Enjoy the Last Month of Summer 
With These Activity Ideas
While it may seem like summer is winding down as we begin August, ActivCare at 4S Ranch is full of energy and excitement  for a schedule of fun. This month is all about activities! How to create, plan, and execute successful activities for those with dementia. This newsletter contains:
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  • Engaging with a purpose, activities that instill usefulness
  • 3 Steps for SSSuccessful activities
  • Just how important is structure for those with dementia?
  • Plus-Be on the look out for this Medicare scam 
  • Meet the Executive Director - Ashley Pearce
  • Get Out & Grill- Trivia to stump your next BBQ guests
ActivCare is here to assist you with  caring for those with
memory loss. Have a question? Call us at 858-240-9358

Read on.
Sizzling Summer Activities Planned for
A ctivCare at 4S Ranch

August means the end of summer for most people, but for us, summer never really ends. We always have something fun planned, check out whats on the agenda for August! 


August 2  is the next  Caregiver Support Group Meeting  starting at noon. We meet the first Thursday of the month . All are welcome!
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The Value of Structure

For those living with memory loss, a sense of present time or date is something that can disappear. This can cause daily confusion, fear and anxiety. The good news is that caregivers can help. By providing loved ones with structure and a regular routine, feelings of stress and anxiety can be reduced. 

Here are some helpful tips for creating a routine in every day:
  • Make every day easy to remember by writing out the daily schedule on a white board. Include helpful hints such as the day of the week, date, and year.
  • Plan stimulating activities during their most energetic hours, plan downtime during times of tiredness.
  • Communicate each event in the day simply and kindly. Avoid getting frustrated when your loved one forgets or gets distracted.
  • Create a "daily special." For example; Mondays are coffee and donuts day, Tuesdays are favorite dessert days, and Wednesdays are omelet days. Daily specials can serve as "markers" to help aid with remembering what day it is. Sundays can serve as "newspaper days," for your loved one to flip through the paper.

Creating a Daily Care Plan
What Makes A SSSuccessful Activity?

Remember the three S's when planning an activity for your loved one.
            • Simple
            • Safe
            • Scheduled
A successful activity is one that is simple to explain, safe from any potential harm, and scheduled at the best time during your loved one's regular routine.  Purpose over perfection should be emphasized when planning activities for those with memory loss. It's about creating engaging activities that instill a feeling of usefulness, not perfection. It is okay if an activity does not go as planned, or if your loved one does not complete. 

Once something is no longer stimulating, be ready to clean up and select another activity.
Most activities can be adapted to fit the capabilities of your loved one. Think about what they used to enjoy doing and consider how the activity can be modified to meet their current abilities. For example, if your loved one used to garden, let them place flowers into pots at the table and provide them with a cup of soil to fill around with their hands. If the activity is broken down to easy steps, your loved one will enjoy contributing successfully.


Practical Tips For The Caregiver
Meaningful Activities for August 

Provided are some activity ideas that will help with instilling purpose and usefulness into every day.
  • Ask your loved one to sort socks in the laundry. Putting like items together can be helpful.
  • Help them plant a mini herb garden. Plan a time every day to water the plants and check on their progress. Plus, herbs can stimulate the senses.Try planting herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary for their captivating aromas.
  • Make a playlist; put a few of your loved one's favorite songs on it that they can listen to when they need a pick-me-up. Add in some interactive instruments such as tambourines or maracas for a stimulating music session.
  • Box it up! Create a memory box filled with items from the past. Throw in pictures, dolls, a baseball, or an old pair of gardening gloves to spark conversation.
  • Find a furry friend. Schedule time for a dementia-friendly animal to visit your loved one. The connection between animal and human transcends all disabilities.
Friendly Reminder: 
Don't be scammed

Something to be aware of: Scammers are using the recent re-distribution of Medicare cards (without Social Security numbers) to solicit charges for the new card. There should be NO charge for the new cards. If you or a loved one are being told by anyone that there is a charge, report the statements to the resources provided below: 

                                          Scams & Identity Theft Resources
Ashley Pearce
Meet the Executive Director  

Meet Ashley Pearce, fearless leader and Executive Director at ActivCare at 4S Ranch. Ashley cares for her residents as if they were family, treating every day at work like another day at home. She is hard-working and dedicates her heart to enhancing the lives of those with memory loss. Read on to get to know Ashley a little  bit better...

Ashley was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona. Her most favorite part about growing up in the desert was the monsoonal rains that would come every summer. Her father, who was an architect, built her childhood home uniquely so that the entire backside was made of glass. When the rains would come, Ashley's father would turn off the lights, cue up some classical music, and sit with his daughter as they watched the rains flow down the back wall of their house. This is a memory Ashley holds dear to this day.

Ashley's most amazing adventure was when she studied abroad in London during her senior year of college. Between her vigorous internship and weekend traveling, memories were made that will never be forgotten. Today, Ashley is most inspired by her husband. She admires him for his thoughtful, loyal, and kind heart. She desires to be more like him as he is always working to better himself through books and continued education. Most of all, he is a dedicated dad to their two beautiful girls.

If Ashley didn't have to sleep she would spend as much time as she could dancing around her living room with her daughters and simply being goofy. She enjoys laughing with them more than anything else.

Thank you Ashley for the dedicated work you put into the workings of ActivCare at 4S Ranch, your dedication does not go unnoticed. Say hello to Ashley on your next visit to ActivCare at 4S Ranch!
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Get Out & Grill Trivia
Stump your guests with these trivia questions at your next summer barbecue
          1. The name of this flying creature describes slicing a slab of meat nearly in half and unfolding it flat.
          2. Manual ice cream machines require adding this condiment to the ice before churning the ingredients.
          3. This is the term for applying a seasoned liquid while grilling to keep the food soft and moist.
          4. This is the best time to apply barbecue sauce when grilling.
          5. Salmon is often grilled on this type of wood plank to add flavor.
             
Answers: 1. butterfly, 2. salt, 3. basting, 4. end of grilling, 5. cedar
ActivCare at 4S Ranch |  10603 Rancho Bernardo Road | San Diego, CA  
858-240-9358  |   ActivCareLiving.com
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