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Setting Care Providers Up for Success

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During times of social distancing, care providers may feel alone and depleted when finding ways to engage with their clients. Activity Specialists assist with this dilemma as they are privy to a client’s interests, history, and background. This provider was sent a care package to share with her client who is a Disney lover; by the end of the day, photos of the two woman sporting Minnie Mouse ears accompanied with big smiles were shared with our Activity Specialist! Ahh…Teamwork!

Click Here to find out ways to avoid caregiver burnout!

Art, Creativity, and Curiosity

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With a limited sense of community and connection, engaging in art observation can help fight loneliness and boredom for elders. One client became particularly talkative when asked to describe a painting shared by Zoom, asking questions about the artist and describing the painting as “feeling optimistic”.  As emotional and creative life quality were supported, our client found her smile and responded to the floral painting saying, “Oh boy, that’s nice.”

“Landscape with Flowers (Nirvana)”, by Zoltan Palugyay. 

Keeping Familiar During Times of Separation

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Cutting off communication during times of social distancing can have detrimental effects on older adults experiencing isolation and depression. Using technology and the mail system is of the utmost importance to maintaining relationships that clients rely on regarding familiarity and quality of life. Friendship jewelry, phone calls, and a picture of the Activity Specialist shared each week keep the connection alive! What are friends for?
Check out this article on how to ease isolation while practicing social distancing: https://www.healthinaging.org/blog/12-ways-to-ease-isolation-while-youre-practicing-social-distancing/
For more information about how your loved one can benefit from working with and staying connected to our Activity Specialists through Hummingbird Virtual Activity Sessions, please call Tiffany Ramirez at 916-990-7944, email tpaigeramirez@sageeldercare.com, or visit https://hummingbirdproject.net/

Singing Together! Mood Buster!

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Chocolate is known to boost Serotonin levels in the brain; what a delicious way to elevate your mood. Singing offers the same result as it boosts the immune system and is a wonderful way for older adults to exercise. During social distancing, Hummingbird Specialists invite clients to a sing-along during their virtual activity session to deactivate stress and promote overall good feelings. Singing together…who knew the health benefits!

Click Here to find the health benefits of singing!

Creative Expression Supports Black Lives

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By supporting older adults in spiritual and creative activities that express their respect for inclusivity, equality, and diversity, we open doors for meaning, value, and love. After coaching from a Hummingbird Project Activity Specialist, Francine’s care partner used collage to help her express feelings about the importance of Black lives. In this, Francine found deep meaning by creatively making her personal statement and being a part of the focus that all lives matter.

Moving Through the Madness: Physical Stimulation

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Maintaining normalcy during the stay-at-home orders is difficult, especially for those who are used to moving their body. This older adult who regularly attends Zumba classes is now connecting with her instructors via Zoom! Hummingbird Specialists know the importance of physical release to connect body and mind, working together to promote wellness!

Click Here to check out Authur Murrays in San Francisco!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information about how Hummingbird Virtual Activity Sessions can help your loved one with meaningful movement, please call Tiffany Ramirez at 916-990-7944, email tpaigeramirez@sageeldercare.com, or visit Hummingbird Project Virtual Program

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A Hoarder’s Helper!

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Due to recent Stay at Home orders, clients who once obtained in-person assistance with specific issues are challenged. With the help of her Hummingbird Activity Specialist, care provider, and iPad, a client was able to shift her focus away from hoarding cats to life-long learning about the animals she loves. Introducing The Kitten Lady on YouTube has brought joy, camaraderie, and the responsibility of how to properly take care of kittens. Shifting fear with education offers new purpose and meaning. 

Click Here to view The Kitten Lady!

Independence! Happy 4th of July!

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Independence! Happy 4th of July!

Being independent is important to everyone and older adults are no different. Preserving the feeling of control gives a sense of normalcy and autonomy. Hummingbird Specialists use language that instills this acknowledgment when they ask questions such as, “What do you think,” and “Tell me about” when addressing self-efficiency. Independence is life-long! 

Click Here to learn about why independence is important for older adults!

The Element of Touch: Tactile Stimulation

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Welcome to Week 8 of our 10-week in-depth look at the Hummingbird Project’s Virtual Activity program!

The Element of Touch: Tactile Stimulation

Clients experiencing dementia commonly encounter sensory overwhelm, which may lead to confusion and anxiety–sometimes causing hostility. Being mindful of social distancing, Hummingbird Specialists make sure clients are supplied with sensory items that maintain the element of touch and also provide comfort. This rain stick is reminiscent of falling water that promotes calmness and allows a person to feel grounded. Do you feel what I am feeling?  

Click Here for sensory activities that reduce anxiety!

For more information about connecting your loved one to CDC compliant in-person or Hummingbird Virtual Activity Sessions, please call Tiffany Ramirez at 916-990-7944, email tpaigeramirez@sageeldercare.com, or visit Hummingbird Project Virtual Program

 

Please follow us! 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hummingbirdprojectactivityprogram

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hummingbirdprojectjoyfulmoment/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hummingbird_joy

Treasure Hunt in San Francisco!

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As the Stay at Home orders are beginning to lift, Hummingbird Specialists are finding creative ways to engage their clients who have been isolated using safe and protected measures. Incorporating a treasure hunt into this man’s activity session was a joint effort that included his main care provider. After constructing necessary clues beforehand, they practiced social distancing as they took in iconic structures in San Francisco that included The Painted Ladies, TransAmerica Building, Salesforce Tower, Ferry Building, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Getting out again was never so much fun!

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