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!
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
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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!
Sharing art with a food theme on FaceTime is a great way to engage seniors who are experiencing isolation. It can bring back warm memories of their favorite recipes associated with family, friends, children, or a vocation. Asking senior clients to give their opinion about the food they eat, have eaten, or celebrate, offers self-esteem and a beautiful way to say, “You matter…What do you think?”
Click Here to find out how food and memory are linked!
Welcome to Week 7 of our 10-week in-depth look at the Hummingbird Project’s Virtual Activity program!
Finding Peace in the Things You Love: Spiritual Stimulation
In times of turmoil, finding ways to create a calm atmosphere for our older adult clients is essential in terms of their well-being. Tapping into what brings peace allows clients to take their minds off the worries of the world and so often that comfort comes with food. While sheltering in place together, take extra time to cook and eat with your loved one; for those who are isolated, deliver a basket of ingredients for a favorite recipe. This opens the opportunity to engage with familiar smells, the joy of sharing, and the rewards for hard work. Let the baking begin!
Click Here to learn more about easy and healthy meals for older adults and what to do when cooking is no longer an option!
For more information about how to help your loved one connect to Hummingbird Activity Kits or 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
While experiencing isolation, older adults can grow tired of care providers trying to assist them with activities they have no interest in and don’t care for. Thorough assessments conducted by Hummingbird Specialists allow them to understand the likes and dislikes of their clients. This client was an exceptional artist, specializing in drawing horses; finding her niche has brought self-esteem, purpose, and the ability to run her own ship again!
Click here to read an article about the importance of autonomy in older adults.
Before the Stay at Home orders, clients were able to visit places they enjoyed with their Hummingbird specialist; this woman enjoyed visiting animal shelters. Now, we bring “places” to our clients through virtual tours and real animals. With a little planning from her care team, our client can sit in the comfort of her home and experience companionship, verbal communication, and the same good feeling as before while hanging out with her feline friends!
Click here to read an article about the healing power of pets for older adults!
Welcome to week 6 of our 10-week in-depth look at the Hummingbird Project’s Virtual Activity program!
Isolation Affects Mood- Environmental Stimulation
Older adults who have been sheltering in place may experience symptoms of depression, and this was especially true for one of our lovely clients who is nonverbal. Our Hummingbird Specialist took advantage of technology by taking her on a virtual walk with her dog where they discovered newborn goats together! While observing soft kisses between the two animals, the client relaxed and quietly said, “She is such a good girl.” Joy filtered in as she smiled in delight.
Click here to read an article from the National Institute on Aging about how social isolation and loneliness can pose health risks in older adults.
For more information about how you can help your loved one with 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
Every day numbers of families are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and without change, those numbers are expected to grow; by promoting awareness in June, we are a step closer to finding ways to slow down the progression. Staying informed is key to Hummingbird specialists when working with family members of clients who suffer from Alzheimer’s. Using strategies, helping to understand symptoms, and supplying up to date information is the first step in spreading the word…Go Purple!
Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures: https://youtu.be/blQs9klQj9E
How do we make sure special occasions for loved ones experiencing isolation do not go unnoticed? One client was emotionally uplifted on her special day as they celebrated together virtually with festive and joyful things: cards, cake, balloons, funny hats, and banjo singing. While being serenaded by an Activity Specialist with her favorite songs, the client looked at her care provider and said enthusiastically, “She’s playing guitar for me on the phone!” The outcome: she felt special and celebrated!
