The 411 on Party Planning!

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Westchester Gardens-Holiday Brainstorm!

THIS IS A PROGRAM I HAVE HAD MUCH SUCCESS WITH IN THE PAST.

PICTURES WITH SANTA; NEED SANTA SUIT,DIGITAL CAMERA.HOLIDAY PICTURE CARDS( FOUND AT CVS, WALGREENS, AND EKHART DRUG), HOLIDAY HATS (OFFER CHOICES) FOR RESIDENTS, PICTURES CAN THEN BE ADDRESSED AND SENT TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF RESIDENT CHOICE,I ALWAYS MAKE 2 COPIES SO RESIDENT CAN HAVE ONE FOR THEMSELVES, ENCOURAGE AND ASSIST WITH DISPLAYING AND SENDING OUT MAKES A GREAT MARKETING TOOL. USUALLY TAKES SEVERAL SITTING DAYS AND WE PLAY HOLIDAY MUSIC AND OFFER HOLIDAY REFRESHMENTS IE; CIDER,COOKIES ETC DURING LOTS OF LAUGHS AND FUN!! MY STAFF AND MYSELF ARE DRESSED UP AS ELVES, SANTAS LITTLE HELPERS.

MAUREEN COOK ADC WESTCHESTER GARDENS

Miramont Pointe-Holiday Brainstorm!

Last year we had a fudge making contest at Christmas time. Residents, their families, and staff entered close to 25 different kinds of fudge. We numbered the fudge and made tags stating what kind it was, peanut butter, white chocolate almond etc. the residents voted on the best fudge 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. We had gift cards as prices. The real fun was that everyone got a plastic goody bag and took home a piece of each kind of fudge, or their favorites. We also had plenty of water on hand. We had a real sweet time.

We also host a breakfast with Santa for staff and their children and residents and their great and great grandchildren. One of the residents families takes pictures of children on Santa’s lap and we are able to print them immediately (modern technology) and we buy cute picture sleeves at the dollar store. We have carolers that stroll around singing Christmas songs. Everyone enjoys a buffet style breakfast. We send each child home with some snowman soup, (mug with hot chocolate, marshmallows and a candy cane in it). It is a highlight event for many.

Shelly Barley, Activity Director

Inn on Westport-Holiday Brainstorm!

1. Cookie Exchange - Our recipe club makes holiday treats in Nov & Dec, & then before christmas we plate a few on a small holiday plates and give them to all the residents to take back to their room ( to eat themselves or offer to guests who visit).
Prep - get recipes from residents of favorite holiday treats - freezer space to put them untill the exchange

2. Holiday Open House (Old Fashioned Christmas Theme) - we have various stations through out the building that residents and their families can go through:
1. Candy Shop - were residents & their families decorate sugar cookies together.
2. Photo with Santa - Take Digital photos-that can be printed right away. -
3. Making a photo christmas card (that they can put their picture with Santa in)
4. Music ( various peformers, carolers, ballet dancers, etc) play through out the afternoon as entertainment.
-takes alot of work, each department needs to be in charge of different area. Staff needs to help people go from one station to the next.

Cherilyn Dystrka, Activity Director

Terracina Grand-Holiday Brainstorm!

1. ‘Beating the Holiday Blues’-for some, this had a big impact-as some really struggle with the Holidays. We sat in a round circle and discussed ideas on how to recognize depression, and the best way to positively impact others to make our lives more meaningful during the holidays.
2. Gift Wrapping 101-this was fun—I made it an afternoon social and had people bring things they have trouble wrapping due to arthritis and such, and had one of our employees give a wrapping demo. We served cookies and punch, listened to Christmas music in the background, and reminisced.
3. Twinkle Tours-Always a favorite for everyone! We do several runs to accommodate everyone on the bus. We even stop by our weekend bus drivers’ house and he dresses up with his granddaughter and hands out little candy canes to everyone on the bus!

These are our most successful programs….we also fill the calendar up with community groups that come in to perform—and that is always a hit, and of course our resident Christmas party. For our Jewish Folks, we have a small celebration each day at 4pm to celebrate Chanukah in the Lobby area by lighting the Menorah.

Sandy Steinbach, Activity Director

Valley View Estates-Holiday Brainstorm!

We have two great Christmas celebrations. One is for our residents living on South/west. This celebration happens on the 3rd Wed of December and begins at 7:30PM. The resident family members are invited to attend via the newsletter and to bring a present for Santa to deliver during the party. We have a live band that plays Christmas carols and any requests that our residents may have. We have a dance every month on the 3rd Wednesday, but of course the Christmas one has a lot more Oomph and Pizzazz!
Every resident receives a present from Santa (My assistant, Lorna’s husband is great). If the resident has no family to provide for them, we make sure they have a present. We make a lot of joyful noise during this party; the band encourages us to sing a long!
We serve fancy decorated cup cakes, candy, and we have a punch fountain that is beautiful with lights shining through our red Christmas punch. We hold this party in our main dining room; we just push the tables back to the wall to allow room for dancing; this also gives residents and their guests a place to eat their treats. We find having our South/West party on this particular evening gives family members the opportunity to spend some Christmas time with their loved one in case they may be out of town for the actual Holiday.

Our other Christmas part occurs on the 3rd Friday of the Month ion our Sunshine North Memory Care Unit. Again, all family members are invited and asked to bring a wrapped present for Santa to deliver. The reason that we do not have combined Christmas parties is that it has been our experience that most of our Sunshine North residents become agitated and overloaded with the noise etc. and they definitely do not enjoy themselves. The party On sunshine North consists of singing Christmas carols, decorated cupcakes, the punch fountain, and of course a visit from Santa Claus (one of our Sunshine North CNAs is a great Santa for this party he is well versed in Alzheimer dementia care and is a great, gentle Santa) This party occurs during the early afternoon. An evening party on Sunshine North is not usually a good idea as it may cause some resident overload adding to the sundowning issues already occurring. We have several Sunshine North residents that do very well during our monthly dance (off unit), but do not do well with the Holiday bells and whistles thrown in.

We also have a children’s Christmas party that our residents really enjoy. This party if for all of the staff’s children and resident’s grand children and greatgrandchildren. You can’t beat the combination of the very young and the very old. It is always a great combination. I guess I have taken enough of your time. If you need anything else, be sure and let me know…we’re always glad to help.

Linda Lachman, Activity Director

Westpark Village Holds Jewelry Sale!

Westpark Village hosted an Old Costume Jewelry Sale on Saturday, September 15. The residents and community came together to donate old jewelry to be sold for $5.00 or less.
Over 2700 pieces of jewelry were donated overall with 31 Westpark Village residents giving around 680 pieces. $1700 was raised to go to the American Heart Association.

To view pictures of the sale go to:
http://www.westparksenior.com/actprogmenu.html.

A Laugh a Day...

National Assisted Living Week at Arizona Grand!

Vacation to Spain

Here are just a few Assisted living week Photos

National Assisted Living Week at Terracina Grand!

Resident Talent Show

Hello-
We had a very busy week at Terracina Grand!!! The first set is from our Talent Show, which was a huge success. The Forum, our main activity room was packed to the brim as the residents came out to cheer on their peers, and see their talents. We enjoyed many special numbers from our residents. One resident recited all 50 states in Alphabetical order, we had a pianist play a solo, several singers, with a special Irish number by three of our men, and a special song, “Edelweiss” dedicated to one our residents who survived the Holocaust, one gentleman shared a few humorous stories from his war days, and one man did a special dance and sung at the same time. All in all, it was a great afternoon, and many residents were surprised to find out what their neighbors can do!

Sandra Steinbach
Activities Director

National Assisted Living Week at The Commons on Marice!

National Assisted Living Week always requires a little extra work for the activity staff here at the Commons…but man, it’s worth it!!! We had a super fun/busy/exciting/rewarding week! Each day we had a theme from the Legacies of Love which lead to a bunch of extra tweaks to the activity calendar. Here are some things that worked really well that you might want to try if you are ever in the need of an idea!

For part of our celebration for Legacies of Environment we had a program where each resident wrote or researched a poem about the environment…of course they were welcome to come and just listen if they preferred! This program really got the residents’ creative juices flowing! With such a broad topic it was interesting to see the variety of poems and ideas that the residents came up with! One of the ladies even brought her poem book from 1920 and they all started recited a bunch of old poems. It was a hoot!

Legacies of Music brought more fun for our week!!! We had music themed activities ALL day. We really stressed how different music can affect your mood. For exercises we pumped the residents up with upbeat music, for aromatherapy we calmed them down using soothing music, for dinner we provided them with a live flutist, and during gardening club we even talked about how music has been proved to help plants grow!!! We even had the local historical society come in with a traveling, costumed actor to do a presentation on early American music. It was very interesting!

National Assisted Living Week at The Inn on Westport!

Antique Road Show

We had a panel of 3 local antique experts who did appraisals/info on Resident's antiques. Each resident could bring down a maximum of 3 items.

National Housekeeeping Week!

September 9th-14th

So very often the housekeeping staff assists the activity department with setting up and cleaning up after events. Don't forget to show your housekeeping team how very grateful we are for all of their help during National Housekeeping Week!

Suggestions:
1) "Cleaning with a SMILE and In Style" purchase a mug with a smiley face on it, fill with candy and a "stylish" yet funny pair of sunglasses. Attach note of Thanks!
2) "Housekeeping...at the HEART of the facility!" purchase heart shaped candies, put in decorative bag. Attach note of Thanks!
3) Have residents sign a LARGE card and present to members of the housekeeping team at a large event in building or during their department meeting.

What is Yom Kippur?

Jewish "Day of Atonement" considers spiritual well being
By: David Johnson

Yom Kippur, which in 2007 begins at sundown Sept. 21, and lasts until sundown Sept. 22, is one of the most serious Jewish holidays. Jews who do not regularly observe other holidays often make an exception for Yom Kippur, which occurs on the tenth day of the Hebrew month of Tishri. Yom Kippur observances can vary. Some non-Orthodox Jews might not follow the following outline exactly.

This is judgment day. Many Jews practice repentance, say prayers, and give charity to obtain God's forgiveness for any sins made in the past year. Yom Kippur is the culmination of a process that began a month earlier, during the Hebrew month of Elal. It follows Rosh Hashanah and the New Year's activities.

Days of Awe

The Days of Awe, or Ten Days of Repentance, are the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It offers a chance for spiritual renewal and repentance before Yom Kippur, which is to atone for sins between man and God.

After Rosh Hashanah and before Yom Kippur are ten days known as the Days of Awe, or Ten Days of Repentance. They offer a chance for spiritual renewal and repentance before Yom Kippur, which is to atone for sins between man and God.
Some Orthodox Jews hold a live fowl over their heads as atonement for sin. The fowl is killed and given to the poor. Instead of an actual bird, some Jews use a bag of money symbolizing the price of the bird. This is the ancient custom of kapparot, or atonements, and is practiced during the afternoon before Yom Kippur begins.

A confession, a special meal

During the afternoon prayers on the day before Yom Kippur, a viddui, or confessional, is said. It is repeated during Yom Kippur.
Yom Kippur requires a fast of about 25 hours. The final meal before is a somewhat festive occasion, including soup, chicken, and challah, traditional Jewish bread. Salty foods, which may make fasting more difficult, are generally avoided. Participants are advised to drink plenty of water and to brush their teeth before the fast begins. Those who usually drink a lot of caffeine are advised to start cutting down days before to avoid the headache associated with caffeine withdrawal.

Candles and a blessing

Two holiday candles are blessed and then lit. This signals the beginning of Yom Kippur. There is no more eating or drinking. Other prohibitions are: no bathing, no using creams and oils, no wearing of leather shoes, and no sexual relations. There are exceptions. Children who have not yet had their bar or bat-mitzvah, pregnant women, and people who are sick or infirm may eat or drink as needed. Some Reform Jews might not follow these prohibitions precisely.
A series of prayers is said during Yom Kippur. The Kol Nidrei is the first prayer, and should be recited before sunset. It is written in Aramaic, an ancient language. The Maariv is an evening service and includes the viddui.

During Yom Kippur, there is no eating or drinking. Other prohibitions are: no bathing, no using creams and oils, no wearing of leather shoes, and no sexual relations.

Prayers for those who have died

In the morning, the Shaharit begins the day. It is similar to other morning services but includes additional poems, known as piyutim. Next is the Yizkor, a memorial prayer for those whose parents have died. Those with parents still living leave the main sanctuary while it is being said. The Musaf is the longest service of the year. It contains two parts: one which recounts the temple service, and the second describes the ten Jewish wise men tortured to death by the Romans.

Locking of the gates of heaven

Most synagogues take a break following the Musaf to allow worshippers to take a rest. In the afternoon, the Minhah, which includes the reading of the Book of Jonah, takes place. It is the briefest Yom Kippur service. It is followed by the Neilah, meaning "locked." It refers to the locking of the gates of heaven. The congregation stands during the Neilah. At the end of the afternoon service, the shofar, a ram's horn, is blown. Today various types of horns are used.
Families "break the fast," when they return home and eat a light meal often prepared in advance. This usually includes dairy products. Bagels and lox, noodle kugel, juice, and coffee are apt to be included.

Rosh Hashanah is Jewish New Year!

Feast of the Trumpets remembers world's creation
by David Johnson

Rosh Hashanah begins September 12th, 2007
Related Links

Lost Tribes of Israel
Branches of Judaism
Yom Kippur
Jewish Holidays, 2001–2009
Judaism Primer

On Wednesday night, Sept. 12, 2007, Jews will begin celebrating one of their most important religious holidays, Rosh Hashanah. It remembers the creation of the world. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means the "head of the year." It is also called the Feast of the Trumpets. The blowing of a ram's horn, a shofar, proclaims Rosh Hashanah, and summons Jews to religious services. Sundown Sept. 12 marks the beginning of the year 5768 and the month of Tishri.
Jews used the ram's horn as a trumpet in Biblical times to announce the new moon, holidays, and war. Today, a variety of horns are used, including curved antelope horns.

Putting your spiritual house in order

While it does have its festive side, Rosh Hashanah is not one big party, as the New Year's celebrations on Dec. 31 tend to be. Rosh Hashanah is a time for personal introspection and prayer.
Jews may also visit graves. It is thought that the prayers or good wishes of the dead can help the living. By wishing each other well and sending cards, people let friends know what happened in the past year and what plans lie ahead. Christmas cards and get-togethers fill a similar role for Christians.
Rosh Hashanah is part of a process of spiritual growth. The Hebrew month preceding it, Elul, is a time for charity, tzedakah. Rosh Hashanah falls on the first and second days of the seventh month, Tishri.

Food for thought

Traditional Jewish foods accompany Rosh Hashanah. Typically, a blessing will be said over two loaves of bread, known as challah. The round shape symbolizes a crown, a reminder of the kingship of God. Challah also stands for the circle of life, and the hope that our lives endure without end.
Challah is sometimes baked with a ladder on top in recognition that only God decides who climbs up or down the ladder of life. Forming challah in the shape of a bird is also done. The Torah says that God will protect Jerusalem in the same way a bird hovers.
Apples dipped in honey are another Rosh Hashanah tradition. It symbolizes the hope for a "sweet year" ahead. Honey is spread on challah. Tzimmes, a mixture made from carrots, cinnamon, yams, prunes, and honey, is also traditional.
Sephardic Jews—those of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern origin—serve a whole fish as a wish for prosperity, fertility, and good luck for the coming year. Some Jews also present fruit baskets covered to hide the contents, symbolizing that no one can know what the new year will bring.

Determined by the new moon

Rosh Hashanah observances vary. Orthodox Jews celebrate Rosh Hashanah for two days. Reform Jews often observe it for only one day. In Biblical times the moon, not the calendar, determined dates for festivals. Witnesses watching the sky proclaimed the new moon. Since Rosh Hashanah falls on the first day of the month, people living far from Jerusalem did not have time to learn the exact date. Even those living near Jerusalem could miss the festival if the witnesses did not arrive on time. So, two days were set aside for observance so everyone would have time to participate.

Passport Program at Royal Palms a HUGE success!

Program Description:

We had realistic passports printed and have a page for residents’ names, etc. and twelve pages with the month on each page. Each month on my calendar you will see indicated events where they can have their passport stamped for that event. If they get 3 passport stamps for the month they can come to the Passport Party the last Wednesday of each month. This party has turned into a big event!! The theme of the party goes along with a map we created and placed the residents’ birth states (or countries) and target regions for the month. Thus that becomes the food for the party and entertainment as well. We honor the residents who reside the state/country/region we are honoring for that month. In November we will give some type of gift to the residents with the most stampings because some people come to everything. Yeah! We also have asked the residents to give us a bio about their home state and we are printing these in the form of a book to give them in December.

If you would like more information plesae contact: Dee Ragan (Activity Director) Royal Palms
Number: 727.585.8003 or email: dragan@thegoodmangroup.com

Suggestion for a "Meaningful Activity"

The residents at Westchester Gardens Long Term Care Center, located in Florida, have found a way to give back to their community, while at the same time feel like they are participating in a MEANINGFUL activity!

The American Red Cross Presents, "Vial of Life." It is a program that provides medical information to emergency personnel when individuals can't.

Here's How it Works:
The Vial of Life is taped to the top shelf of the front right side of the the INSIDE of one's refrigerator. The vial contains important medical information that emergency personnel would need if they came into your home and you were unconcious or could not give it to them. When the emergency personnel come to an individual's home they look for the orange dot on the upper left hand corner of the OUTSIDE of the regrigerator identifying the indiviudual as a Vial of Life participant.

How is it "meaningful" for the residents?
The residents at Westchester Gardens assemble the vials for the American Red Cross which includes: putting the information sheet inside of the vial, putting the lid on the vial, and rubberbanning directions to the outside of the vial. Sounds easy enough... They are then brought, or shipped, to the American Red Cross and the residents hope that their efforts will assist someone in the community during a medical emergency or possibly save a life!

Contact the American Red Cross in your county for more information!

Maureen Cook (Activity Director)
Westchester Gardens

August-History of the Month's Orgin

Augustus for 'August'
After Julius's grandnephew Augustus defeated Marc Antony and Cleopatra, and became emperor of Rome, the Roman Senate decided that he too should have a month named after him. The month Sextillus (sex = six) was chosen for Augustus, and the senate justified its actions in the following resolution:
Whereas the Emperor Augustus Caesar, in the month of Sextillis . . . thrice entered the city in triumph . . . and in the same month Egypt was brought under the authority of the Roman people, and in the same month an end was put to the civil wars; and whereas for these reasons the said month is, and has been, most fortunate to this empire, it is hereby decreed by the senate that the said month shall be called Augustus.
Not only did the Senate name a month after Augustus, but it decided that since Julius's month, July, had 31 days, Augustus's month should equal it: under the Julian calendar, the months alternated evenly between 30 and 31 days (with the exception of February), which made August 30 days long. So, instead of August having a mere 30 days, it was lengthened to 31, preventing anyone from claiming that Emperor Augustus was saddled with an inferior month.
To accommodate this change two other calendrical adjustments were necessary:
The extra day needed to inflate the importance of August was taken from February, which originally had 29 days (30 in a leap year), and was now reduced to 28 days (29 in a leap year).
Since the months evenly alternated between 30 and 31 days, adding the extra day to August meant that July, August, and September would all have 31 days. So to avoid three long months in a row, the lengths of the last four months were switched around, giving us 30 days in September, April, June, and November.

NOW...see if your trivia group knows as much as you?? ha!!

From Manager to Leader..Words of Wisdom!

By: Leslie Kossoff
Ask anyone and they'll tell you. There's a difference between managers and leaders.

Ask them what that difference is and they may have a bit more difficulty. Suddenly the words become amorphous and undefined. Somehow leadership is an intangible - a charismatic component that some people have and others simply don't. That's why, according to the ubiquitous "they", it is such a rarity.

Wrong.

The difference between being a manager and being a leader is simple. Management is a career. Leadership is a calling.

You don't have to be tall, well-spoken and good looking to be a successful leader. You don't have to have that "special something" to fulfill the leadership role.

What you have to have is clearly defined convictions - and, more importantly, the courage of your convictions to see them manifest into reality.

Only when you understand your role as guide and steward based on your own most deeply held truths can you move from manager to leader.

Whether the group you oversee is called employees, associates, co-workers, teammates or anything else, what they are looking for is someone in whom they can place their trust. Someone they know is working for the greater good - for them and for the organization. They're looking for someone not only that they can - but that they want to - follow.

Because it is only when you have followers -people who have placed their trust in you - that you know you have moved into that leadership role. And the way you see it is that your organization is transcending all previous quality, productivity, innovation and revenue achievements. You're operating at such a high level of efficiency that you're giving budget back to the corporation - and you're still beating your goals.

You're achieving what you always dreamed could be achieved. And not only that, but it's actually easier than you thought.

Because you're a leader. Because the classic command and control management model - which, contrary to popular belief still applies even in our most progressive 21st century companies - is no longer in play. Sure, controls are in place. Sure, you're solving problems that arise.
But it's not just you alone. You have the people in whom you've put your trust - and who have happily and safely reciprocated - to help you create organizational success.

Terracina Grand Host Luau!

Terracina Luau
With the arrival of warm weather, we had an Island Adventure on Wednesday, June 6th. The Forum, Galleria, and Dining Room were transformed into a tropical haven. The Golden Gate High School Steel Drum band set the mood for us, as many danced, and enjoyed the island sounds. Joseph and his team prepared an amazing tropical dinner, as well as some outstanding hors d’oeuvres for all to enjoy. Your activity staff Sandy and Miss performed a special Hawaiian dance to “My Little Grass Shack In Kealakekua, Hawaii” for all to enjoy and learn.
Until next time, Aloha!

Honoring the Flag

Although Flag Day has passed...great information on our "Stars and Stripes," in case you are looking to add to your 4th of July program!~

Honoring the Flag
Symbol of America

Symbols are powerful in their ability to transmit complex information with a simple image. For Americans, our flag is such an icon. Flying overhead, it is a reminder of all the sacrifices and hard work that have gone into creating and defending this country and its ideals. While we may be divided politically, the Stars and Stripes fluttering above unifies us into One Nation…the United States of America. Every June 14th, we take time out of our lives to pay our respects to the red, white and blue symbol of America on National Flag Day.

The holiday’s earliest roots are lost to history. Accounts differ as to whether it was Wisconsin schoolteacher BJ Cigrand or New York teacher George Balch who first outfitted children with miniature flags and gathered them to sing patriotic songs and anthems. June 14th was chosen as it was on that date in 1777 that our Founding Fathers signed the Flag Act, which recognized Betsy Ross’ creation as the emblem of our new nation.

June 14th flag celebrations quickly grew in popularity and spread across the country as unofficial events participated in by children and adults alike. On May 30, 1916, Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation establishing an observance of June 14 as Flag Day and it was Harry Truman’s signature on an Act of Congress, on August 3, 1949 that officially created National Flag Day.

Since then, many organizations, especially veterans groups, continue to hold National Flag Day in high regard and use the day to remember the symbolism of the flag and the sacrifices that have been made for what it represents. Many of these groups also use the day to promote flag awareness, including discarding or retiring flags that are worn and tattered.

While flag burning as a means of political protest is a contentious issue in America, it remains the proper disposal method for an old flag. The Flag Code states, “When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.” The veterans hold the flag with deep regard. This occasion is significant to them and it shows in the ceremony.

6th Annual Senior Prom A Great Success!

The Commons on Marice's 6th Annual Prom turned out to be a HUGE success!!! From the cruise themed decorations to the tropical cocktails, from the gorgeous ice sculpture to the terrific door prizes, from the prime rib, cornish game hens and lobster to the extravagant mouth watering desserts, from the wandering violinist at dinner to the live big band music played at the dance, the "Cruise Back in Time" was enjoyed by all! Check out the pictures to see for yourself. -Anna Steffel (Activity Director Commons on Marice, Eagan, MN)

RESOURCE ALERT!

Looking for user friendly material regarding the Activity F-tags #248/249??? Wondering what surveyors will ask and/or what they will look for when they come to your facility??? Do you need assessment and documentation tips to ensure activity planning is found throughout the care plans??? If you have answered yes to any of the above questions...

Please order the following resource...you won't be sorry!

Activties for Resident Centered Care:
Complying with F-tag #248 and F-tag #249

Call HcPro: 1.877.727.1728

If you have any questions please let me know! I have read this book and found it very useful.
Katie Westberg

Music to Our Ears!

The Arizona Grand Star Singers meet on Wednesday and Friday mornings for practice. They perform at 2 area nursing facilities monthly and perform four to five times a year for Arizona Grand. Anyone can be a part of the Star Singers, even family members accompany their loved ones to sing along during the big performances at Arizona Grand. The director is even one of our very own residents. If you would like more information on the Star Singers Chorus at Arizona Grand Senior Living Community in Phoenix, AZ contact Carmella Barber (Activity Director).

Spice up your exercise program

Some of us get stuck doing the same ol exercises. If they are boring for you maybe they are boring for our folks. Try some "props" to add excitement and fun to your fabulous fitness program. You have probably come across the styrofoam pool noodles. Why not bring them into your fitness routine?

• Buy 10 and cut in half( for 20)
• You now have an oar for a rowing exercise, a bar for pull ups, use the noodle in both arms and push away from the body. Use your imagination!
• Here is a favorite, hold the noodle extend the arms and bend noodle in half. Whoopee! light resistance for them. Now have them squeeze the noodle (good for arthritis)
• Remember the "thigh master"? Bend the noodle in half and put between the legs hold on and let them squeeze the knees together.

Enjoy your noodlerific addition to your exercise routine. The residents will thank you!

Daily Music Activities at Hillside Health Care...a "NOTEABLE" Success!

Aside from simply the pleasurable aesthetic, the experience of music promotes wellness through: managing stress, alleviating pain, enhancing memory, improving communication, promoting physical rehabilitation and expressing feelings.*

*American Music Therapy Association

With this in mind, the activities staff at Hillside Healthcare has implemented daily musical activities, which have consistently been found to be an effective modality for eliciting tangible positive outcomes across this spectrum of responses. In addition to stimulating memories, the creative use of music enables staff to facilitate interactions with residents in unique and meaningful ways. We believe that through nurturing imagination, creativity and inspiration we can demonstrate respect and appreciation for the aesthetic needs of our residents: through the expression of true aesthetic sensibility, staff may convey valuation of resident’s experience and contribute to enhancing their quality of life—social cohesion, sense of belonging, sensory acuity, self-awareness and personal dignity. By: Randal Wolfe, Activity Director

Activity Boards Show Off Activities!

West Hills Health Care in Portland, Oregon use Activity Picture Boards as a unique and creative way to show-off the great things going on in their property. Picture Boards, specificallyl in long term care communities, are a way to market activities which are not always visable to families and friends that visit. Large print labels allow for residents, as well as guests to identify the specific activity that is taking place. Way to go West Hills Health and Rehab!

Do I smell...Aromatherapy???

Greetings to all of you!

Many communties are inquiring about resources for implementing an Aromatheapy program using Grade A oils, as well as purchasing a quality diffuser. I am doing some research into a company that I used but am looking for you feedback. If you currently are facilitating a successful Aromatherapy program I would enjoy to hear about it. Please feel free to post your comments to this post or you can email me!

Thank you for your help! -Katie

Activity Connection a MUST HAVE Resource Tool!

Check this out! Activity Connection is a wonderul online resource for all activity teams. Gather ideas related to daily activities, theme parties, recipes, music, etc... There is a cost associated with joining Activity Connection, however, very minimal given the amazing resources you would have access to. A hand ful of Goodman Group properties are currently members of Activity Connection and LOVE IT! Many compare to Creative Forecasting...or should I say...many say it doesn't even compare to Creative Forecasting!

Go to www.activityconnection.com for a FREE PREVIEW!

Blankets of Hope Program...HUGE SUCCESS!

Greetings to everyone! I came upon this great program and thought I would share it with all of you. It's a non-profit organization that makes blankets, hats, scarves, etc...for those in need! I contacted them and asked if they could use our blankets for troops overseas. We then tied it into our Veteran's Club and it was enjoyed tremendously by all those who participated! Please let me know if you have further questions! Here is the website: www.blanketsofhope.net

Keep Your Brain Active Everyday!

• Stay curious and involved
• Commit to life-long learning
• Read, write, work crossword or other puzzles
• Attend lectures and plays
• Enroll in courses at your local adult education center, community college or other community group
• Play games
• Garden
• Try memory exercises