Hi,
it is Sara, my friends. On July 24th,
I received an email from Emily Harwood in Midland, MI. She is an Activity Specialist at Seasons
Adult Day Service at Senior Services. I
volunteer in this program and I love doing it.
What do I do? I water the plants
inside and outside in the garden once a week.
The last 3 weeks I did not water outside because the rain took my
place. Now don’t laugh, OK. The first time this year I went outside and
got out the hose and started watering the plants, it felt so good. Then I was feeling some drops on my arms and
legs and it was getting wetter and I thought it was raining. No, no rain.
Just the sprinkler system was watering me. I still had the hose in my hand and I tried
to shut it down, but I couldn’t, so I threw it down and ran, and all the way I
was laughing. I like being there.
There
are many ways we can help and I like to talk, walk, laugh, sing, and assist
anyone in need. Also, being out in the
garden we can pick some fruits and veggies.
Now it is time for Emily to take over! (This is from the July 24th email
I mentioned.)
Hello Volunteers,
Back in May, Renee discussed
suggestions to keep in mind when doing activities with people with dementia.
This month, I would like to highlight different types of activities and 30
successful downtime activities that can be performed while volunteering at
Seasons. Remember, activities should bring meaning, purpose, joy and hope to
the person's life. Activities should also use the person’s skills and abilities
along with being enjoyable! Don’t forget to focus on the process, not the end
result. Try out one of these activities next time your leading a small group or
friendly visiting.
Types of Activities:
Creative: Painting,
playing the piano
Intellectual: Reading a
book, doing crossword puzzles
Physical: Taking a
walk, playing catch
Social: Having
coffee, talking, playing cards
Spiritual: Praying,
singing a hymn
Spontaneous: Going out
to dinner, visiting friends
Work-related: Making notes,
typing, fixing something
Chores: Dusting,
sweeping, doing laundry
Mealtime: Preparing
food, cooking, eating
30 Successful Downtime
Activities:
1.
String beads
2.
Dry/wash dishes
3.
Dust
4.
Arrange flowers
5.
Fold laundry
6.
Bake/Cook
7.
Sand wood
8.
Sort fabrics
9.
Sort silverware
10. Vacuum/Sweep
11. Wash windows
12. Water plants
13. Large piece puzzles
14. Ball yarn
15. Clip Coupons
16. Shine Silverware
17. Walk outside
18. Manicures/ Makeup
19. Look through old records
20. Balloon tap or toss
21. Dance
22. Read short stories
23. Rake leaves
24. Look through photo albums
25. String cheerios for birds
26. Paint
27. Sort costume jewelry
28. Play Uno
29. Peel potatoes
30. Husk corn
Volunteers are seldom paid; not
because they are worthless, but because they are PRICELESS!
Emily Harwood
Activity Specialist
Seasons Adult Day Service
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