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Enjoy the Last Month of Summer
With These Activity Ideas
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While it may seem like summer is winding down as we begin August, ActivCare at Rolling Hills 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
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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 Program Director-Karen Pultorak
- 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
619-552-3517
Read on.
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Sizzling Summer Activities Planned for
ActivCare at Rolling Hills 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!
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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
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What Makes A SSSuccessful Activity?
Remember the three S's when planning an activity for your loved one.
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
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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.
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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:
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Karen Pultorak, LVN |
Meet the Program Director
Meet Karen Pultorak, LVN, the orchestrator and gracious conductor of all things fun at ActivCare at Rolling Hills Ranch. Karen is our beloved Program Director, and in addition to overseeing the care of our residents, she also plans the fun! Karen makes ActivCare at Rolling Hills Ranch just that. Whether it's a Scenic Bus Ride or a critter encounter, you can find Karen in the midst of it all, read on as we get to know Karen a little bit better!
Although born in Guam, Karen has always called San Diego home. She grew up in beautiful Coronado, California and has enjoyed seeing the city she loves evolve over the years. Karen then moved to Eastlake, securing her South County roots that she still stands firm in today.
Karen's most amazing adventure was when her and her husband moved to Hawaii with the Marines for one year. She says the thrill of being newlyweds and moving somewhere they had never been before is still one of the most exciting times she has ever experienced. Every day was an adventure in Oahu, from playing tourist, hiking, snorkeling, and hitting all the beautiful beaches, it was all a dream. Karen is most inspired by her husband. His go-getter attitude, perseverance, friendly heart, and encouraging soul are all traits that she admires.
If Karen did not have to sleep she would travel the world. Her first stop? Somewhere tropical of course!!
Thank you for filling every day at ActivCare at Rolling Hills Ranch with purpose and fun, your dedication to engagement does not go unnoticed. Stop by and see Karen on your next visit to ActivCare at Rolling Hills Ranch!
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Get Out & Grill Trivia
Stump your guests with these trivia questions at your next summer barbecue
- The name of this flying creature describes slicing a slab of meat nearly in half and unfolding it flat.
- Manual ice cream machines require adding this condiment to the ice before churning the ingredients.
- This is the term for applying a seasoned liquid while grilling to keep the food soft and moist.
- This is the best time to apply barbecue sauce when grilling.
- 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
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ActivCare at Rolling Hills Ranch |
850 Duncan Ranch Road | Chula Vista, CA
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