Pigeons are so fun to watch VW - across the road at my neighbours they have 2 sunflowers swaying in the breeze. There is a pigeon on each one, trying to get the seeds, as they sway together they try to bash each other off
There is a lot to be said for being part of a group, and the support and friendship that is gained from this.
My MIL lives in a nursing home which is predominantly Dementia, although she is far from that. I felt sad that these women mainly just sat or paced the rooms with little to do. So I busied myself and ordered large adult colouring books and bought chunky kids crayons for my MIL to try and organise crayoning sessions.
They now have a young activity carer, but in truth she doesn't have much idea. Anyway, I picked up MIL to take to the hairdressers and she told me that they had instigated a session the previous day, but it was just her and 3 carers who coloured, the patients wouldn't get involved, except one lovely little lady, who ate half a crayon , but by the end of the session, one unlikely male patient did pick up a sheet and a crayon and started colouring - great I thought tiny steps.
My OH popped the following day to see MIL and there at the tables were 4 women all colouring. They had asked the activities carer if they could colour
It made my day on Saturday to think that some peace and contentment for them was being achieved by the colouring.
Now thinking of other activities that they may be able to cope with.
My dad is in a dementia care home. The staff hold daily activities but he tends not to want to join in, he thinks everyone else in there is a "nutter" (his word, not mine) as part of his condition means he doesn't think there's anything wrong with him.
My sister bought a kids toy which is a round fabric target and it comes with small balls (about the size of tennis balls) which have velcro on them so when you throw it at the target it will stick, so it's a bit like playing darts. I have persuaded him to play it with me a few times, we don't bother adding up the score but I always clap or give him congratulations when he gets a score.
Well done for introducing the colouring SD, it's quite disappointing that the home haven't offered that before as it's relatively cheap and satisfying for those who are willing/able to participate.
Dad's home had a visit a few months ago from some Pets As Therapy animals, it was a bit of a surprise when i checked the photos on the family portal and I saw him sitting in an armchair with a small pony standing next to him, but he seemed quite happy about it
They also have this game with big playing cards and you have to guess whether the next one to be turned over will be higher or lower than the last.
I have to say Jax that some of them are often shouting to get out, as they have no idea why they are there. It is sad to see. I love the idea of the small pony was it wearing a nappy ?
One of the carers takes in her dog now and again, things like this all make them calmer.
As always I am googling for ideas and discovered there are such things as 'Fidget Cushions'
These can be quite expensive, so I have busied myself and made two padded mats. I have loads of craft and sewing scraps and my MIL who is still a brilliant seamstress is busy sewing all the little bits on for a patient to fiddle with.
It is something else for her to be involved in the home and also it is a trial to see if any of the patients will take to them.
Love the idea of the big cards Jax. Will definitely look for those.
This is a nice post, enjoyed your care home stories and the efforts you go to help also. The pony was funny Jax Your MIL seems better than most in there SD. A nice evening out MCG does the world of good.
It was nice to take a look at "The Good News" website this morning. Felt quite overwhelmed with all the bad news all the time, so am avoiding and trying to look at positive news
There is a lot to be said for being part of a group, and the support and friendship that is gained from this.
This is a nice post, enjoyed your care home stories and the efforts you go to help also. The pony was funny Jax Your MIL seems better than most in there SD. A nice evening out MCG does the world of good.
It was nice to take a look at "The Good News" website this morning. Felt quite overwhelmed with all the bad news all the time, so am avoiding and trying to look at positive news
I do this too.
Watching bad news all the time brings down your mood and your quality of life. I'm not saying you shouldn't care but sometimes you have to see the good in life.