As recreation workers, we
are always looking for creative ways to engage program participants who have
dementia and understand that family members and paid caregivers are doing
the same. In this December post, we suggested several gift
ideas that would enhance time together and this month we want to recommend some
picture-based activities can be easily prepared and facilitated by caregivers
and their care recipients at home.
Hand Held Pictures: We find that many of our clients remain engaged much longer in a program if
they have hand held items that they can look at or read. For this reason, we
often facilitate picture based activities surrounding various themes. To create
a picture game, choose a topic such as gardening or fishing and find
related images on the internet or in an old magazine. Print and cut the pictures
out, paste them onto construction paper and write a description and discussion questions on the other side. Enjoy looking through the cards, discussing the information and sharing memories together.
Internet Slideshows: The
internet is a valuable resource with many free programs already prepared for
you on virtually any topic. This Febrary we will be celebrating Chinese New Year, which starts on February 10th, and
Valentine’s Day on February 14th. See below for some internet
based slideshows with simple descriptions that can be enjoyed together. Click on the titles to be linked to the resource.
1
For more New Year fun, register for the Lunar New Year Lunch at South
Vancouver Neighbourhood House on February 13, 2013. To
purchase your tickets, visit the neighbourhood house at 6470 Victoria Drive,
Vancouver BC, V5P 3X7, 604-324-6212.