Thanksgiving

Here are suggestions for Celebrating Thanksgiving

I loved the idea of creating a small gratitude tree and then "decorate it with notes about what you are grateful for in life."

 

Shortage of Caregivers Across the US Expected to Continue

 

The American Association of Retired Persons reports that the shortage of caregivers in nursing homes continues: How the Labor Shortage Is Affecting Nursing Home Staff (aarp.org)

Cahoon Care Associates reports that the scarcity of caregivers is expected to persist into the next decade -- both for in home care and institutions: Why is There a Caregiver Shortage? - Cahoon Care Associates

Dementia Patients Working on Farms in Holland

 

Reasons to be Cheerful reports that Holland has hundreds of "care farms" for people facing health challenges. At Boerderij Op Aarde, most of the farm workers have dementia. See the article here: 

https://reasonstobecheerful.world/netherlands-care-farms-aging-dementia-work/

Robotic Cats Calm Dementia Patients

Connecticut's The Atrium at Rocky Hill is providing residents with fake kittens that "meow, purr, and even knead like real cats."

"[These pets have] been shown to reduce agitation and improve mood and cognition." 

Read the full article at:
Dementia Patients Respond Eagerly to Lifelike Kittens that Remind Them of Their Pets | The Alzheimer's Site News (greatergood.com)

Retro Furnishings in Dementia Facilities

New Vision wrote an interesting blog a few years ago, Nostalgia Spaces for Dementia Care, discussing the use of vintage furnishings to comfort residents of UK nursing homes and other facilities (http://www.new-vision.co.uk/health/article/nostalgia-spaces-for-dementia-care)

Glenner Alzheimer's Family Centers developed the "Town Square" adult day center in the US consisting of 14 vintage storefronts with activities. Rosie's Diner, for example has 1950s decor and food, and a juke box playing music from that era. Other storefronts are a library with period books and a pet shop for Pet Therapy Programs.

(TOWN SQUARE® LOCATIONS – The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers, Inc.®)

Kittens Thrive with Elder Care

 

An elder care facility in Arizona and a local animal shelter recently collaborated with wonderful results.  The shelter had more kittens than it could care for so facility residents were asked to feed and nuture the animals. While the kittens flourished, their humans reported feeling happier!

See the article and more delightful photos here:

http://countercurrentnews.com/2016/11/happens-animal-shelter-partners-elderly-care-facility/