No job is easy. Even food critics encounter a dish that may be dismal in appearance and equally depressing in taste. Custodial workers have to endure physical exhaustion while public school teachers facing overcrowded classrooms strive to teach the curriculum. Although I cherish and love my job, I believe we cannot be like the Energizer Bunny and keep going and going. The body and the mind needs a break.
Work for me does not stop when I clock out. At home, I often recollect about the activities and the clients. There are too many questions... What should we do tomorrow? How would the clients like it? Which client is appropriate for the activity? Although you may not be about to refrain from thinking about work, always provide an outlet if you are feeling stressed out.
Working out is always good. A combination of good music and moving the body helps me reduce the stress. Walk your pet. Dance. Do yoga. Or even walk to the laundry mat and wash your clothes. Even if you are still stressed, at least you will have fresh, clean clothes. I think even sitting still and just meditating or napping can be relaxing. Doing nothing is sometimes the best option.
Sometimes work is mentally draining and emotionally challenging. We love out clients but they can require a great deal of attention and care. As an activity assistant, I learn my responsibilities are not limited to what is written on my contract. We have to be counselors, dietitians, entertainers, nurses, and friends. There are many tough days and there needs to be an outlet. Find someone who you can talk to. BE CAREFUL! The key word here is CONFIDENTIALITY. Finding someone to confide is wonderful but there are things you cannot reveal, most importantly names. Depending on where you work, there are certain information that are private.
Work will always be there. I know I think about work too much but to bring me back to sanity, I do many things that relaxes the body and makes me happy. If I do not want to do dishes, I buy take out. If I want to talk to someone, I have wonderful co-workers and close friends. Stress relief, we all need it.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Moments of Reminiscence
What makes you happy?
This is the key to live life fully. Some say that a time with family is the most precious thing. The others say that delicious food makes them smile. Some happy memories relate to the present while other unforgettable memories are linked with the past. No matter where these reminiscence derive from, I believe most of happiness comes from insignificant moments that are not so obvious for others.
What if you know you forget something insignificant for others but significant for you? How do you react? How do you protect those precious memories you have in you? Do you feel sad? Do you feel helpless? Do you give up? Do you ask for help? Then, do you know how and where to ask for help?
At the Day Care Center where the team members of this blog work, over twenty clients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia actively gain the benefits from participating in well-balanced activities by validating their reminiscence all day. I strongly believe reminiscing one’s own past is one of the simplest therapies to any age group.
Especially, for our clients who are in any stage of dementia, reminiscing moments often visits them in a day. One client recalls their own parents/spouse and looking for them throughout a day. Another client believes that her children are still little in the kindergarten.
When interacting with clients in a reminiscing period, I suggest validating their reality. Their reality is your reality today. The story might be different tomorrow. However, if their reminiscence and memorable stories make them happy at the moment, it is working and is turned to be one of the successful and therapeutic activities.
It is also recommended to ask ourselves the following question; what if we know we lose our precious memories? We will be scared, depressed, and frustrated. When we do so, it would be easy for us to link with clients closely and give us the key to understand why they are agitated and frustrated.
Recommended book about validation therapy
The Validation Breakthrough: Simple Techniques for Communicating with People with 'Alzheimer's-Type Dementia' by Naomi Feil, Vicki De Klerk-Rubin, and Vicki De Klerk-Rubin (Paperback - Jan 15, 2002)
This is the key to live life fully. Some say that a time with family is the most precious thing. The others say that delicious food makes them smile. Some happy memories relate to the present while other unforgettable memories are linked with the past. No matter where these reminiscence derive from, I believe most of happiness comes from insignificant moments that are not so obvious for others.
What if you know you forget something insignificant for others but significant for you? How do you react? How do you protect those precious memories you have in you? Do you feel sad? Do you feel helpless? Do you give up? Do you ask for help? Then, do you know how and where to ask for help?
At the Day Care Center where the team members of this blog work, over twenty clients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia actively gain the benefits from participating in well-balanced activities by validating their reminiscence all day. I strongly believe reminiscing one’s own past is one of the simplest therapies to any age group.
Especially, for our clients who are in any stage of dementia, reminiscing moments often visits them in a day. One client recalls their own parents/spouse and looking for them throughout a day. Another client believes that her children are still little in the kindergarten.
When interacting with clients in a reminiscing period, I suggest validating their reality. Their reality is your reality today. The story might be different tomorrow. However, if their reminiscence and memorable stories make them happy at the moment, it is working and is turned to be one of the successful and therapeutic activities.
It is also recommended to ask ourselves the following question; what if we know we lose our precious memories? We will be scared, depressed, and frustrated. When we do so, it would be easy for us to link with clients closely and give us the key to understand why they are agitated and frustrated.
Recommended book about validation therapy
The Validation Breakthrough: Simple Techniques for Communicating with People with 'Alzheimer's-Type Dementia' by Naomi Feil, Vicki De Klerk-Rubin, and Vicki De Klerk-Rubin (Paperback - Jan 15, 2002)
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
More Than Just "Lucy"
How would someone select movies for a group of elderly clients?
Always the tough question. Movies are about entertainment and enjoyment. The dilemma we have is choice. What movie do we pick that can be appropriate, related to the monthly theme, and engage our clients?
At our center, we show a long movie once a month. By long, it is usually more than one hour. At times, we do show short movies such as DVDs from shows like "I Love Lucy", "The Golden Girls", or "That's Entertainment". While most of our movies are amusing to most of our clients, a selective few find some of the viewing materials inappropriate such as sexual innuendos or explicit language.
Not to suggest you refrain from experimenting. What is enjoyable one month can be dull another month. Please do not rule out animations. A client from our center loved 'Kung Fu Panda" and "Happy Feet". Romantic movies should not be excluded either. One of our clients cried when put in "An Affair to Remember". If you do want to show classics, movies with Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelley, Julie Andrews, Bob Hope, and Grace Kelly are very musical, comedic, and safe.
There are many choices to what you want to show. If you are a caregiver and watching a movie at home, recent movies such as "Hairspray" and "Mama Mia" are recent and easily obtained.
If you are showing a group and on a budget, go through what you have or even movies you bought for the kids, something will appear. Don't forget the popcorn.
Always the tough question. Movies are about entertainment and enjoyment. The dilemma we have is choice. What movie do we pick that can be appropriate, related to the monthly theme, and engage our clients?
At our center, we show a long movie once a month. By long, it is usually more than one hour. At times, we do show short movies such as DVDs from shows like "I Love Lucy", "The Golden Girls", or "That's Entertainment". While most of our movies are amusing to most of our clients, a selective few find some of the viewing materials inappropriate such as sexual innuendos or explicit language.
Not to suggest you refrain from experimenting. What is enjoyable one month can be dull another month. Please do not rule out animations. A client from our center loved 'Kung Fu Panda" and "Happy Feet". Romantic movies should not be excluded either. One of our clients cried when put in "An Affair to Remember". If you do want to show classics, movies with Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelley, Julie Andrews, Bob Hope, and Grace Kelly are very musical, comedic, and safe.
There are many choices to what you want to show. If you are a caregiver and watching a movie at home, recent movies such as "Hairspray" and "Mama Mia" are recent and easily obtained.
If you are showing a group and on a budget, go through what you have or even movies you bought for the kids, something will appear. Don't forget the popcorn.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Birthdays at the Center
In my family, birthdays were only a celebration if you were a child. As we grow older, I think birthdays are often neglected because age and the elderly are not often as cherished as they should be.
Birthdays at our Daycare may be handled differently from retirement homes or nursing facilities. I volunteered at a residential healthcare facility and once a month, residents' birthdays falling on that month would all gather in the community room, have a nice dinner and eat cake.
The numbers at our Daycare is much smaller than that of a nursing facility, therefore we have individual celebrations. Lack of budget does not diminish the fun and creativity with our clients. To save on money, I recommend using the cake mixes that you can buy at any grocery store. The cost will be $2-$4 and it taste good. Furthermore, the staff could make it an activity and have some clients bake it themselves. If you wanted to add a present, it does not have to be costly or extravagant. Simplicity is beautiful. Make your own card and sign it. Wrap up cookies in tissue paper or even take a nice picture frame or something you have readily available. I cannot speak for other people, but I believe what makes a birthday special is spending it with people who cares about you and just want you to have a good time.
You are entitled to blow out candles at any age, even if you are short of breath after the deed is done. Even if our clients do not remember how old they are turning, we are not celebrating age. Instead, we are appreciative that we are allowed to celebrate with such remarkable people.
Birthdays at our Daycare may be handled differently from retirement homes or nursing facilities. I volunteered at a residential healthcare facility and once a month, residents' birthdays falling on that month would all gather in the community room, have a nice dinner and eat cake.
The numbers at our Daycare is much smaller than that of a nursing facility, therefore we have individual celebrations. Lack of budget does not diminish the fun and creativity with our clients. To save on money, I recommend using the cake mixes that you can buy at any grocery store. The cost will be $2-$4 and it taste good. Furthermore, the staff could make it an activity and have some clients bake it themselves. If you wanted to add a present, it does not have to be costly or extravagant. Simplicity is beautiful. Make your own card and sign it. Wrap up cookies in tissue paper or even take a nice picture frame or something you have readily available. I cannot speak for other people, but I believe what makes a birthday special is spending it with people who cares about you and just want you to have a good time.
You are entitled to blow out candles at any age, even if you are short of breath after the deed is done. Even if our clients do not remember how old they are turning, we are not celebrating age. Instead, we are appreciative that we are allowed to celebrate with such remarkable people.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
A Friendly Game of Bingo
B, 13. B, 1-3. This is what we said.
What?! G? 16? This is what some of our clients hear.
I have always thought that calling bingo numbers were easy. I always thought that if someone does not hear you, you say it a lot louder. My thinking was not always appropriate. What I soon learn was that it was not always about volume, but about enunciation, clarity, and definitely patience and understanding.
Bingo is a game that we play about twice a month. Our clients love it. The game facilitates thinking, hand-eye coordination, concentration, and awareness. When our clients play the game, it reduces any anxiety they had beforehand (eagerness to go home, looking for relatives) and places them at ease because it is simple and straight-forward. Another positive attribute is that this game was not about competition. None of our clients were frustrated that they did not win or angry at someone from their same table for winning. Our winners get the congrats from other clients by a round of applause. If someone were to make a mistake and call out bingo when they did not have it, no verbal abuse or physical abuse occurs. A bingo chip has not flew across the room.
The clients at our center can be hearing impaired, visually impaired, and may have motor problems with shaky hands or lack of grip contributed by Parkinson's. As a caller, please remember mistakes with numbers are bound to happen, either with you or a client. If a client cannot hear you, I suggest repeating the number clearly, and perhaps writing it down and showing it to them. Always encourage and reaffirm that it is just a game, it is nothing to be upset about. If that still does not work, give them ice cream.
What?! G? 16? This is what some of our clients hear.
I have always thought that calling bingo numbers were easy. I always thought that if someone does not hear you, you say it a lot louder. My thinking was not always appropriate. What I soon learn was that it was not always about volume, but about enunciation, clarity, and definitely patience and understanding.
Bingo is a game that we play about twice a month. Our clients love it. The game facilitates thinking, hand-eye coordination, concentration, and awareness. When our clients play the game, it reduces any anxiety they had beforehand (eagerness to go home, looking for relatives) and places them at ease because it is simple and straight-forward. Another positive attribute is that this game was not about competition. None of our clients were frustrated that they did not win or angry at someone from their same table for winning. Our winners get the congrats from other clients by a round of applause. If someone were to make a mistake and call out bingo when they did not have it, no verbal abuse or physical abuse occurs. A bingo chip has not flew across the room.
The clients at our center can be hearing impaired, visually impaired, and may have motor problems with shaky hands or lack of grip contributed by Parkinson's. As a caller, please remember mistakes with numbers are bound to happen, either with you or a client. If a client cannot hear you, I suggest repeating the number clearly, and perhaps writing it down and showing it to them. Always encourage and reaffirm that it is just a game, it is nothing to be upset about. If that still does not work, give them ice cream.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
A 'Cougar' in the Room
To update our clients on current events and spark conversation, our program includes a news segment for about 20-30 minutes. Each of the staff shares their own news, perhaps a poem, or even a personal story. Since it is available to us, most of daily news comes from the San Francisco Chronicle. I usually browse the internet such as CNN.com or MSNBC.com for stories that are interesting, some informative, but most funny or uplifting.
One story that caught my eye was in the Datebook section of the Chronicle about a competition for "cougars". The story was not about felines and their prey, well, maybe a little. The term "cougar" that is familiar to the entertainment world defines a cougar as an older woman who prefers younger men. So the feline in the story is a successful woman over 40 years of age who preys on men 10 or 20 years their junior. Of course, our clients know of one definition for a cougar. When I asked the question, most of the responses was that it was a large cat, some said it was a hunter.
The article engaged the clients about why women want men who are young enough to be their sons. Many of my clients thought it was unusual or even funny. One of the clients who is in her 70s actually said she wanted to give it a try. "Why not?" was her response. Although our program have few men, we asked them for their opinion if they would date someone who is much younger than them. One man said it does not make a difference.
So picking what topics to discuss based on the paper is not easy. I try to avoid talking about deaths or homicides that are ubiquitous in the media. There are too many news stations already talking about the fires in Southern California or of the kidnapping of young girls. To focus on something light will create a positive atmosphere.
Zinko, C. (2009, September 1). Miss Cougar accepts prize in Palo Alto. San Francisco Chronicle p.E1.
One story that caught my eye was in the Datebook section of the Chronicle about a competition for "cougars". The story was not about felines and their prey, well, maybe a little. The term "cougar" that is familiar to the entertainment world defines a cougar as an older woman who prefers younger men. So the feline in the story is a successful woman over 40 years of age who preys on men 10 or 20 years their junior. Of course, our clients know of one definition for a cougar. When I asked the question, most of the responses was that it was a large cat, some said it was a hunter.
The article engaged the clients about why women want men who are young enough to be their sons. Many of my clients thought it was unusual or even funny. One of the clients who is in her 70s actually said she wanted to give it a try. "Why not?" was her response. Although our program have few men, we asked them for their opinion if they would date someone who is much younger than them. One man said it does not make a difference.
So picking what topics to discuss based on the paper is not easy. I try to avoid talking about deaths or homicides that are ubiquitous in the media. There are too many news stations already talking about the fires in Southern California or of the kidnapping of young girls. To focus on something light will create a positive atmosphere.
Zinko, C. (2009, September 1). Miss Cougar accepts prize in Palo Alto. San Francisco Chronicle p.E1.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
"Senior Soda Bread"
Our noses were teased with the aroma of freshly baked bread from yesterday's cooking activity. Although not perfectly resembling a sourdough bread bowl, the taste was more satisfying because that was the mark of what we accomplished.
For breakfast, our clients enjoyed a slice of our version of "Irish soda bread". We served it warm with a little applesauce and some fruit filling. With the soda bread, baking soda replaced yeast for the leavening. Other ingredients included: buttermilk, butter, sugar, salt, flour, and raisins. It was a team effort and of course the willing to be a little messy, which all our clients were good sports about it. Before we started, the recipe and steps were printed out for everyone (they were able to take them home) and each individual read instructions to our healthier treat compared to ice cream and cookies. The outcome resembled a giant scone and was soft enough for our denture wearing clients to taste.
Baking is a way for our center to expose our clients to new recipes, new cultures, and hopefully an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Food should be the universal language and sharing it brings people from different backgrounds together. Our recipes come from different sources such as Cooks.com., Recipezaar.com, Living Magazine, or even from the labels of the product. I do not recall where we got this particular recipe, but we made a few changes to accommodate clients with food restrictions (sugar intake) and whatever we had. This recipe also connects with our Native American theme of simplicity and creativity.
For breakfast, our clients enjoyed a slice of our version of "Irish soda bread". We served it warm with a little applesauce and some fruit filling. With the soda bread, baking soda replaced yeast for the leavening. Other ingredients included: buttermilk, butter, sugar, salt, flour, and raisins. It was a team effort and of course the willing to be a little messy, which all our clients were good sports about it. Before we started, the recipe and steps were printed out for everyone (they were able to take them home) and each individual read instructions to our healthier treat compared to ice cream and cookies. The outcome resembled a giant scone and was soft enough for our denture wearing clients to taste.
Baking is a way for our center to expose our clients to new recipes, new cultures, and hopefully an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Food should be the universal language and sharing it brings people from different backgrounds together. Our recipes come from different sources such as Cooks.com., Recipezaar.com, Living Magazine, or even from the labels of the product. I do not recall where we got this particular recipe, but we made a few changes to accommodate clients with food restrictions (sugar intake) and whatever we had. This recipe also connects with our Native American theme of simplicity and creativity.
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