December
 2016

In This Issue
minute
Quick & Easy "Minute to Win It" Style 
Christmas-Themed Games to Play with Grandma
Who doesn't love a good party game?  It's a great way to bring people of all ages together for some festive fun!  We made our list (and checked it twice) of ten quick and easy Christmas-themed games that can be easily altered to include all age groups so the whole family can join in on the fun.  We've indicated which can be played in a seated position for those with mobility issues (M) and which can be enjoyed by those struggling with cognitive impairment or memory loss (C).
 

1. Candy Cane Pick Up  (M, C)

Supplies:  candy canes and baskets or trays
Place a pile of candy canes on a table and provide a tray or basket for each player.  Give each player a candy cane to put in his mouth or hold between two fingers or thumb/ring finger with the hook end down.  The player must use the candy cane hook to pick up the other candy canes and move them to the basket.  The player with the most candy canes in their basket after one minute wins!
 

2. Stacking Snowmen (M, C)

Supplies:   mini marshmallows 
See how many snowmen you can make by stacking mini-marshmallows in 1 minute.  Player with the most snowmen is the winner.
 

3. Snowball Fight (M, C)

Supplies:  sheets of white copy paper 
Provide white paper for each player or team.  Place a dividing line in the middle of the room.  Players or teams wad up the paper and have a snow ball fight.  The player or team with the least number of "snowballs" on their side after one minute is the winner.
 

4. Christmas in Balance (M, C)

Supplies:  10 small ornaments with hooks, yardstick, wrapping paper tube
Players or teams must hang 10 ornaments on the yardstick that sits atop an upright wrapping paper tube.  The player or team that hangs all 10 ornaments wins.
 

5. Snowball Toss (M, C)

Supplies:  Christmas wreath, basket, marshmallows 
Players stand behind a designated line and have one minute to toss marshmallows (snowballs) through the wreath into the basket.  The player with the most snowballs in the basket at the end of one minute wins.
 

6. Scoop It Up (M, C)

Supplies:  plastic spoons, bowls, marshmallows, ornaments , or ping pong balls 
Using nothing but a spoon in your mouth (or hold between two fingers or thumb/ring finger), transfer six ping pong balls or marshmallows from one bowl to another in less than one minute.  No hands!  Hands are only allowed if you drop the ping pong ball or marshmallow to place it back in the original bowl for another transfer attempt.  2 - 3 players compete for each round of play.
 

7. Do You Hear What I Hear? (M)

Supplies:  5-7 present boxes, 15-140 jingle bells 
Fill the gift boxes with jingle bells ranging from 5 - 35.  Have each player lift, rattle and listen to the boxes and arrange the boxes in order from least to greatest number of bells - all in one minute.
 

8. Stocking Stuffers or Bluffers (M)

Supplies:  assorted Christmas stockings, small prizes (dollar bills, lottery tickets, gift cards), challenge/dare cards. 
Hang assorted stockings on a string, mantel, or similar location.  Place either a prize or a challenge/dare card in each stocking. Guests can take turns choosing a stocking, but they must be willing take the gamble and do the challenge or dare that they receive.  A few suggestions for challenges/dares are wear a Santa hat for the rest of the day/evening, sing Jingle Bells in front of everyone with a mouth full of marshmallows, put your hands on your belly and share your best Santa laugh with everyone.
 

9. Stack the Cups (C)

Supplies:  36 plastic cups 
Stack the cups in a pyramid formation using only one hand in one minute.
 

10. Hung with Care (M, C)

Supplies:  3 feet of string or garland, 3 candy canes.
Take the string and make it taut between 2 objects or people.  Hold the candy cane by mouth or hold between two fingers or thumb/ring finger.   The player must hang 3 candy canes on the string on the edge of the small hooked part of the candy cane.
 
And last, but certainly not least...who doesn't love a good word scramble?  Click here for a printable copy of our kid and grandma friendly Christmas Scramble.

cheerplan
Why Do We Need a CHEER Plan?
The holiday season is in full swing.  There's a sense of excitement in anticipation of spending time at home around the fire with family and friends.  For those with aging parents and loved ones, this is not only an opportunity to celebrate the season together, but a chance to be proactive to help them continue to live as independently as possible. 

To make the most of this time together, A Place for Mom! Senior Living Advisor, Jeff Anderson suggests using the CHEER plan:
  • Check
  • Help
  • Empower
  • Enjoy
  • Reminisce
  Here are some quick tips to create your own CHEER plan for the holidays.
 
1. CHECK on overall well-being.
During your holiday visit, be observant.  Do you notice changes in hygiene, haircut/shaving, clothing, weight, dentition, skin integrity, mobility, balance, vision, emotion, or cognition?  While you're visiting, subtly check on the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, quality and freshness of food in the refrigerator and pantry, medication management, housekeeping, and mail/newspaper management.  In a Huffington Post article titled "Taking Stock of a Loved One's Health Over the Holidays", Sean Kell, CEO of A Place for Mom, provides more in depth information.   Click here  to read the article.
 
 2. HELP them stay engaged.
Everyone is at higher risk for depression during the holidays. Seniors are no exception, and may be at greater risk due to reduced social engagement, mobility issues, and changes in overall health.  When extending an invitation to older relatives and family friends, offer transportation. Even seniors still able to drive independently may not initiate or participate in social activities.  Keep in mind that most older individuals have lost parents, perhaps a spouse, siblings, work colleagues, long time neighbors, friends, pets, and family traditions.  If someone seems lonely, make the time to listen.  The gift of your undivided attention for 30 minutes may be the best present they receive this season.  If you decide to offer an opportunity for social engagement, offer something that they would like to do (not necessarily something that you would like them to participate in) based on your knowledge of their personality and interests. 
 
3. EMPOWER your parent or loved one to remain independent.
If your loved one lives independently, ensure they have the tools and skills to remain independent when your visit is over. For example, if you note concerns about safe mobility, you may want to discuss "Matter of Balance" classes or a physical therapy assessment with them - balance retraining and mobility strengthening are key elements to preventing falls.  Bathroom safety issues may warrant a home safety assessment with a local occupational or physical therapist. This could include installation of bath safety bars and railings. These types of physician-ordered interventions and services are typically covered by Medicare. Based on your observations, you might also consider helping them to subscribe to a medical assistance service, arranging for meals, companionship, help with housekeeping, and/or transportation assistance.  Each local Council on Aging (COA) or Elder Services of Berkshire County can provide you with resources appropriate for your situation.  Plan a quiet time to have home safety discussions in a non-threatening setting: typically at home, one-on-one.  The topic may be upsetting to the senior working to maintain their independence: maintain a calm, respectful tone throughout.  Lastly, it's critically important to broach the subject mid-visit, rather than on your way back to the airport.
 
4. ENJOY your time together.
Relax and focus on making the most of your time together during this visit. While you want to keep them physically healthy and safe, it's just as important to maintain a healthy relationship as well as their dignity.  Organize family activities like quick / easy games, dancing to favorite tunes, or taking a walk or drive to enjoy the holiday lights.  Keep the mood light and fun whenever possible.  You can have more serious discussions 1:1 during some down time. 
 
5. REMINISCE with them. 
Reminiscing is storytelling at its best.  Provide the opportunity to share stories with the younger generation that may be hearing the tales for the first time.  Resist the urge to break in and take over the story or correct their rendition.  Be an active listener and give the storyteller your full attention. Storytelling enables your parent or older relative to step back in time and remember cherished relationships with favorite people that may have passed, and once again experience the feelings of joy and comfort that accompanied those relationships.  Make the family recipes; bring out the old photo albums, family videos, and holiday music to help stir memories from holidays past.
 
Best wishes for a happy and safe holiday season!

local
Local Happenings
Williams Professor Lecture Series
The Merchant of Venice -  Sherlock's Trial was Rigged and Portia Knew It!
By Professor Phillip McKnight, Esq., J.D. Williams College  and MCLA
Tuesday, December 20th, 3:00 PM
Sweetwood of Williamstown Auditorium 
FREE and open to the public
RSVP: Amanda Plaine, 413-458-8371, ext. 13, or aplaine@care-one.com 
update
SHS Update: Meet Maryanne
Our service is growing, and we've added another kind-hearted all-star to our team!  After a long and fulfilling professional life, Maryanne Boenitz made the decision to semi-retire and trade her full-time position for a part-time, flexible work schedule earlier this year. Born and raised in the Berkshires, she is delighted to spend her retirement years in this beautiful area and thankful every day for her new-found work/life balance and the opportunity to spend time with her grown daughter, 8 year old grandson and her extended family of close friends. Prior to retirement, Maryanne worked more than 30 years in the banking industry at TD Banknorth and six years as a development professional for Berkshire United Way. She's thrilled to be part of the Seniors Helping SeniorsĀ® team, providing operational support in our local office, and proud to be part of company that provides meaningful, flexible work options for others who are pursuing a work/life balance in retirement. We're fortunate to have this new talent on our team.  Maryanne Boenitz can be reached at Maryanne@SHSWestMA.com.
Seniors Helping SeniorsĀ® Western MA 
It's like getting a little help from a friendĀ®

(413) 822-9988 

The articles in this newsletter are for information purposes only. Please consult your financial, legal and medical professionals, as appropriate,  for advice on taking action on any of the topics covered.