Doll Therapy | Balhousie Care Group

Doll Therapy | Balhousie Care Group: Doll Therapy
Comfort can sometimes be found in the most unusual places for dementia sufferers.
01/21/2016 - 15:42

{QUOTE}There is an estimated 40 million people worldwide living with dementia and, with no long term cure currently available, there is a big focus on finding ways to alleviate symptoms and help to improve the quality of day-to-day life of those suffering from the illness.

A recent video posted on social media, which shows the joyful reaction of an elderly lady who suffers from dementia when she receives a doll for Christmas, went viral at the end of 2015, amassing 3.1 million views and over 90,000 likes. Many people were surprised by the lady’s reaction and, whilst it may seem like just a small thing, the heart-warming video has highlighted the benefits of an unusual kind of therapy that we actively use at our Balhousie Care Homes called doll therapy.{ENDQUOTE}

find out more about the work  at Balhousie Care Group, speak with a member of their team by calling 01738 254254 or find out more by visiting www.balhousiecare.co.uk

keep in touch with your loved ones | http://www.balhousiecare.co.uk/caremail

CAREM@IL  

Balhousie Care Group <http://www.balhousiecare.co.uk/about-balhousie-care-group>

Keeping You Connected 

We understand how important it is to keep in touch with your loved ones. That's why we have introduced CAREM@IL to all of our homes.
The facility allows you to send a message, attach photographs or upload a video. Our team will ensure that your loved one receives this, so they don't need to miss out on any special moments, regardless of any distance that may separate you.
Fill in the form below to contact your love one; it's straightforward, quick, and is a great way to stay in touch.

Video Calling

Many of our homes also have capability for loved ones to SKYPE residents. This requires just a little advance notice to arrange at our end, but our staff are more than happy to organise this and very much believe in the benefits this can bring to our residents and their quality of life at their home.
Please ask the care home manager of your family member's or friend's home for more details of how to set this up.

 CAREM@IL Contact Form

What Is Alzheimer's Disease?

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Understanding the dementia experience DaveM suggests start with these books

Nothing worse than receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer's and not being prepared to care for persons living with Alzheimer's.


A quote from: Ethelle Lord,   "I found something worse than receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. It is not getting the workforce trained in time to care for persons living with Alzheimer's whether at home or in a care center." Ethelle Lord is President remembering4you.com based in Maine

Harvard Medical School A Guide to Alzheimer's Disease (Harvard Medical School Special Health Reports) Harvard Medical School Special Health Reports  John H. Growdon, M.D., Kathleen Cahill Allison, Alex Gonzalez, Scott Leighton  
http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Harvard+Medical+School+A+Guide+to+Alzheimer%27s+


The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Related Dementias, and Memory...Sep 25, 2012  by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_11?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=alzheimer%27s&sprefix=alzheimer%27s%2Caps%2C210

Creating Moments of Joy for the Person with Alzheimer's or Dementia: A Journal for Caregivers, Fourth EditionSep 1, 2008  by Jolene Brackey http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_11?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=alzheimer%27s&sprefix=alzheimer%27s%2Caps%2C210

Still AliceDec 2, 2014  by Lisa Genova  http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_3?rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Aalzheimer%27s&page=3&keywords=alzheimer%27s&ie=UTF8&qid=1448046706

Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Notebook: A Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer's and Relate2009  by National Alzheimer's Association http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_9?rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Aalzheimer%27s&page=9&keywords=alzheimer%27s&ie=UTF8&qid=1448046951

Coach Broyles' Playbook for Alzheimer's Caregivers: A Practical Tips GuideJan 1, 2006  by Frank Broyles  http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_11?rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Aalzheimer%27s&page=11&keywords=alzheimer%27s&ie=UTF8&qid=1448047090

Elder Rage, or Take My Father... Please!: How to Survive Caring for Aging ParentsApr 2001  by Jacqueline Marcell and Rodman Shankle http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_2?rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Aalzheimer%27s&page=2&sort=review-count-rank&keywords=alzheimer%27s&ie=UTF8&qid=1448047389

"Kisses for Elizabeth" A  Common Sense Guide to Alzheimer's Care  is written for both family and professional caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. It is a practical resource for anyone experiencing difficulty with significant behavioral issues but is  also helpful to caregivers who simply want to provide the best possible  care.

Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant?: A MemoirMay 6, 2014 by Roz Chast

Love, Loss, and Laughter: Seeing Alzheimer's Differently Hardcover – March 6, 2012 by Cathy Greenblat http://smile.amazon.com/Love-Loss-Laughter-Alzheimers-Differently/dp/0762779071/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448461740&sr=8-1&keywords=%22Love%2C+Loss+and+Laughter%27+by+Cathy+Greenblat

“alternative dispute resolution” agreements are voluntary ... they can’t be used as a bar NH admission.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is weighing changes in the way binding arbitration agreements are presented when admitting people to nursing homes that accept federal payments.   

The agency’s proposal, part of a much broader rule to reform long-term care, would require nursing home operators to explain arbitration clauses in plain language. They would have to tell incoming residents and their caregivers that the “alternative dispute resolution” agreements are voluntary and that they can’t be used as a bar to admission.

Nursing homes would also have to point out that by signing such agreements, families are giving up their right to go to court.  States Want Some Agreements Banned    The CMS proposal does not go nearly far enough for 16 state attorneys general who recently signed a letter urging the agency to ban all arbitration agreements that are signed before a dispute arises. Arbitration can be a useful way to resolve disputes, they say, but only if both sides are on equal footing.

http://www.nextavenue.org/dont-sign-away-your-rights-in-long-term-care

Care Management

Blog | AZA Care Management: Tips for Choosing A Geriatric Care Manager

As the number of Care Managers across the country continues to grow, we at AZA are thrilled to be part of such a thriving profession. Because we have been in business for almost 20 years, we have witnessed many changes and trends in the industry. Most recently, we are noticing that our consumers are more educated about the field of Care Management and are asking better questions. As a result, we have put together some tips for family members and fellow professionals about how to be a savvy consumer when shopping for a high quality care manager.

The following are areas we suggest considering:

Experience / Credentials

Check the credentials of the care manager you are considering hiring. Care managers have diverse experience, education and backgrounds. Often a good care manager is one that has both an advanced degree and several years of experience in care management.

Many care managers are licensed in their state in specific fields such as nursing or social work. If appropriate, make sure they are a member of their basic professional organization.

Make sure the care manager is a certified (not associate) member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers and that the membership is in good standing. As of 2010, we are required, as certified members of the National Association, to carry one of the following certifications: CMC, CCM, C-ASWCM or C-SWCM. Please check the National website for more information about specific certifications and requirements.

from:http://azacaremanagement.com/ Audrey Zabin & Associates, LLC 60 Birmingham Parkway, Boston, MA 02135 | Phone: 617.254.9800 | Fax: 617.249.0176

Caregiver and Client Therapy Dolls 18 inch and 7 inch

There are hundreds of Madame Alexander Baby Dolls Play Dolls Disney Character Dolls There are the 18 inch dolls starting at $30.00+ and 7 inch travel dolls starting at $8.00+. I found them on Amazon and www.madamealexander.com/ with all sorts of specials, and discounts, and clothing.

Carol Bradley Bursack, Minding Our Elders Caregiver Support Services

Carol Bradley Bursack, Minding Our Elders Caregiver Support Services Over the span of two decades author, newspaper columnist and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack cared for a neighbor and six elderly family members. Because of this experience, Carol created a portable support group – the book “Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories.” Carol’s sites, www.mindingourelders.com and www.mindingoureldersblogs.com include helpful resources as well as links to direct support. She is a newspaper columnist and an eldercare consultant who also writes on caregiving and senior issues for several national websites.

Tips for Communicating with a Person Who has Alzheimer’s Disease | BrightFocus Foundation

Tips for Communicating with a Person Who has Alzheimer’s Disease | BrightFocus Foundation: Tips for Communicating with a Person Who has Alzheimer’s Disease
Kathleen Allen, LCSW, C-ASWCM
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Senior couple talking to each other

Learn helpful communication tips for visiting someone with dementia, or communicating with them by phone or video chat.

Have you ever tried to communicate with someone with Alzheimer’s disease and ended feeling awkward and frustrated? Did you get stuck without having anything to talk about? Was this a once conversant and articulate person you now have difficulty engaging?

Communicating with someone who has Alzheimer’s disease, though challenging, is achievable. But because the disease affects the brain in ways that make communication difficult, we need to keep in mind some guidelines to facilitate the best possible communication. Below I will address communication when you are visiting someone with dementia, and then I will address non-visit communication, such as by phone or video chat.
On Your Visit

Christi Clark and Carrie Idol-Richards of the Insight Memory Care Center in Fairfax, Virginia refer to the “Basic 6” steps for communicating with someone with dementia. The steps they describe provide an excellent framework to use on your visits as you approach and converse with someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, and are especially relevant during the middle stages of the disease.

Approach from the front – do not startle them.
Establish eye contact – this shows interest in them.
Call the person by name – again, showing interest in them.
Get down to eye level if needed – this puts you on the same level with them.
Let them initiate touch – they will come to you when ready.
Give directions one step at a time – helps keep it simple, especially for those having difficulty with processing.