Taking in a virtual session with your senior friend does not have to be just inside the house. With Spring arriving and the flowers blooming, we enjoyed our Zoom session outside together! Not only does this provide realistic visuals for your partner to enjoy, but the sound of nature enhances the activity as birds sing all around. Tactile stimulation also lends to this scenario as my senior friend can see my hand embrace each flower and plant observed. Asking questions such as, “What do you think this flower smells like?” provides intellectual stimulation and the chance for your friend to express their thoughts and use creativity. We also met a dog on the way! Spring…..taking it in virtually is another way to enjoy the flowers!!

Welcome to our 10 Week in-depth look at the Hummingbird Project’s Virtual Activity program! 

As the Stay-In-Place orders continue, elders are feeling the effects of isolation more than ever. Clients that are used to experiencing certified pet-therapists in their activity session are especially feeling the loneliness of not seeing their furry friend. Hummingbird Activity Specialists to the rescue, as they have created a virtual way to meet the emotional well-being of their clients. With the use of technology, an Activity Specialist includes a pet-therapy animal by way of Zoom or FaceTime. This activity provides reminiscing as clients share stories regarding family pets of yesterday. Also, because animals take on a child-like presence, clients can continue to demonstrate feelings of nurture as they speak to them in loving tones; just like in person! The Hummingbird Project is dedicated to promoting quality of life and understand how animals bring out the best in everyone involved. Zoom doggie, Zoom!

For more information about Hummingbird Virtual Activity Sessions, please call Tiffany Ramirez at 916-990-7944, email tpaigeramirez@sageeldercare.com, or visit Hummingbird Project Virtual Program

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Music unlocks the soul and often can rekindle early feelings and memories. Try making a list of music that inspires your loved one and search for similar genres or artists. This can also be a starting point to explore new music and slowly expand the range of interest into new territory. Enjoy creating a theme day of Hawaiian, Spanish, or Country music, dress the part and add props to enhance the experience.

Other ways to enjoy music together:

• Sing and dance with the tune.
• Use rhythm and movement to easily connect to a favorite song while seated or standing.
• Sing a familiar lyric or hum the melody together.
• Simply relax and listen, then talk about how you feel afterwards.

Remember, the enjoyment of music is universal!

**For more information and ideas view the documentary Alive Inside.

A special connection from an Activity Specialist:
Never having a green thumb, I always enjoyed conversing with my client who was a master gardener. After moving into a house recently, I called upon her expertise often when trying to navigate around the large garden bestowed to our family. Assisting me in designing this garden brought her much joy and nurtured her self-esteem as she shared her expertise.  Since the recent “shelter at home” orders, my client has not been able to leave her care facility. No problem! I cut fresh flowers from my yard and delivered them curbside to my gardener friend. The staff took extra care in transferring them inside and observed the appropriate waiting period before delivering them to her room. Bringing the outside in gave my client the chance to smell the flowers again! We conversed virtually about the different types of flowers and I was able to share a video about gardening with her on the computer! Ah, don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers!!!

It is said that “Laughter is the best medicine.” So have a good laugh while sharing funny jokes and riddles with your family or care partner. Tickle your funny bone by inventing creative new versions of your own! During this time of unprecedented uncertainty, it is important to find opportunities to lift our spirits, and what better way than to laugh and smile together? Not only is it fun, but it benefits intellectual and emotional well-being and helps reduce feelings of isolation. Look for ways to give a giggle and count how many smiles you can create! And no worries if someone is wearing a mask, you can still see a smile in their eyes!