January 2008 Print E-mail
 
 
In This Issue
>Summer Gardens
>Sparking Discussions
>Difficult Behaviour
>Our Community
>Resources
 
Evoke memories of summer with the Fishing Game.

Fishing Game

Please see below for
further details about this game and other exciting resources to ignite the Spark of Life.
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January 2008

Welcome to a brand new year and our first edition of the Spark of Life Online newsletter for 2008. We are all looking forward to an exciting twelve months of supporting you to bring hope and inspiration to the world of dementia care. Together we can make a difference!

'To succeed... you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you.'

-Tony Dorsett

Make your voice heard and visit the DCA website to explore our dynamic online community forums. These unique forums provide you, our members, with a community where you can learn from each other's experiences and have your specific questions answered, even during this busy festive season.

 
Summer Gardens

Summer brings long, warm days and the sweet perfume of flowers from the garden. Now is the time to consider the benefits of horticultural therapy, which can have many varied and positive outcomes for people with dementia.

To discover more benefits of gardening for people with dementia, read our article Gardens, A Joy Forever.

Sparking Discussions

Dear DCA Team,

My father has vascular dementia and is in a geriatric- psych, dementia specific nursing home, organised by a psychiatrist. He punches and kicks out at staff - though he has never done this to family. I believe it is because of the insensitive way some staff approach him (ordering him around or no warning when they pull his pants down, etc). He has always treated others with respect and politeness.

For tips on finding a facility that has a positive approach to difficult behaviour and to read the rest of this question and answer visit the DCA Forum.

How to Dissolve Difficult Behaviour Program

We have had so many enquiries about our new resource, How to Dissolve Difficult Behaviour that we have decided to make this dynamic program available to everyone, without the need to purchase a facility membership.Diff behaviour

Difficult behaviour remains one of the biggest issues facing those working in aged care today and this unique product introduces the Spark of Life Approach, which dissolves challenging situations and creates a nurturing environment where everyone can thrive. Discover how difficult behaviour is a result of unmet needs and learn a set of skills you can immediately put into practise.

This program has been specifically designed for Facilities to use as their monthly training sessions. As part of your membership, you will have access via your homepage to discussion topic handouts, supporting documentation and links to related articles based on each of the six DVD topics. These resources can be used to create training packs or handouts for each staff member, creating a dynamic, focused and interactive training experience for all involved.

Visit our website to read more and obtain your copy of the 
How to Dissolve Difficult Behaviour program.

Spark of Life Community

Inspired by the Spark of Life Approach?

Do you want any question you have, answered by DCA?
Do you want weekly inspiration, ideas and tips?
Do you want your environment to be one where everyone loves to live, staff love to work and families love to visit?
Do you want your own step by step handbook on how to grow the Spark of Life?
Are you a facility leader looking to grow and inspire your team?
Are you looking to dissolve difficult behaviour?
Are you committed to excellence in Dementia Care?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, click here to read more about Dementia Care Australia memberships.
 

Spark of Life Staff Uniforms
 
uniformsBring colour to your working day with our specially designed, colourfast, and breathable Spark of Life Uniforms, featuring custom woven rainbow collars and cuffs.


 


The Fishing Game
 

Rekindle the spark of life in any man with dementia wFishing Gameith our Fishing game that brings incredible joy and pleasure to our many MEN in aged care facilities and day centres. The ladies will also love this exciting and stimulating game! The Fishing game is specially designed to be used in all levels of the Spark of Life Club Program.



Finger Foods

Finger FoodsEnjoy a picnic in the sunshine with your residents or loved ones with a delicious menu inspired by Finger Foods, a useful book written especially for carers. You can create a feast that will enable the person with dementia to eat independently and with dignity with this book's tempting recipes that are simple, tasty, and fun.

 



To buy these products and view our entire range visit our
Online shop.

All prices quoted will have additional postage & handling costs.
 

Thank you for taking the time to read our first newsletter of the year. We gladly welcome ideas or input to our newsletter, so make 2008 the year you tell your story to our community of like-minds and like-hearts. Contact us with your suggestions for future stories or articles.

The Spark of Life Approach - Rekindling the Spark of Life in people with dementia and everyone involved in their care!

Warmest Regards,
 
Hellen Fisher - Editor

On behalf of the entire DCA team.