Niagara Mountainside Therapeutic Services

Are you home with an Elder? There are many ways in which ‘normal’ activities can become cognitive stimulation and create conversation and inclusion for someone with cognitive decline or confusion. Here are some suggestions in which your loved one can be included in helpful chores or familiar activities. With some direction and encouragement, your loved one may continue to contribute to daily tasks. Use YOUR imagination and see what you can do together! Sort laundry ...(before and after it is washed) and fold clean laundry Set the table Talk and reminisce about meals, special occasions, family and friends Help with meal preparation: peel potatoes, tear up lettuce, discuss recipes and ‘the way’ we usually prepare things Read to grandchildren or have grandchildren read to you Write a thank you letter to someone today who or what are you grateful for today? Sweep the floor Clean/wipe off the counter or table after meals Wash the dishes and help put dishes away Put on favourite music and sing, sway or dance together Allow choice is what clothes or accessories to wear each day Simplify familiar card games by laying the cards on the table or talking about each move Though confusion and cognitive decline is life altering for everyone involved, having a bit more understanding, compassion, love, patience and creativity are important to keep in mind. Any behaviours displayed is the disease on not your loved one. Please connect with Niagara Mountainside Therapeutic Services if you have a question or concern that I can assist with. Though I am not currently seeing clients due to COVID19 (I am working in LTC), I may be able to give you a different perspective. Denise is a Therapeutic Recreationist, registered with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO) Denise Sukkau, R/TRO Niagara Mountainside Therapeutic Services [email protected] www.niagaramountainside.com

During this time of Covid-19 and restrictions on visitations to Long Term Care, ARE YOU MISSING YOUR LOVED ONE who has Cognitive decline / Dementia? Here are some ideas to connect with them: *Send an email to be read to them, or printed in an appropriate font size. *Write a letter or send a card - ensure writing is legible for them to read. *Send a photo and identify the people and places and your memory of the occasion. ... *Request to visit on Skype or similar program available at the LTC home. *Call and request to speak to them for a brief moment. If you have others suggestions, please leave it in your message to share as well! Be Well! Stay Home! Feel Love! Share Love!

Blessings of Wellness and Connections to everyone! I hope you are well in mind and spirit! Please connect and talk/facetime/facebook/zoom/ or what ever venue you use with others if you need to! Ask if you need help and I will too!! Denise

Is there someone in your life experiencing memory loss? Join Therapeutic Recreationist, Denise, for this hour long session of cognitive stimulation. Join in f...or one session or all three! The first of this series is on Monday January 27th, 2020 at 6:30pm at the Dunlop Drive Centre for Older Adults! Mind Matters is presented in partnership with the City of St. Catharines. For more information check out www.niagaramountainside.com and go to the Community Programs page. Have a Great Day!! See more