus veteran of working in the eldercare arena . I have been an activities coordinator for folks with dementia for the past 8 yrs. I have a masters degree in social work and lots of certifications in various activity modalities. In spite of all of this I am in need of some ideas on how entertain folks for approximately a half hour every afternoon. From 1pm to 1:30pm I need to keep our folks safe an entertained for about 30 minutes while staff cleans up from lunch and sets up for our afternoon activities. Half of the staff is also at lunch during this time so I take the whole population(approx. 45-50 clients with me in to our living room) I am super confident talking in front of the group and coming up with word games, etc. However as of late I have been hearing a fair amount of grumbles and digs from a few participants who think my games are silly or "dumb". I think the reaction is often due to their inability to answer question or participate. I work hard to make the games appropriate for all levels and I am super enthusiastic while hosting. I pride myself on giving it my all, but lately the negative comments have been hard. -Thank You in Advance, Erica

Thank you so much. I will let you all know how it goes :)

Hello All,
These ideas are all awesome ! I was wondering if anyone had advice on how to do a scavenger hunt with persons who are less mobile. I am the activities coordinator for an adult daycare for persons with dementia. Many of my participants are less mobile and their individual cognitions level vary.
This being said they really so enjoy new and exciting things and I would love to try this in some form.
Thank you in advance for any ideas that you may have.
Kindly, Erica

This is AMAZING !!!! THANK YOU !!!! GOLDEN CARERS YOU ROCK !!!!!

Thank you so much Susan :)

Hello All,

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for activities to do with both Young Onset Dementia clients, as well as male clients. I have experienced a marked increase in my male population at the adult day center where I am the Actvities Coordinator. I have reccenlty enrolled a gentleman an who is in his early 50's and several other very active men who are proving very challenging to program for.
Thank you in advance for any suggestions that you may have.
Kindly, Erica Lee Collins
Hope Alzheimer's Center
Rhode Island, USA