| April 2009 |
|
|
Online Newsletter April 2009   This Month:
Celebrate the ANZAC spirit  They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow
old;Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.
Lawrence Binyon
Anzac Day is a significant day for Australia and many people with dementia will agree it is a good time for remembrance and special stories. Reminiscing games of any form can encourage spontaneous, creative self-expression in people with dementia. A special celebration based around Anzac Day will elicit many memories, some sad, some happy and some humorous; so take the time to make the day out of the ordinary. Decorate the room with flags and sprigs of rosemary that will not only bring colour and movement to the room but add a distinctive smell symbolic of remembrance. Old wartime photographs or artefacts such as medals or uniform will add interest to the table and provide an opportunity to experience familiar objects. Stimulate the sense of hearing by playing wartime or marching songs softly in the background or louder for a stirring sing-along. You can also create ceremony with a special afternoon tea that includes fresh, homemade Anzac Biscuits to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. (Click here for a delicious and easy Anzac Biscuit recipe) A little imagination and effort will be rewarded with an afternoon spent sharing special memories and experiences unique to the wartime experience. Join our Online Forums Our Member's Forum continues to cover a wide range of topics with carers sharing their challenges and stories. We encourage members to log on today and take advantage of having your every question answered by a DCA Consultant or other members of the online community. Community: Giving up driving My husband is in early stage frontal lobe dementia and does not want to give up driving his old car. Visit our forumsto read more on this complex and difficult issue. Residential Care: Unmet emotional need I have a client in a secure Dementia-ward in a nursing home, that i think has an unmet emotional need for love. Visit our forumsto discover an easy and compassionate solution. Introduce yourself: We love to hear from our members so come and introduce yourself to us and other Spark of Life community members. Visit our forums and say hi in our Introductions and Welcome thread. There are profiles on all of our team as well as other members . How to Communicate with Someone who Can't Speak The good news People with dementia still do communicate, even if they can no longer use words or sentences. Today we know that most people with dementia retain the ability to communicate, at least in one-syllable words, such as Yes or No. The only exceptions to this rule are people in the final stage of dementia or who have suffered a stroke or similar condition that may have affected their 'speech circuitry'. A Yes or No answer can be given in 3 different ways by: 1. Saying the words out loud. 2. Shaking or nodding the head to indicate a response. 3. Using facial expressions e.g. looking up and making eye contact; smiling or looking down for a Yes, or: looking straight into space or giving no reaction at all for a No. Visit our website to read more on this fascinating topic. Members please log in and click this link How to Communicate with Someone who Can't Speak for your full version of this article. Discover Three Unique Levels of Membership Dementia Care Australia now offers three levels of membership, specially designed to suit the needs of everyone interested in the Spark of Life Approach. From home carers and aged care staff to entire aged care facilities, there is a membership for everyone who wants to become a part of our community. Platinum Membership: Designed to benefit all involved with an aged care facility or organisation. This membership focuses on the leader and their staff who want to grow a Spark of Life Culture and develop the very best in person centred care. Gold Membership: Ideal for aged care professionals to develop their skills to dissolve difficult behaviour, improve communication, and bring the Spark of Life Approach to their every interaction. Silver Membership: Designed for individuals, relatives or professional carers who would like to join as a single member and not as an organisation or facility. Specially Designed Products for People with Dementia A Mother's Day Pack just for Her This special Mother's Day pack contains three of our best-selling and vibrantly coloured rainbow  products that are sure to make the woman
with dementia feel beautiful and bring joy to her day. Included in the pack are our unique rainbow necklace and rainbow earrings, both made from Swarovski crystal beads, and specially designed colourful spinning tops. A Mother's Day Gift to Share This special pack to share contains four of our best-selling products specially designed to create magic 
moments between you the carer and the person with dementia. Contains a rainbow bracelet and set of earrings, both made from Swarovski crystal beads, the Build a Supportive Partnership CD and two A4 posters, 'Now our Roles are Reversed' and 'I Know Her.' Rainbow Jewellery Set People with dementia enjoy anything colourful or that sparkles, making this beautiful rainbow  bracelet and earring set a real hit. Carers also love to
wear this lovely handcrafted jewellry. Made with rainbow coloured Swarovski crystal beads, they are available in either gold or silver fittings. To see our entire range of products, simply visit our online shop. We love to feature our members on our website, so if you have had a special event or Spark of Life story you would like to share, please feel free to contact us via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Warmest Regards, Hellen Fisher (Editor) and the entire DCA Team. Know someone who might enjoy our newsletter? Simply forward this email on and share the Spark of Life. |
