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 Brittany House 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- Colleen Rozatti
  • 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 562-246-9690

Read on.
Sizzling Summer Activities Planned for
ActivCare at Brittany House! 

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 21  is the next Caregiver Support Meeting starting  at 4 pm. 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
CR-BH
Colleen Rozatti
Meet the Executive Director  

Colleen Rozatti, the working hands and heart behind the scenes at ActivCare at Brittany House. She is full of charisma, energy, and motivated to always get things done. Her can-do attitude keeps her going, even when days feel long. Ms. Rozatti best describes herself as a "Helper-Bee," she always has an itch to help those in need, even if just at the grocery store.
 
Colleen grew up in Buffalo, New York. She lived just down the street from Niagara Falls and enjoyed getting to see the falls change throughout the seasons. The most amazing adventure Colleen has ever been on was when she co-piloted a helicopter over the islands of Hawaii. If Colleen never had to sleep she would save homeless animals in her spare time. She has always had a soft -spot for animals and would do anything she could to give them a new home.
 
Today, Colleen is most inspired by the younger generation. She desires to advise and mentor them with the wisdom she has gained over the years in order to create a better tomorrow for our society.
 
Thank you for all of your hard work Colleen, it does not go unnoticed! Stop by and say hello to Colleen on your next visit to ActivCare at Brittany House. 
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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 Brittany House |  5401 E Centralia St, Long Beach, CA 90808 | Long Beach, CA  
(562) 246-9690  |   ActivCareLiving.com
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