More than ever, in this time of uncertainty, the importance for older adults to converse about their family is of uppermost importance. Allowing them to remember their loved ones and families can give comfort when feeling isolated and alone. Inviting them to draw or paint a picture of a family member can give assurance that everything will be okay. This can be done virtually by using Facetime while promoting the use of crayons, paints, or even pens and pencils. Describing a member of their family you are familiar with can usher in motivation and inspire them to use their creativity. Make sure you draw a member of your own family for them to observe, for this will promote camaraderie and a feeling of closeness. Ask your client to write the loved ones name at the bottom and one word that describes their personality. Demonstrate your enthusiasm by asking them to hang it up on the refrigerator or wall and share how meaningful it was to do this activity together!

As concerns about COVID-19 escalate, the Hummingbird Project wants to remind everyone of the value of engagement to well-being. In the midst of precautions and isolation, we want to share Part 2 of fun ways to stay connected.

If the senior you are caring for has computer and internet access, conduct social visits remotely via Zoom, FaceTime, etc. Prepare a list of fun and invigorating questions to share. This could include armchair travel, reviewing a book or article, trivia, sharing one of the websites below, and more. You can view images on many of these platforms, so make it interactive and fun.

If it is safe to do so, connect with your client or loved one through the mail: send them a postcard, print and send a poem, send along an interesting article or crossword! Think outside the box as you create fun ways to engage with those staying inside!

If you would like additional help in finding meaningful engagement at this time, please email us for a full list of ideas and a complimentary consultation at tpaigeramirez@sageeldercare.com

Pointillism offers a new adventure in art making inspired by artist George Seurat. Use the Internet or art books to explore how Seurat used dots to create his paintings. Then offer Q-tips to your activity partner and begin to explore painting with dots. Experiment with using the Q-tip to swirl the paint around the page. Many dots in one place creates a solid appearance, and fewer dots look lighter. Dip the Q-tip into many colors and create complex colors on a page. Scattered dots move across a page like seeds in the wind!  Enjoy your time together and embrace finding new ways to be creative!

The Seine and la Grands Jatte Springtime by George Seurat

In a group painting session, a Hummingbird Activity Specialist invited artists to find inspiration in a piece of eucalyptus bark and then paint it to create a textured art piece. Artists handled pieces from a selection laid out on the tables. When they connected with a bark piece, they designed their painting. Some discovered an animal in their piece. Others liked the look of a color or colors on the bark. The transparency of watercolor paints allowed details of the bark’s surface to show through. Some artists made several pieces. A few were hesitant at first, but then found their muses in the bark.

Helpful tip: The bark is fragile, so holes should not be put through them. To hang them, use double thick thread, jewelry stringing cord or fishing line.

This Valentine’s Day, bringing the gift of presence will enhance the quality of your time together.

However you plan to express love to your family and friends, be a present as possible. A few deep breaths to help you relax into the moment. Take a little stretch or say a quick prayer to help you “land”. Then embrace the joy and love that this day (and every day) offers!  

Sharing a meal is a continual way to connect and be present with each other. Starting your day with pink pancakes is a fun way celebrate each other and the “taste of life!” Just add a touch of red food coloring to the batter, then garnish pancakes with raspberries, strawberries and whipped cream!