At The Hummingbird Project, we would like to celebrate what Memorial Day is truly about.
So often, it is thought of as the kick-off of summer, a season of barbecue, parks and vacations. But the actual intention of this day, which was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, was to set aside time to pause and honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation.
Please join us as we share deep gratitude and praise their legacy, with four quotes that capture the ideals of patriotism.
“You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.” – Aristotle
“Memorial Day this year is especially important as we are reminded almost daily of the great sacrifices that the men and women of the armed services make to defend our way of life.” – Robin Hayes
“A man’s country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers and woods, it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle. – George William Curtis
“If we love our country, we should also love our countrymen.” – Ronald Reagan
To continue the conversation with your care partner, share things you love about our country, things that require courage, and reminisce about those who you may be honoring on this day. Connecting emotionally and sharing gratitude are ways to enhance quality of life and bring great meaning to Memorial Day.
To those who have served, we thank you.

Knitting and Volunteering Nurtures Emotional Quality of Life
/in News /by tiffanyWe wanted to set up this client for success and started with a practice swatch to stimulate her recollection of knitting and increase the use of her left hand that had been weakened by a stroke.
Cathy appeared delighted to discover that her memory of knitting returned quickly. She was able to manage with larger needles. In our initial session, we discussed making hats for the babies in the intensive care unit at the hospital. After discussing the plan together, Cathy expressed the desire to switch to knitting scarves for cancer patients. Including her in this decision process is important and created a feeling of independence and control of her circumstances in life.
Cathy was wonderful to talk with and shared details about her mother’s crocheting skills, evident in the beautiful table covering in her room. Conversation during knitting together fills an emotional need for connection, and also helps create trust and a sense of community.
Happy Father’s Day
/in News /by tiffanyFor Father’s Day, create joyful moments with photos, films and laughter!
Laughter is one of the best emotional gifts we can give. Laughter boosts the immune system, decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving resistance to disease. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.
Enjoy a few funny quotes and jokes to get warmed up, then share some of your favorite “Dad Stories” as a way to connect and celebrate!
A great movie and popcorn is a great way to celebrate with the whole family. These films have strong father/child themes:
Father of the Bride (1950 or 1991)
Field of Dreams (1989)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
And lastly, sharing old favorite photos of your dad is always a priceless way to create emotional connections.
Enjoy and Happy Father’s Day!
Cruise Around the World!
/in News /by tiffanyPlease join us for Del Oro’s 13th Annual Cruise Around the World Cook-Off and Fundraiser!
The Hummingbird Project is proud to be a sponsor of this wonderful event benefiting family caregivers in the Sacramento community.
Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center is an independent, private, non-profit program funded by the Department of Health Care Services, Are 4 Agency on Aging, grants and private donations. Del Oro’s mission is to improve the well-being of family caregivers and provide support throughout the care giving process. Del Oro provides a variety of help to support caregivers and achieve their mission. Visit www.deloro.org for more information.
This event was voted Best Event by the Sacramento OAC on 2016 and 2017 and is not to be missed! To purchase tickets, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/13th-annual-cruise-around-the-world-cook-off-and-fundraiser-tickets-38811341768
Hope to see you there!
Dance, Ballerina, Dance
/in News /by tiffanyWhile the residents of a memory care community were discussing “Four Ballerinas on Stage”, by Edgar Degas, one resident named Bea began to hum a tune. Dee caught onto it and joined in. They felt the image reminded them of a song titled “Dance, Ballerina, Dance”. Our activity specialist, Alicia, was able to carry around her phone for all of the residents to see Nat King Cole perform the song. When Alicia came to Gwendolyn, she was thrilled and reached out to hold the phone, noting “He was so handsome.” Steve asked Alicia to linger awhile in front of him so he could hear the music longer. When music is combined with art, it touches people spiritually and emotionally. Sallie swayed as Alicia walked past her. Rosie shared about her experience as a ballet dancer and wished she had songs as nice as “Dance, Ballerina, Dance” when she was actually dancing.
Art and music offer unending ways to connect to meaningful memories and inspiration.
The Brilliance of Nature
/in News /by tiffanyNature has a profound way to connect us to something much bigger than ourselves. It stirs the imagination, awakens a sense of awe and wonder, and it grounds us in the world in which we live. For many people living with cognitive decline, images of nature can evoke calmness and trigger valuable memories that can relieve anxiety and apathy. Photographer Aaron Reed captures nature in a way that is stunning. By sharing the images on his website, you can take your client or loved one to incredible places from the comfort of their home. Explore the brilliant colors of trees and mountains, the shapes of mysterious caverns and the movement captured in the desert sands. The experience will surly offer inspiration and conversation and well as adding meaning and value to your day.
For your own armchair travel experience, please visit www.aaronreedphotography.com.
Well-Being Through Creative and Cultural Participation
/in News /by tiffanyStudies show that creative and cultural participation is the top-most contributor to wellbeing in older age. How can that be defined?
According to AgeUK, in 2017, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing published the report of its two-year Inquiry into practice and research in the arts in health and social care. This found that participating in the arts is essential to healthy ageing, mentally, emotionally, and even physically.
Also, an analysis of USoc data by other researchers found a positive relationship between engagement in cultural activities, the arts, and subjective wellbeing, not just in older people but all adults.
For more information on the subject, please visit
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/our-impact/policy-research/wellbeing-research/creative-wellbeing/
Maintaining Work Life Accomplishments
/in News /by tiffanyThe activity specialist started the “Planning a company meeting” project by arranging for a site visit at a community park auditorium that would be a nice setting for the meeting. As part of the planning process, they did the following:
Surveyed the facility to see if it was appropriate for a company meeting.
Counted the number of chairs per table to estimate the capacity, and greeted the manager of the space.
Noticed that it was cold so they checked to see if heat was available. The manager of the space advised enjoying the brisk coolness to save money by not turning on the heat. Never-the-less, they were satisfied learning that heat was available.
Noted the large parking garage nearby.
In this case, the event was fictional, but it’s possible to use this useful information gathered to plan an upcoming event.
Adaptation: Planning a company picnic
In the car on the way home, George continued to think about the event and asked when it was. They reviewed their findings from the site visit, which highlighted the value of the excursion, reinforcing the client’s feeling of being productive.
* Name changed to protect client confidentiality. Photos published with permission.
A Meaningful Memorial Day
/in News /by tiffanyAt The Hummingbird Project, we would like to celebrate what Memorial Day is truly about.
So often, it is thought of as the kick-off of summer, a season of barbecue, parks and vacations. But the actual intention of this day, which was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, was to set aside time to pause and honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation.
Please join us as we share deep gratitude and praise their legacy, with four quotes that capture the ideals of patriotism.
“You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.” – Aristotle
“Memorial Day this year is especially important as we are reminded almost daily of the great sacrifices that the men and women of the armed services make to defend our way of life.” – Robin Hayes
“A man’s country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers and woods, it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle. – George William Curtis
“If we love our country, we should also love our countrymen.” – Ronald Reagan
To continue the conversation with your care partner, share things you love about our country, things that require courage, and reminisce about those who you may be honoring on this day. Connecting emotionally and sharing gratitude are ways to enhance quality of life and bring great meaning to Memorial Day.
To those who have served, we thank you.
Flower Power!
/in News /by tiffanyCountryside in California
/in News /by tiffanyExperience the charm and enjoy a breath of fresh air with your client or loved one at the Filoli Estate in Woodside. Built in 1917, this lovely manor was donated by the owners to the National Trust for Historic Preservation for the public to enjoy. Relish in the beauty of this unique home as you stroll together through leisurely or on a guided tour. Make sure to bring your camera as the opportunity to take pictures of the exquisite gardens, which have received world-wide acknowledgement, is endless. Like walking in an enchanted forest, your five senses will be reeling from the sights, gentle sounds, and touch of this classic adventure.