For three years, Carmen Bandstra, activity director at ActivCare at Bressi Ranch, has put the fun in each day for our residents.

 

It started as a passion as a teenager. Carmen enjoyed visiting elders in her community. Hearing stories, developing relationships and engaging seniors led to a fulfilling career in activities for the mother of four.

 

"It's the little moments that I share with residents that make my day," said Carmen. "I truly enjoy the rapport and trust that I have built with our residents. They recognize me and look forward to new adventures together."

 

Carmen has a passion for learning that she shares through her biography, travelogue and history club activities. She especially enjoys the Resident in the Spotlight feature where she interviews a resident who shares stories with the rest of the community.

 

Each month, Carmen puts together a customized calendar of creative activities that engage residents and help exercise cognitive abilities, large motor skills, creativity and socializing. The focus is on FUN. She recognizes that if people are experiencing fun, they participate and gain fulfillment.

 

Music, exercise, cooking, crafts, fieldtrips and special events add to the fun. To spark creativity, Carmen checks out about 50 books from the library every month. Always brimming with new ideas, she also ensures that residents are set up for success. Instructions are simple, taking one step at a time, and groups are small to involve everyone.

"To feel understood is very important, especially for those with dementia. I try to bring an appreciative and welcoming presence to our residents daily," said Carmen. "T he joy I receive from entering into a resident's world, in their particular reality, and being a friend for them there is what motivates me."

 

Look for Carmen on your next visit to ActivCare at Bressi Ranch and join in on the fun.

Visiting a loved one with memory care may come with feelings of anxiety or fear. Questions like "What if they don't remember me?" or "What will we talk about?" may be coming to mind. With thoughtful preparation, a visit with your loved one can be an uplifting and joyous experience.

Before you visit, think about topics that you and your loved one can talk about. Experiences from their distant past are good subjects to discuss. Consider bringing a conversational piece to your visit, such as an iPad/photo album with pictures of family, their favorite treat or artwork from a child.

The greeting. Although social convention suggests asking questions when you first greet someone, it may be challenging for someone with dementia to remember key facts. A harmless question like, "What have you been up to?," may be met with silence. Instead, start your conversation with a statement: "It's so nice to see you" or "You are looking well." Then follow up with a compliment, such as, "That blue shirt really brings out the color in your eyes."

Prepare for quiet times, and do not rush the conversation. Your loved one may take longer to process what you are saying. Give them time and try not to overwhelm them with loads of information or questions about what they have been doing.

Patience is key and graciousness is appreciated. Speak simply and softly to them and always try to make eye contact. If you feel there is nothing to say, hold their hand or offer them a shoulder rub. Physical touch can express so much when words are seemingly absent. Click the link below for more tips: