One activity specialist recalls a special activity session, using Broadway musicals as a topic and “destination”. Read on and enjoy!

“We listened to famous Broadway Shows. This led to a very descriptive and broad topic about client Pauline’s favorite shows. She laughed as we listened to “If I Were a Rich Man” from Fiddler On the Roof. We both tried our attempts at shoulder dancing like Tevye. Neither one of us could emulate him, but we certainly laughed a lot and Pauline’s spirits were lifted.

At one point, a song from Lion King came on and Pauline said she was unfamiliar with the musical. I started to describe the amazing opening scene to Pauline but paused to show her a clip of it on my iPad. Pauline told me she would rather have me just describe it to her, stating, “I want to use my imagination.” Her creativity was touched as I described in detail the way the performers come through the audience to the stage.

After an hour of discussing the magic of Broadway, Pauline had the most beautiful smile across her face and a twinkling glow in her eye. She thanked me for “going to Broadway” with her.”

A special experience in Sacramento:

Created for people living with Alzheimer’s and other related dementia, this experience is designed to engage participants in a creative and instinctual process along with a sense of community. Previous art experience is not required. If you have any questions or require accommodations to take this class, please contact Emma Moore, the Crocker’s manager of studio experiences at emoore@crockerart.org. Assistants, caregivers, and companions do not pay a fee and are welcome in the studio. Instructor: Tiffany Paige Ramirez with The Hummingbird Project and Artisan Mind.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1—3 PM • $25 MEMBERS • $35 NONMEMBERS • AGES 18+
Register at crockerart.org • 216 O Street • Downtown Sacramento

Reading out loud to someone is an intellectually stimulating and emotional experience.  It can connect them to the past (a favorite old book or poem) and present (current events).

For activity partners with dementia, note that many people can still read even when they may be losing speech. For client Sally, Hummingbird activity specialist often sits on the patio or cafe of her assisted living facility to read together. Sometimes, she reads a poem from large print and other times she will hold a magazine or newspaper up for Sally to peruse in quiet. Watching Sally’s eyes focus on different parts of the page, the activity specialist turns the page when her eyes move away. Sally returns her gaze to the headlines and pictures. Looking at the paper together draws on Sally’s strengths of reading and observation to engage in this familiar vocational activity.

Tips on Reading Aloud:

• Choose a comfortable and quiet location to set the mood.
• Sit close enough to your activity partner so they can hear you.
• Begin reading, pausing often to make comments and share thoughts on what you have read.
• Try this during rest time or before bed to help transition to sleep.
• For added enjoyment:  make a cup of tea or other light snack, cozy up with a soft blanket.

An abundance of lavender in the neighborhood inspired Hummingbird Activity Specialist and her client George to make lavender posies for the staff at his home in assisted living.  He cut sprigs of the flower and tied them into small bundles using pretty ribbon.

The project enlisted his gardening skills and invited him to choose ribbon color as well as arrange the flowers in a basket. While working, George proudly shared stories of his wife’s successful herb business. His memory connected him emotionally to his family. Finally, he selected a posie and gave it to one of the staff members. In appreciation of giving and receiving, they both smiled.