Dr Macie Smith, the Social Gerontologist, shared some ideas for how to engage the seniors we love. Scroll through to see some ideas for how to connect, and man can be modified for Zoom/Facetime. You can read more about how to care for out loved ones with dementia symptoms and watch our interview here.

THESE HANDS…….

Materials: 9 x 11 or larger construction paper sheets, various stickers (scrapbooking type), permanent marker – fine point crayons, markers or paint.

This is a simple craft, great for Alzheimer residents or any resident. It is sort of like a life review in pictures. They first place their hands on the construction paper and you draw around their handprint (similar to what we did as a child). They can then paint, color or use markers to fill in their hand print. Use stickers to portray events in their life, by placing the sticker on the paper and writing the event under it.

Examples are: Cooked, Raised a boy and a girl, Drove a car, Worked with wood, Gardened, Went to church, Taught Sunday School, Went to school, Took care of a dog, Took care of a cat, Milked the cow, Gathered eggs from the chickens, Sewed, Played the piano, Sang, Celebrated holidays, Typed, Etc.

Use stickers to show what their hands have done over their lifetime. If they can tell you all the things they have done, go with that and also ask them questions, such as “did you drive a car”?, etc. If they cannot tell you, use information about their past from their chart to complete the page. You can have them place the stickers on the paper if they are able. More independent residents can do it all on their own.

Rag or Ribbon Wreath

Supplies needed: Wreath form, any size: grapevine, straw, Styrofoam, etc. Various types of ribbon, varying widths, cut in 12 inch pieces.

Instructions Take each piece of ribbon and tie it to the wreath form. Tie it in a knot. Continue tying pieces of ribbon until form is covered. You can use certain colors for themes, such as a Christmas wreath in red, white and green, etc. This can be a project for a resident to do on their own or for dementia residents, in a small group having each resident tie a few ribbons on at a time. For higher functioning, each resident in the group can do their own.

PAM’S JOURNAL IN A JAR

"Preserve your memories - seal them up well.
What you forget, you can never retell.
But a journal that's kept fresh on the shelf
Will help someone through rough times -
Maybe even yourself!"

I am so happy to share with you my “Journal In A Jar”.  Save this copy to your computer.  Print a blank copy so you can have the questions and space to write down your answers.  You may also need some blank paper if you run out of room.  Some folks have a lot to share while others do not.  If you aren’t a good note taker, you can also record the conversation with a tape recorder.  That way you will most definitely not miss anything said. 

Supplies Needed:

*Time, an open ear, and a compassionate heart

*cup of coffee/glass of iced tea & comfortable chairs

*The Questions to ask

*Pen/Pencil/scissors

*plain typing/multi-purpose paper or different colored typing/multi-purpose paper

*Mason Jar

*Poly fill to put on the top of your jar lid

*Ribbon of choice wide enough to go around the rim of the jar lid

*small width ribbon to be ran through the hole of the name tag (if using one)

*square piece of fabric of choice (size depends on the mouth of the jar lid) – lay the jar lid upside down on the wrong side of the fabric and outline the lid (not ring – the lid will go inside the ring) 

*glue gun/ glue 

*name tag (can be purchased at Walmart, etc. or created your own)

*Stickers of things they have done or enjoy doing – make it about them

Print your questions and answers, cut on the lines to give you an even square.  

Insert your poem after finished designing it the way you want with the FULL NAME of your loved one and birthday inside the jar on the front.  Make sure you are using a jar that has a clear open front so the poem can be read.  If needed, secure the poem to the inside front of the jar with a piece of tape. Fold questions and place them in the jar.  

Dab some hot glue on the top of your jar lid.  Place some polyfill on top of the glue.  Take your precut fabric and center the lid on the fabric.  Make sure you have enough overhang all the way around.  (You can always trim it if it is too much once you put it together.)

Put a bead of glue on the inside of the ring and place the lid inside the ring.  Pull the fabric down to make sure it is even and not bunched up.  You want it to be poofy because of the polyfill (much like a sewing cushion).  Now screw the lid on the jar.  Put a bead of glue around the lid.  Place your  wider ribbon onto your lid but make sure your ends are even so you will have equal amounts to tie a bow.  Now tie a bow.  If your loved one is giving this as a gift to someone, you may want to put a name tag on it with the smaller ribbon or jute.  Just tie the name tag into the bow.

Decorate the outside of the jar if you would like with objects the person likes such as their favorite flower, places they traveled, things they like to do, sports, etc.  You can get stickers from anywhere or leave it without stickers.  It is totally up to you.

Any questions, please e-mail me at pdwessinger@lexhealth.org (feel free to email Pam if you would like the full list of her questions!!). Enjoy and may you enjoy your journey rediscovering your loved one!

Pamela Wessinger, AP-BC, ADC

Sample Questions

1. What do you love most about your life today?

2. What ONE thing would you change about your life?

3. What do you envision for your life 10 years from now?

4. How does your life compare to what you imagined it would be?

5. What ONE goal do you want to accomplish this year? How will you do it?

6. Write down five things you are thankful for RIGHT NOW.

7. What is ONE thing you want your children to remember as they grow?

8. What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

9. Close your eyes and write what you hear.

10. What are three things you can’t live without?

11. Describe the place where you are happiest.

12. What are your core values? Do you live them daily? Why or why not?

13. What is your favorite time of the day? Why?

14. What is your dream job?

15. What book or movie character would you most like to be? Why?

16. What are you afraid of? Why?

17. How would you spend a day with no electricity or technology?

18. What is the best advice you ever received?

19. What is the worst advice you ever received?

20. What has been your biggest challenge this year? What have you done to overcome it?

21. How do you make a positive impact on others?

22. What is your favorite quote? Why does it have special meaning?

23. Describe your perfect vacation.

24. Name three everyday tasks you would prefer to never do again. What would happen if you didn’t do them?

25. Name two things you wish you could do every day. Why don’t you?

26. What positive changes have you made this year and how have they affected you?

27. How do you think others see you? Are they correct?

28. Name three positive things you are good at.

29. What is your worst childhood memory?

30. What is your favorite childhood memory?