Archive for category: News

Using our sense memories is a great way to stimulate cognition and delightful conversation.  Talk to your family member about past experiences, guiding the conversation by each of the five senses.  For example, sound: What was your favorite sound in that Elm Street house? Was it the tick of a certain clock? The sound of the garage door signalling Mom coming home?  The chimes by the back door? Or, sight: What about our trips home from LA? Maybe seeing the Madonna Inn sign on the highway when we were just about home. It was so brightly colored.  Wasn’t that old ball our dog loved so much bright yellow? You just couldn’t get her to part with it. Think of the conversation as a greatest hits list of the senses; your favorite sights, sounds, smells, tastes, things to touch.  Go through each of the senses to recall a special memory and stay with it for a moment. Enjoy it together. Try to experience each fully, attempt to again taste, see, feel, hear, and smell within each memory. You are sure to spark memories and laughter!

As we launch the Hummingbird Project in Los Angeles, we are really excited to introduce you to the team! Meet Victoria Hernandez!

Victoria found her passion for helping others while working as a massage therapist over the past 11 years. She volunteered her time at the VA medical center helping veterans with pain management using touch and aromatherapy. At the VA hospital she discovered recreation therapy and decided to leave her hometown to pursue her MS degree in Recreation. Victoria continued to volunteer at her local VA hospital in Long Beach and completed her internship at the Blind Rehabilitation Center helping veterans with vision impairment through therapeutic recreation. She has since found her purpose helping others with varying ranges of ability. Her curious and adventurous personality leads her to discover new hobbies such as sewing, playing music, roller skating, and finding new places to travel. She believes it’s never too late to pick up a new leisure activity or rediscover old ones.

For more information and a complimentary consultation, please email rcanny@sageeldercare.com.

Nature plays a fundamental part in all of our lives.  Trees in particular. We have all had profound relationships with trees.  With anxiety running high, this is a great time to take a moment to contemplate our relationship with nature by reflecting on trees we have known and loved.  Start an in depth conversation with your family member about a tree that is special to them. Maybe one they grew up with or one they currently enjoy. Talk about that tree’s attributes in detail.  What do they like about it? Is it a provider of shade? Is it strong? Does it flower? Then ask them to contemplate whether they share any of the attributes of that tree. How are they a provider? How are they strong?  How do they flower? By helping them to own these qualities they will experience a calming connection with the natural world. If they like they can follow up with a drawing of the tree which will serve as a metaphor enhancing this sense of well being for days to come.

Currently, for the safety of everyone, taking extra precaution includes washing hands frequently to prevent the spread of disease. This continuous routine could be challenging for people who experience dementia. Helping those that may not remember to adopt this important habit is necessary for not only them but also to those that assist them. Preparing reminders and sending them to your loved ones home is the first step to combat the spread of unwanted germs. Assist them during your virtual time together by coaching them where to hang the reminders up. Share a song that they like to sing while washing their hands. Lastly, demonstrate the correct way to wash your hands. Everyone needs reminders, let’s help those who may need an extra one!