School Resources ~ All About Me: Primary - Transition- Secondary - Prep for Independence -

Hello everyone,
I realise my blog posts are becoming more scarce but it's all for good reason. I've been busy developing a range of social activities for people with dementia, visiting organisations, attending workshops, running training workshops, speaking and sharing dementia awareness. I even managed to join Sean McGinty on BBC Radio Lancashire yesterday [Sunday 29th Dec] and share information.

But I haven't forgotten the young people and maybe it's time to share the "All About Me" range of resources for teachers, mentors, school counsellors, SEN and support teams to help children and young people express difficulties to bring about earlier support and positive outcomes, build confidence for moving to secondary school and approach independence by planning ahead.

For further information, visit www.happydayspublishing.co.uk or contact me on 01253 899163

Each book cover is laminated and ring-bound for easy use.

Fifteen quality pages contain sensitive text, themed images, subtle colours with response areas to encourage expression, prompt motivation and inspire positive outcomes.

Booklets also available for Young Carers 

Booklets can be edited to required SEN content or to suit organisation.

G8 Dementia Summit ~ Brief update:~

Just thought I'd share a short article I wrote for our local newspaper, the Blackpool Gazette: G8 Dementia Summit overview:

Dementia has been making headline news at last. As a Dementia Friends Champion, I’ve been following the G8 Dementia Summit which took place in London earlier this week and saw nations of the world pledging to step up research into a disease of the brain which affects over 35 million people worldwide and over 800,000 people in the UK.

Addressing delegates, the British Prime Minister, David Cameron urged scientists, politicians and businesses to commit to dementia funding, share data and be resolute in finding a cure. Recognising the effect of dementia on the family unit, Cameron said, ‘Dementia steals lives, it wrecks families, it breaks hearts and that is why we’re so utterly determined to beat it.’

The government has now announced doubling funding for dementia research to £122m by 2025 and confirmed that a scan would be available on the NHS which could help some people rule out Alzheimer’s disease.

Improving care, quality of life, preventing or delaying dementia and adapting to an ageing society are issues discussed at the summit. Health secretary, Jeremy Hunt advised that; ‘One in three of us would get dementia; one in four people in UK hospitals have dementia.’ As costs clearly extend beyond hospital care into social and community care, Hunt said ‘But the real reason to do something about dementia is not financial.The real reason is human. Everyone deserves to live their final years with dignity, respect and the support of loved-ones.’

It’s clear we’re all going to live longer. The number of people with dementia is set to rise and it seems an updated model of social care will be essential for well-being. Research has revealed that social care is just as important as a healthy diet or assisted daily living: bathing or getting dressed. My own research has identified how enriched social care can be applied easily [sometimes just talking is enough] and benefit both the person who needs care and the carer. Interaction can help a person with dementia to maintain skills, encourage movement and enhance well-being.

Besides fun social interaction workshops for carers, I have developed social activity recipe books, moments in time activities, things to do together, conversation prompts for hospital volunteers, community resources and memory joggers for families.

As part of the Happy Days programme, I am as resolute and passionate as the G8 summit delegates in helping people to live well with dementia.

by Gillian Hesketh MA

Coming soon ...

Coming soon …

Memorabilia Display Boxes - help prompt memories in residential or day care environments.

Themed Jigsaw Puzzles - smaller jigsaws - easier to handle and to assist shorter attention spans.

Nurturing baskets with soft body baby doll, accessories and items to fold.

One-to-one games.

Are you caring for someone with Dementia? Getting Dressed ...

Getting Dressed ~ Arguing? Again?

If you are caring for someone who is living with dementia, and the symptoms and their actions are becoming more intense or escalating, you may feel as though life with the person you love has become a constant battle. Are your requests turning into demands as the person refuses to respond to normal suggestions?

If the person you care for is resisting everyday health routines or tasks, ignoring your requests or refusing to get dressed, bathed, clean their teeth or eat, and the outcomes are causing disagreements ... take a step back ~ have a cup of tea and try new ways to convince the person to carry out or allow you to help them be involved with everyday living:

The person who is living with dementia is likely to be confused, disorientated, bewildered and even fearful. The person may be unable to express what is wrong. Frustration sets in, agitation builds and the only way of expressing something or catching your attention may be through negative actions, shouting or banging. Imagine being in this position; how frustrating it would feel. People with dementia often show signs of depression, as if they have given up trying to express themselves, or are too confused to express their needs or wants.

Let’s take a few moments to consider what it might feel like to be living the life of someone who is experiencing dementia - a better understanding may help us to help our loved ones. Have you ever tried on someone else’s spectacles or looked about a room through a pair reading glasses and felt as though you were in some sort of fuzzy bubble or felt a little bit dizzy? If we wore these ill-suited lenses everyday, we might begin to feel somewhat disorientated. Quite soon, we may feel unable to concentrate fully. Eventually we could develop a sense of confusion. Wearing the lenses permanently might cause us to feel irritated or become agitated. I’m not suggesting anyone tries this as an experiment - just the thought of this confusion may help us to understand how it might feel to be experiencing confusion on a twenty-four hour, seven days-a week basis.

We may remember from childhood or bringing up our own young children, that we were often taught how to play and enjoy. We set up situations for our children to learn. We would show them that an object, environment or situation was safe. I am not suggesting that we treat people living with dementia like children - far from it - I am using this practice to demonstrate how we might coax a person with dementia to carry out a task that they have been refusing due to confusion or a developed sense of fear.

There's a well used saying for writers 'Show. Don't tell.' I often use this term literally and always find it useful when talking to elderly people. People with dementia may not understand what you are saying - showing an actual object, item of clothing, tin of rice pudding, a picture or photograph helps a person to understand what you want or need them to do.

Now let’s think again about asking our relative; spouse, parent, friend to get dressed, take a shower, eat something ...

Create a calm environment

Try to be patient even if you’re in a rush - rushing may compound feelings and develop a sense of anxiety

Speak slowly

Use short sentences

Show or point to the article you are talking about

Engage in plenty of eye contact to gauge the person’s response

If a person looks confused - it may indicate they have forgotten a daily living skill

Don’t hurry the person - this may increase agitation

Instead of asking the person to do something - create suggestions

Getting Dressed

Remember that people with dementia still have pride and may resist help at first

If a person is resisting change of clothes - find some clothing magazines to encourage interaction prompt ideas and reasons for changing clothes.

Have a wardrobe tidy-out - there may simply be too many clothes to choose from

Sorting clothes can be an activity to do together - remove clothes that don't fit or need repair or laundering

Suggest a charity shop clothes donation

Allow the person to choose their clothes or colours

Open the wardrobe and offer suitable clothing for the season or climate

Offer the clothes for dressing one at a time

Talk about the colour / comfort / fabric / favourites when dressing

‘Is this your favourite colour Dad?’

‘Do you remember wearing this at Emily’s Christening?’

Don’t do tasks for the person, show or remind them how to fasten buttons, zips etc.

Caring is a kind and generous act but can sometimes feel like a chore and often over-face us. When helping the person you are caring for to get dressed, bathe or make choices, try to see it as an occasion rather than a daily task and enjoy the time together.

Coming Soon … Bathing … Eating … Things to do together

Gillian 

Is your child going to Secondary School next year?

Teachers, Publishers, Parents, please take a look at my new mini books to help young people look forward to Secondary School 

£7.95 each

Email me at gmhesekth@yahoo.co.uk

or Shop at www.happydayspublishing.co.uk

*Discounts for quantities

Don't forget your pets ...

Pet Meds Reminder cards at: http://www.dementiaworkshop.co.uk/product/pet-medication-reminder-cards/

Pack of 5 - 160gsm quality card £4.95 - Shop at www.dementiaworkshop.co.uk

Just been busy doing ...

... a little bit of exhibiting ...

Please phone or email if you have a Care Fair or would like to see 

Happy Days Enriched Social Care range of materials

Gillian

Healthy Eating for our Elders ...

Hello everyone,
I came across some interesting information yesterday during one of my general research sessions. To be honest, it was nothing new or ground-breaking, it was just a reminder about healthy eating - and specifically for elderly people.

An elderly friend of mine who lives independently has started losing weight. He visits the doctor on occasions and appears to have no serious health problems. My friend has always been aware of good health and fitness and has done a great job of caring for himself - he is 88 years young.

Many of us are conscious about overloading with carbohydrates [I know I am]. After a chatty few minutes about his meal times and content, it appeared that my good friend has a good diet including meat, fish, oats and milk but had been omitting all carbohydrates from his diet - hoping to stay trim.

All it took was a few minutes to realise the importance of eating the correct balance of foods to help support well-being. My friend has now gained a few pounds [not too many] and now balances the content in his meals.

A number of years ago [we might not discuss the number here though], I remember taking part in a school domestic science exam - the task was to plan and prepare a meal for a fictitious elderly couple, one of whom had returned home from a stay in hospital.

Based on our previous lessons, I ensured the meal contained protein, iron, vitamins and carbohydrates - and this is what I prepared:

Freshly squeezed orange juice.
Cod fillet with parsley sauce. Mashed potatoes. Peas.
Apple crumble. Custard
Cup of tea

Simple. Good basic food. Easy to prepare.

Even then, I considered the crumble and custard - but now of course, I really understand why.

If you are preparing meals for elderly people or people who may be recovering from an illness, check out Age UK and Dr. Chris Steele's advice - explaining all about vitamins and the importance of choosing a good diet.

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/health-wellbeing/healthy-eating-landing/little-extras/

Take care,
Gillian

Carers and Domiciliary Care ~ Christmas Gift offer for your clients ...

Tips for caring for someone who has dementia ...

Caring for someone else is a kind and generous act. Sharing time and energy with someone who needs extra help or enriched social care can make our lives worthwhile.


If you are a carer, then you know how overwhelming caring for someone else can sometimes make you feel. The physical effort, psychological effort and overall responsibility for another person, coupled with twenty four hour attention can eventually overload carers.


No matter how good you are at caring [and I'm sure you are the very best of carers ~ doing everything in your power to ensure the person enjoys the finest of care and attention], when you are missing out on doing things for you, taking some exercise or being with friends, eventually, your body or mind might go on strike / slip into melt-down / feel all washed up / burnt out / hang out the 'Gone Fishing' sign or just become so fatigued that every bit of energy has slipped out ...


We're not machines and the people we are caring for wouldn't want us to work or worry ourselves into an exhausted condition without enough energy to enjoy life.

Discussions with many carers often ended in the same conclusions or messages:
~ DON'T FORGET THE CARER
~ GET SOME HELP!
~ DON'T WAIT TILL YOU'RE BURNED OUT'

So here's a collection of tips [in no specific order] collected from people and texts I've come across over the past twelve months:

[please feel free to email any tips you wish to add to the next list: gmhesketh@yahoo.co.uk]

Arm yourself with information. Collect as much information as you can about the type of dementia the person you care for has been diagnosed with.

Find a local support group or carer centre. [Check the library/community centre/newspaper]


Don't think you can manage alone ~ this is a 24/7 post

Find a support team within your family and friends to share the load so that you can take some short breaks from caring.

Find a local day centre for person you care for. He or she might enjoy a different environment.


If you're feeling worried, anxious, or guilty, find someone to talk to:
Friend - Family - Doctor - Support Worker - Church or Place of Worship

Try not to feel guilty. This might only make you feel more guilty.

Things to do together: Try to help the person maintain skills rather than doing everything for the person.

Jigsaw puzzles - Cards - Sing - Read out loud to the person you care for - Play a musical instrument. 

Make a mini garden in a large tub or plant a herb garden on your window ledge.

Sort photographs. Make a mini photograph album up. Name all the people.

And remember, if a person with dementia is showing signs of agitation or anger, don't take it personally ~ he or she may not be cross with you; it's more likely they are frustrated at not being able to express their needs.

Write a journal ~ just let your feelings out ~ shout ~ scream ~ yell on the page ~ it's up to you ...

Most of all, take care of you ... find something to do to enjoy ... relax ... plan a healthy diet ... get plenty of fresh air and some exercise ... do something new ... find a pastime that ensures you 'switch off' now and again ... bake - paint - swim - write - play bowls ... the list is endless ...

Off now to find more tips to add to the list ...

Gillian

Dementia ... dementia ... dementia

Hello everyone,
I've been immersing myself in dementia again recently ~ people who are living with dementia, carers, families, watching inspiring videos, listening to speakers, attending workshops, reading up on the latest research, not forgetting coconut oil. If you've ever read 'Daughters in Distress' my lighthearted blog for random posts, you'll know I'm a great fan of making lists, lists of anything and everything, even lists of lists. So, it makes sense for me to compile a list of tips for carers who are caring for someone who has dementia.

The list is based on conversations, questionnaire responses and ideas from the general public, market research, university studies ~ memory, reminiscence and general common sense and will be posted here and on www.dementiaworkshop.co.uk later today.

People with dementia can often be unaware that the nature of the disease causes them to become increasingly dependent. Carers, not surprisingly, can become overwhelmed. 'Between a rock and a hard place' is how one carer described her situation. Take a look at this interesting video ~ it's a project undertaken by a carer and a newsreader ~ and seems to explain a lot of things ... about living with dementia:

Now where was I? ...
Oh yes, off to do the list
Gillian

Bullying ... copy, print, cut, stick ...

Note to young people ... via parents ...

Top Tip

Copy image. Print on paper. Cut out. Stick on fridge door, every computer, 

by the phone, on the back of the loo door, biscuit box lid, in fact anywhere ...

Oh and you can always read it out loud to your children. 

Image courtesy of Beat Bullying: http://www.beatbullying.org 

a great site for lots of answers to support young people and parents who 

are concerned about bullying. 

Armchair brain training ...

If your brain is a muscle, then it makes sense to exercise it.
I love Lumosity for waking me up and making sure I'm alert.
Have a read of this and a free go on Lumosity - arm-chair
exercising for your brain ...

Make Your Brain "More Efficient" with Lumosity

Whatever you choose to do, you can do it better with a brain that's "more efficient at processing information." A new study published in Brain Impairment suggests that Lumosity can help people with mild cognitive impairment accomplish that. Researchers at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia found that training with Lumosity improved cognition in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The study, conducted by clinical psychologist Maurice Finn, involved 16 participants who completed 30 Lumosity training sessions over 8-10 weeks. Another group of participants served as controls and received treatment without cognitive training. Patients were assessed with Rapid Visual Presentation, a visual attention test from the Cambridge Automated Neuropyschological Test Battery (CANTAB). Finn's evaluation of the results was promising: "The results were very positive, with all participants recording significant improvements on all tasks they practiced during the training," said Finn. "Importantly, the training also resulted in improvements on a task that participants had not practiced. This is important as it means the brain has become more efficient at processing information." Mild cognitive impairment, which is associated with an increased risk of dementia, creates difficulties with recall, information processing, and planning. MCI is diagnosed when cognitive changes are more severe than expected in the normal course of aging. These results are preliminary, and more research needs to be conducted to determine the full potential for using cognitive training as a treatment for mild cognitive impairment. This is a particularly encouraging result because researchers had previously questioned whether cognition could be improved in patients with MCI. Lumosity continues researching all the positive outcomes of training. Why not try out all 40+ games today and experience the results for yourself? Check out Lumosity for brain training. http://www.lumosity.com/landing_pages/380?gclid=CJH_qJHH9bkCFcaWtAodwxMAWQ

Awkward moments when visiting relatives ...

Chatting to elderly grandparents, great grandparents or relatives with dementia may sometimes present awkward or silent moments.

Help initiate conversations ~ trigger memories and prompt recollections ~ help grand-children chat to great-grandparents ... enjoy special moments together:

Time to Chat ~ Memory Prompts for Conversation
People, Pets, Places, World War II, Familiar Faces and more at:
www.dementiaworkshop.co.uk

* Ideal for hospital volunteer visitors.
* Ideal for carers in residential care and dementia homes.
* Ideal for domiciliary care.
* Ideal for support teams in day centres.
* Ideal for gifts.

Carers' Centres nationwide ...

Whilst tidying up my computer files, I came across a magazine article which I may have forgotten to share with you ... but more importantly it reminded me of some requests that people often ask me. When I'm out and about, taking Dementia Workshop products to exhibitions, vintage fairs, health and care shows etc., people often ask for advice, or where they can access advice and support. The article below is printed in Blackpool Carers Centre; 'Caring Times' which is full of advice and published quarterly.
http://www.blackpoolcarers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Caring-Times-Spring-13-email.pdf

Of course, there's lots of advice about pretty much everything on the internet, but real person-to-person support can be found at carer centres nationwide.

Click on the link below, to see Carers Trust carer centres across the UK. So if you need help, support or advice for yourself or for the person you are caring for, get in touch with a carers centre near you:

http://www.carers.org/carers-services/find-your-local-service

Gillian

Happy Puppy Days ... Health benefits ...

 The benefits of owning a pet ...

Meet nine week old Lily, Coco, Jessie, Annie or Lola ... ?

Whilst the family continue to debate puppy's name, the springer spaniel is getting to know her way around the house, finding things to have a chew at and barking at the cat. 

She's been with us one day and brought so much love, it's impossible to measure.

If you are a carer, some residents may benefit from stroking, patting or admiring a pet.

Is there a relative, friend or neighbour who could visit with a dog or cat?

Dr. Oz Reveals 

Why Pets Really Improve Your Health

Having an animal in your home is great for your heart and your waistline,
your immunity, your blood vessels....

By Dr. Mehmet Oz

Check out Oprah Winfrey's website: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Pets-and-Health-Benefits-Why-Keeping-A-Pet-is-Good-For-You for the whole of this amazing information about the health benefits of owning or looking after a pet:

'If you've ever loved a pet, you know the kind of joy animals can bring. But I'm especially excited about the mounting evidence that they can improve our physical well-being, too. (Former president of the Mayo Clinic staff, Edward Creagan, MD, is so convinced of the healing powers of pets, he has literally prescribed them for a third of his cancer patients.) Here's a look at how your health might benefit from an animal companion.'

Lower Blood Pressure. 
The simple act of petting an animal—or even gazing at an aquarium—results in a drop in blood pressure. And pets can have a longer-term impact on the cardiovascular system, too, as researchers discovered when they tracked 24 hypertensive stockbrokers who adopted a cat or dog. Pet ownership blunted the blood pressure response to mental stress; the traditionally prescribed hypertension drug did not.

A Stronger Heart. 
Researchers who followed 369 heart attack survivors in the landmark Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial found that dog owners had only a 1 percent chance of dying within a year, compared with a 7 percent chance for subjects who didn't have a dog. A newer study, from 2009, found that people who had owned a cat at some point in their lives were 37 percent less likely to die of a heart attack than those who hadn't. 

Greater Calm for Alzheimer's Patients 
And for their families. Much of the burden of this disease (which afflicts one in eight people 65 and older) falls on patients' relatives, and I've seen it crush the spirit of even the most loving caretakers. But studies have revealed that Alzheimer's patients have fewer anxious outbursts if an animal is present, and research shows that caregivers can feel less burdened as well, especially if the animal is a cat (perhaps because cats require little additional care). 

A study published in the Western Journal of Nursing Research found that even pet fish can help by facilitating healthy weight gain among Alzheimer's patients, who often suffer from a lack of adequate nutrition. In the presence of an aquarium, patients who paced tended to sit still longer, while patients who were typically lethargic became more attentive. Both effects led to better eating at mealtimes. 

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Pets-and-Health-Benefits-Why-Keeping-A-Pet-is-Good-For-You/2#ixzz2g2kucmBg

Remember, owning a pet is a long-term physical and financial commitment. 
If you are considering having a pet to care for, think about the type of pet which would most suit you, your family, your location, mobility and wallet or purse!
Be aware of possible vet bills and take advice on pet insurance.

Gillian.

Finding the Happy You ...

Good Morning everyone. I'm looking through the window, the sky is clear and bright. The trees are waving in the gentle breeze that's inviting me to go for a healthy walk. I've decided to eat healthily today, do some work, visit a friend and chill out.

If every day began and operated like that, life would be a piece of cake [or maybe a rosy apple]. Do you ever wake up and dread the day, your first thoughts being the heavy weight of tasks ahead, complicated work-load you're facing or the responsibility of looking after a loved one who needs constant care? If I'm totally honest, I sometimes do. Don't get me wrong, I love my work and I like to be busy all the time and I care for my mother on a daily basis but I can sometimes be guilty of taking too much on, burning the candle deep into the night and feeling tired the next day.

As always, I'm researching for my work for carers, student support and people living with dementia. I decided to make myself a list of priority points to consider when I wake up and feel overloaded. So, here it is, just in case the sun isn't shining, the breeze is gale force and you fancy a cake for breakfast:

A list of my feel-good favourites for difficult mornings:

On waking, take a few moments to stretch out slowly. Arms above your head, just make yourself as long as you can. Repeat this a few times and relax in between.

Draw some deep in-breaths and release slowly.

Take a long look at the weather and embrace it - even if it's raining.
[I find this distracts me from the duties ahead and clears my head a little]

Drink a large glass of water before you prepare for the day - feeling better already.

Have a longer shower than normal - use extra soapy, bubbly or favourite fragrant bath/shower products.
Guys - choose something zingy to stir the senses.

Whilst you're in the shower/bath/leaning against the sink - choose one enjoyable ME thing to do during the day. It doesn't have to take up lots of your time - it could be making a plan to meet up with old friends. Do something unusual [pop into a library or museum, intriguing shop, park] - or normal - get a haircut.

Choose one of your favourite outfits or cool piece of clothing to wear - even to work.

Eat a really healthy breakfast - this will make you feel quite smug - it's early and you've already by made the right choices. Include a yoghurt and piece of dark chocolate if you can. Apparently chocolate is an anti-oxidant and yogurt kills off bad bacteria and helps your stomach stay quiet during the day.

Choose the 3 most important tasks that need to be achieved that day.

Select the most important of the 3 tasks. Focus on that one for a few minutes, simplifying the plan/content/order/structure in your mind.

Work out where you can slot the other two tasks in. Could you delegate them? Should you re-schedule them for another day? Relegate them? Before you leave your house, decide what you'll do with the other two tasks.

Leave for work/college/volunteer role/meeting/other, a few minutes early. Being on the last minute always causes stressful feelings.

Take some peppermint with you - mint sweets/chewing gum/peppermint tea - apparently mint helps with fatigue by stimulating = alertness.

Smile. For no reason. Smile at everyone you meet [within reason - don't make a nuisance of yourself on the tube or at the bus queue and get yourself arrested]. At least 'think smile'.

When you write things down, they're more likely to happen. Anon.

Make your own list - Enjoy your day.

Gillian

Memory Joggers and more ...

Why not treat someone you love and care for?

Happy Days Memory Joggers are designed for our elders, people who need extra care or living with dementia to prompt memory and share recollections.

Enjoy special moments together... 

All About Me

Watch the smiles ...

My Memory Jogger

Memory Joggers make ideal gifts for relatives and friends
Buy at www.dementiaworkshop.co.uk

Setting goals ...

'Set a goal and outline what it takes to achieve it. 

Then stop trying to achieve the goal. 

Just achieve each step you outlined along the way.'

For more planning or business ideas, check out Solved https://www.facebook.com/marketing.advice

Couldn't have said it better myself. I do find that a huge task or goal often over-faces me. I often put off setting about the necessary events to reach a specific goal, completing trivial tasks first. I spend much time thinking and more time procrastinating. To be honest, setting out what I need to do on paper has saved a considerable amount of time. As the quote says, 'outline what it takes.'

I'm a list person. List-making is high priority for me. If I'm over-faced with something, I like to make a list of all the things I have to do. ... I have lists of lists. But that doesn't necessarily mean that I'm obsessive about the order of things. I like lists to relieve my brain from holding lots of trivial information; post a package - buy a birthday present, write a speech, fix a dripping tap, deliver a get well card, edit a book and so on.

But the problem is that my goals end up muddled in between this list of everyday tasks and trivia, often becoming overlooked. I sometimes sort items on my lists into importance categories - only to find that I'm over-faced with the most important big-goal/task category. I then permit myself to procrastinate some more. 

Solved's quote quite simply beginning, 'Set a goal', has made me realise that each goal needs it's own list! An idea which pleased me greatly.

So now, when I have an idea for a new project, I set the goal title on a new page. I try to avoid listing - so I draw boxes with a stage title relating to the goal. I jot down associated tasks and ideas in the relevant box. I organise the boxes into stages of importance. The boxes / stages don't over-face me and I have noticed that I'm much more focussed when I'm trying to accomplish the steps in the boxes. Small tasks in each box appear do-able and before I know it, I'm onto the next stage. Feeling a sense of achievement motivates me to continue to the next box or stage until I reach the goal.

So I'd like to say thanks to Solved for sharing their motivating tips - and remember ... If you're following your dream[s] - dreams are goals - set out the goal and achieve each step along the way.

Gillian

Beat the treats ...

I just love this information website:

This week, Change for Life's challenge has been to swap children's sweet treats for healthier options.

Try to swap 4 sweet treats for fruit, milk or other healthy options.

I think I'll try it myself.

Check out this website for fun, easy-to follow tips and ideas, helping the whole family to stay healthy.

http://www.nhs.uk/Change4Life/Pages/smart-restart.aspx

Does Reading and Writing slow dementia?

Reading and writing may help to slow dementia, a report says. There's much research going on into keeping the brain active to slow down the onset of dementia. If the brain is a muscle, I suppose that makes sense - keeping it exercised. Although there is no cure for the symptoms of dementia, scientists often encourage people living with dementia to keep making contact, saying that the brain can work around itself to remember and connect information.

Check out this article on reading and writing to help slow dementia:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/07/08/199955597/book-news-reading-and-writing-slow-dementia-study-says?goback=%2Egde_126335_member_273769981#%21

Retrieving memories can help with brain fitness, increasing blood flow and enhancing well-being. As I always like to add a visual to my blog posts, I'll leave you with this one: Time to Chat memory prompts for families, carers, volunteers, hospital visitors and carers in residential, domiciliary or dementia care:

Shop and more at: www.dementiaworkshop.co.uk

A Funny Thing Happened on My Way To The Dementia Ward ...

I just love facebook, twitter, linkedin for all the opportunities to network with people we might otherwise never get to meet.

Allow me to introduce you to Charles Schoenfeld, writer of  'A Funny Thing Happened On My Way to the Dementia Ward - Memoir of a Male CNA.'

It's available on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Funny-Thing-Happened-Dementia-Ward/dp/1463770103
Kindle version also available.

“Remarkable insights of skilled nursing care from an insider! Married father of four retires, studies then becomes a CNA. During his seven years of service you’ll read about the “Secret Club,” drama, compassion, and even deer hunting. A must-read for every family struggling with the idea of moving a loved one into a nursing home. Inspiring reading for nursing home managers. Includes tips for visitors.”

Please feel free to share your comments.

Gillian

Recognising signs of bullying ...

How can we recognise if a child is being bullied?

Has your child's behaviour changed?

Is your child showing signs of worry, losing items, not wanting to go to school?

Try not to doubt your natural instincts - check out Bullying UK - part of Family Lives;
There's lots of information, checklists and tips ...

http://www.bullying.co.uk/advice-for-parents/how-to-spot-the-signs-of-bullying/

There's also a confidential helpline and live chat.

Happy Days have a range of creative resources to help children and young people express difficulties or broader needs to bring about earlier support.

Let your school's teachers and support workers know about Happy Days creative resources to help identify young people who may be experiencing difficulties. www.happydayspublishing.co.uk

For more information, email Gillian Hesketh gmhesketh@yahoo.co.uk

Are you a carer? Would you like to help our research?

Are you or do you know a carer in residential, dementia, assisted or domiciliary care? www.dementiaworkshop.co.uk 

Happy Days is passionate about helping carers working in residential, dementia, assisted or domiciliary care to provide enriched care.

We often hear that carers are overworked and underpaid, so how can we expect carers to take on the added pressure of ensuring residents are furnished with another level of care: enriched social and emotional care?

After extensive market research in residential care homes, it was clear that most carers wanted to enrich residents’ experiences and many felt they hadn’t the time, resources or materials or managerial/owner support. 

On a positive note, let’s not forget the many care service providers and carers doing a fantastic job of caring for our elders and people with dementia. 

If you are a carer, we would like to hear from you. Tell us about your working caring experience[s] so that Happy Days can help to bring enriched care not only to the people who need it but to help make an enjoyable day the people who provide it.

Happy Days have designed a range of talking prompts to help carers enrich the lives of the people they are caring for. Finding out about residents can supply information to initiate meaningful conversations. Prompting memory can generate special moments, interaction and activity. 

Sometimes, talking is just enough. Talking prompts don’t have to be stored on shelves or filing cabinets, they are small, lightweight, wipe-clean prompts designed especially for carers. Ideal for everyday use. Share conversations. Watch the smiles.

If you are a carer and would like to help our research by sharing your caring / working experiences, please email Gillian at gmhesketh@yahoo.co.uk

If you care for someone at home, we would also like to hear from you. Happy Days have developed resources and tips to help carers and welcome any thoughts on caring difficulties, issues or ideas.

Thankyou,

Gillian 

The range is coming together nicely ...

Hello everyone,
So, the Happy Days Themed Memory Prompt ranges are coming together nicely ...

Take a look at one set in the range: World War II Memories ... [

can be sold separately]

Memory Boxes ~ Memory Prompts ~ Memory Games

If you have an elderly relative, are a carer or require memorabilia for history lessons, 

visit Happy Days shop at:

www.dementiaworkshop.co.uk

Life ...

'Life shrinks and expands in proportion to one's courage'

Anais Nin

American author 1903 - 1977

If you are a Hospital Volunteer ... talking tips ...

Good morning everyone, I was just listening to BBC Breakfast - talking about publishing the number of nurses on duty - each day - on each ward. I'm not entering the debate here, the subject reminded me to share these 'Time to Chat' talking prompts with you ...

During my research into social interaction to really make a difference, many hospital and residential care home volunteer visitors expressed a difficulty in initiating and holding conversation with patients, especially patients who were living with dementia. Some volunteers commented that they felt unable to fulfil their generous role; chatting and cheering people up for well-being.

Sometimes, just talking is enough:

Time to Chat ~ Conversation Prompts ~ Places 

Time to Chat cards are wipe-clean - storage wallet included. Attractive images with brief introduction text. Handy for volunteers, carers, families ..

Introductory Special offer:

Choose from World War II, Pets & Animals, Flowers, People We Know, Recognise Objects.

email me for special offer only £4.95 per pack includes wallet for the first three email requests received.

[postage + £1.90].

Easy to pay via paypal: www.happydayspublishing@yahoo.co.uk

Dementia ~ What's it all about?

http://youtu.be/k_0uJFCexSE

Two Choices ...

Two Choices

What would you do?....you make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one. Read it anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice?

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its Dedicated staff, he offered a question:......

'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection.

Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.

Where is the natural order of things in my son?'

The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.'

Then he told the following story:

Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning..'

Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt.. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.

In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.

Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.

At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?

Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.

However, as Shay stepped up to the Plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.

The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.

The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.

As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.

The game would now be over.

The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.

Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.

Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.

Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first!

Run to first!'

Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.

He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.

Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!'

Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.

By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball . The smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.

He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.

Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.

All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'

Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third!

Shay, run to third!'

As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!'

Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team

'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.

Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

AND NOW A LITTLE FOOT NOTE TO THIS STORY:

We all send thousands of jokes through the e-mail without a second thought, but when it comes to sending messages about life choices, people hesitate.

The crude, vulgar, and often obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion about decency is too often suppressed in our schools and workplaces.

If you're thinking about forwarding this message, chances are that you're probably sorting out the people in your address book who aren't the 'appropriate' ones to receive this type of message Well, the person who sent you this believes that we all can make a difference.

We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the 'natural order of things.'

So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice:

Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little bit colder in the process?

A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's least fortunate amongst them.

You now have two choices:

1. Delete

2. Forward - May your day, be a Shay Day.

MAY GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO DECIDES TO
PASS THIS ON IN MEMORY OF SHAY..............

If you are being bullied or know someone who is, please talk to a trusted adult, parent, carer, 

teacher 

or friend and ask for help or guidance.

If you have been bullying someone else, face-to-face or online, think about the effect you may have 

had 

on that person. Try to find someone to talk to who can help seek out some support. 

I'm just searching for the author of this lovely story and will add as soon as it appears.

Gillian