Archive for the ‘Fun Caregiving Ideas’ Category

Miniature Horses in Nursing Homes? Trying new ways to help patients.

Friday, December 2nd, 2011 by mackenzie

picture from eravariel at Stock.xchng

Recently, many studies have proved the fact that animals can help in almost every stage of health care and recovery.   They are used to comfort patients in the hospital, and are used to help many with devastating disabilities go through physical therapy.  Furthermore, many are starting to believe that beyond simple happiness for elderly, animals can actually be beneficial for extending their life. This discovery has made many nursing homes start to allow animals.  Generally patients bring their cats, and sometimes their dogs, but horses are obviously not a pet they can easily bring into or care for in a nursing home. Allison, a former Certified Nursing Assisted from Minnesota, is working to change this, by collecting donations to be able to bring her miniature horses into nursing homes.

Half Pint Horses

When Allison worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, she found that many of her residents were lonely, and seeking any form of companionship.   That is why her favorite aspect of the job was visiting the residents.

Where she lived in Minnesota,  many individuals had grown up with horses and had been forced to accept the fact that they would never see a horse again.

So, Allison started Half Pint Horses and began to collect donations to be able to take these horses into the nursing homes.  So far, it has been a success.   She has been able to visit a couple nursing homes and the horses were able to remind the residents of some happy childhood memories.   Even those who weren’t able to get out of bed were comforted and calmed when they were able to pet and see the miniature horses.

Though, miniature horses might not be coming to a nursing home in your local city, there are many organizations who are trying to bring animals to those who are sick or elderly.   There is no doubt that the companionship, and comfort that an individual can get from simply petting an animal can help them through difficult times.  If you are having a question about whether or not you should bring your pet to your new community check out this article.

Do you have a great story about animals in your nursing home or community, please let us know!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Fun Caregiving Ideas, Health News, Long Term Care | No Comments »

Last Minute Tips: Celebrating Halloween in your Senior Community

Monday, October 24th, 2011 by mackenzie

Image courtesy of kgreggain on Stock.xchng

In my last post, I offered some ideas on how to celebrate Halloween with your aging loved one.  However, I realize that many seniors are not able  to be with their families or close friends on holidays like Halloween, so I wanted to help senior communities create their own Halloween traditions.

Here are my top 10 suggestions for fun ways senior communities can celebrate Halloween.   Please share with us how your community is going to celebrate Halloween!

  • Have a decorating party.  Provide materials like mini pumpkins, cobwebs, orange streamers and have everyone participate in making the place feel festive.
  • Trick or Treating in the community. Invite families and neighborhood kids to come trick or treating within the facility before they hit their neighborhoods.  Each room or apartment can give away candy treats of their choice.
  • Have a pumpkin-carving event or contest.  Everyone could have fun pulling the gook out of the inside, or to avoid a mess they could paint them instead.
  • Have a scary story night. Residents can  get together and share their favorite scary Halloween stories from childhood.
  • Help kids in need celebrate Halloween. Put together treat bags for local foster kids or donate them to the kids in local homeless shelters.
  • Vintage scary movie nights. Host a old Halloween movie night in the facility or take residents to a local theater screening old scary movies.
  • Murder mystery themed party. Make it very simple,  invite residents to get dressed up if they would like to and meet for a dinner followed by a murder mystery party.  Have pre-written questions for each character and have those that need more help partner up.
  • Non-scary party option. For those that want to celebrate the holiday in a non-scary fashion, host a decades party.  Each resident will have the option to dress as their favorite decade. You can provide the music, movies, and snacks that represent each decade.
  • Take a trip  to your local museum or aquarium. Most have special Halloween exhibits and are handicap accessible.  This also provides a fun, easy trip into the city.
  • Put on a community party. Partner with the local senior center or community center to to put on a Halloween party.   The party can be anything from a simple potluck affair with bingo and dancing, to a elaborate party with carnival games, costume contests, and a haunted house.

Posted in Caregiver Tips, Fun Caregiving Ideas, Holidays, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Looking for New Traditions? 6 Ways to Celebrate Halloween with Your Aging Loved One!

Thursday, October 20th, 2011 by mackenzie

Image courtesy of Stef on Stock.xchng

When asked about their favorite seasons, most people would talk about summer, fall or maybe winter. But for me, the best season will always be that two month period between Halloween and New Year’s Eve.  Yes, it can be a very hectic, cold, and stressful time of year, yet it is also the time of year that reminds us of what is really  important.   Presents are great, but this time of year is my favorite because I get to make new memories and celebrate old traditions with my family and friends.

Though I love this time of year, the holidays can also serve as an acute reminder that as our families and friends age, many of our old traditions must change. The holiday activities my 93 year old grandmother is able to participate in is ever evolving and many activities she could do last year are no longer possible for her.

So from now until the New Year, I am going to write about the activities I am planning on doing with my grandmother to get in the festive spirit. Below are my top six ideas of Halloween traditions you can still enjoy with your aging loved one. Please feel free to try one of my Halloween traditions and tell me what your favorite ones are!

1. Pumpkin carving night. Invite all your family members and/or close friends to your house for a pumpkin carving party.  You can let people choose if they want to actually carve out their pumpkin or simply paint it.  Everyone can bring their favorite snack or Halloween drink.  Those that do not want to carve can still enjoy visiting with loved ones and reminiscing about their favorite Halloween memories.

2. Senior Center Halloween Party. In almost every community there is a senior center that throws a Halloween party.  Encourage your parent/grandparent/friend to attend.  If they are nervous or uncomfortable with attending alone, try to attend with them.  Not only are they likely to have a good time and meet other people in the community, but they may feel comfortable returning on a regular basis without you.

3. Night of old Halloween movies, and cocktails. There is nothing my grandma loves more than cozing up by the fire with a old movie on

5. Baking night. Bake or buy cookies and get simple supplies to decorate them.    Then you can  share them with family, friends and neighbors.  If your loved one is in a new community or neighborhood, this can be a great way for them to introduce themselves and meet new people. and a martini.  So put on the movie, mix some drinks and get comfortable for the evening.

4.  Trick or Treating at your local mall. If you still have young kids or grandchildren, why not take them trick or treating at the mall?  It is a warm, safe, and easy place to do an evening of trick or treating.  Plus your aging loved one will enjoy just sitting and watching all the kids trick or treating.  This type of trick or treating is easy, and stress free for both you and your aging loved one.

Grandma relaxing with a cocktail on a cruise in 2009.

6.  Invite them over for  Halloween night. Halloween night can be scary for aging adults home alone.  They may feel vulnerable with
strangers coming to the door.  Therefore, it is a perfect opportunity for you to to invite them over to your house.  You can give them a simple costume and they can help you give candy to the trick or tr eaters, drink spiced cider or simply enjoy each others company.

Bottom line, Halloween can be another holiday where aging loved ones feel lonely and nostalgic.  However, it can also be a great time to relive old memories together while creating new ones.

Pick an idea that sounds easy and fun to you, because ultimately the holidays are about enjoying yourself and being with the people you love.  Please share with me how you plan on celebrating Halloween, we would love to see pictures!

Posted in Caregiver Tips, Fun Caregiving Ideas, Holidays, Home Care | No Comments »