Our Hummingbird client Susan had expressed her desire for exercise and a change of scenery, so we planned an outing to the river, where we could walk the trails while searching for new rocks to be canvases for her latest rock painting collection. During our outing, Susan shared about her brother’s recent visit and other family stories. It appeared to fulfill her emotionally as she connected to valuable memories and relationships.
Once we arrived at the American River, we found a path that had plenty of rocks that inspired Susan’s imagination by the shapes and what she could create on them. Sensory stimulation was available all around, as she pointed out “nature treasures” such as butterflies, geese, rocks with happy faces and a variety of wild flowers. Susan enjoyed sharing her findings, taking photos and discussing how special it is to see the world through an artist’s eyes.
Thinking outside the box to create themed walks with meaning and purpose offers valuable quality of life experiences. Where will your imagination take you and the ones you love?
River Walks and Painted Rocks
/in News /by tiffanyHeartwarming Tales: Atria Storywise
/in News /by tiffanyAtria Storywise are inspiring conversation cards and reminiscence cues, created by Best Friends Approach.
Interactive features are also available on the app Atria Storywise.
Loving Lavender!
/in News /by tiffanyThe Toddlers who Took on Dementia!
/in News /by kariIt’s amazing how intergenerational connection can reach beyond cognition and help people connect emotionally, playfully, and through joy. Please take a moment to watch this incredible video, The Toddlers who took on Dementia, (on facebook) illustrating the power of play and connection between children and those living with dementia. It’s a delightful depiction of the power of creativity and emotional well-being. It will warm your heart and make you smile!
Flowers Poured From a Cup
/in News /by tiffanyHere’s a fun twist on regular flower arrangements!
One of our Sage care assistants gathered a cup, small artificial flowers and leaves, a few pink bears and a small dish of rocks. Using hot glue, she worked with her client to create a beautiful flower arrangement, being “poured from a cup”. Creativity, meaning and purpose combined with imagination and teamwork makes for many joyful moments!
(We recommend always being mindful and using caution with hot glue guns.)
Barber Shop Reminiscence
/in News /by tiffanyWhen Lenny, Ireland’s first dementia friendly barber shows up at assisted living communities with his jukebox of oldies, his customers get more than just a haircut or a shave. See more about this heart of service from BBC Three and Amazing Humans.
Airport Adventure
/in News /by tiffanyFind exercise and inspiration through exploring unusual destinations. On a rainy day, an airport can provide hours of walking, exploring and meeting people from all over the world!
On a particularly dreary day, one of our Activity Specialist’s invited a client to join her for a special day, “Mrs. Jones, let’s pretend we are going on a great get away as we explore the airport.” Mrs. Jones was “blown away” by how clean, large and the sleek design of the airport.
Together they walked the pre-boarding area and spoke to several TSA agents along the way. The environment brought up many new memories of past excursions. They even toured the exhibits sprinkled throughout the pre-boarding area, before arriving in the SFO museum and library.
The room was gorgeous and well worth the efforts to find. Mrs. Jones shared “I feel like we traveled back in time! This is luxury. I remember these ads…” as they explored the model aircrafts, paintings, books and poster Ad displays. It was a surprisingly smooth and relaxing experience, to which Mrs. Jones even stated “this could be our new rainy day walk! It’s so clean!”
92 Year Old Dancing Yoga Legend
/in News /by tiffany“Youth is not a time of life, it is a state of mind”, says 92 year old yoga professor Dr. Bali.
Enjoy the brilliance of Dr. Bali and his perspective on celebrating life, posted by Extraordinary People.
Watercolor Imagination
/in News /by tiffany102 Years Old and Breaking Running Records
/in News /by tiffanyAt 102 Years Old This Woman is Breaking Racing Records and Doesn’t Plan on Stopping.
“I’m a nice example of what you can do for yourself and I thank God everyday for my blessings”. Ida Keeling
See her story here: