This Month

• Beating the Heat
• Spark of Life Certificate Course
  
• Members Article: Words Create Worlds
• Community Forum: Loss of independence
• Product of the Month: Pictures to Share set Plus Free Poster
• Why people with dementia love bright colours
  

Throughout the Southern Hemisphere, we are now entering the hottest time of year. As the temperature rises it is vital to ensure that, like yourself, the person with dementia is able to cope with the heat and keep up fluid levels.

The medical evidence for good hydration in older people shows that it can assist in the management of brain function, diabetes, help prevent pressure ulcers, constipation, urinary infections, and incontinence. Dehydration has such a dramatic effect on the body that it can mimic dementia symptoms in healthy individuals.

Once the weather is hot, ensure the person with dementia:

• Drinks plenty of water and nonalcoholic fluids. (Note: If their doctor normally limits their fluids or they are on fluid tablets, you may need to check how much they need to drink while the weather is hot.) Try coloured or fun themed drinking glasses to encourage water intake.
• Stays indoors, if possible with airconditioning, or in the shade.
• Wears lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
• Reduces physical activity.
• If at home alone, is checked on regularly.
• Is never left alone in a closed parked car.

Spark of Life Certificate Course - March 2010

As the commencement date of the world first Spark of Life Certificate Course draws closer, we wanted to remind you that applications are closing soon.

Would you like to join an inspirational group of participants and discover how to implement the remarkable, award winning Spark of Life Principles in your own aged care facility, and achieve significant improvements for the growing number of people with dementia?

An international collection of leaders, health care practitioners and educators will be attending the course, with participants from Australia, Canada, Denmark, New Zealand and Singapore.

If you would like to join us and be part of this pioneering Spark of Life Certificate Course, you will need to be quick - applications close 1 February 2010.

What is the Spark of Life Certificate Course?
Divided into three certificate levels, you will have the unique opportunity to become a Certified Practitioner, Advanced Practitioner or Master Practitioner of the Spark of Life.

Unleash your potential as you:

• Gain valuable new insights and practical Spark of Life techniques that will deliver powerful results.
• Discover new ways to connect with your own spark and learn how to ignite the spark in others.
• Start the journey to become a first class facilitator and presenter of the Spark of Life.

 Visit our website for more information on this innovative new certificate course.

If you are unable to join us in March 2010 for the first course, you can still register your interest for future dates. Contact us directly for more information.



Members Article - Words Create Worlds

Your words create worlds. This means that the language you choose will reinforce a particular way of thinking and behaving. By choosing to make a conscious shift from language that sustains an old administrative world of care, you can work towards a new empowering world of caring.
 
For instance, a staff member may say, 'Here we allow our residents to get up when they want to and we let them help themselves to tea and coffee.' At a glance, this statement appears to be a positive description of the facility. However, when you begin to analyse what these words represent, it is another story.

Members, click here to read the rest of this article.

Interested in becoming a member? Visit our website to find out how.



Forum Questions & Answers

Visit our online Member's Forums to discover a wide range of questions and answers from members facing the daily challenges of dementia care.

"My father-in-law has been diagnosed with early stage Dementia, which has been brought on by difficult to manage diabetes. As a result of this, his driver's license has been restricted to a 2km radius, and he has been told that he will need to be reassessed in 6 months time. He understandably feels angry that he has lost his independence, and is blaming his wife for arranging the testing that lead to being diagnosed, as well as the driving testing and restriction."

To read more on this discussion, visit our Spark of Life Community Forum.

Our forums allow our members to ask advice from one another, or have any question answered by a DCA consultant. Non-members are also welcome to visit.

A Special Gift for You - FREE Spark of Life Poster



To celebrate our January 'Product of the Month', we are offering our beautiful, hard cover Pictures to Share books as a 3-book-set with bonus poster. That's right, if you purchase the entire book set during the month of January 2010, as a special gift to you we will include a limited edition Spark of Life Poster. This unique A3 poster features an inspirational quote that is sure to motivate and inspire. Click here to learn more.



About our 'Pictures to Share' Books - In the Garden, Pets and Travelling 
With a selection of powerful and amusing images and words, these beautifully produced, quality hard cover books provide you with a unique tool to connect with the person who has dementia through reminiscing.

Designed specifically for people with dementia, 'Pictures to Share' books provide large scale, clear images combined with short text to get conversations going and encourage reminiscence. (250mm x 285mm)

Price: AU $49.00 each
3-Book-Set PLUS FREE Limited Edition Poster: AU $147.00

This exlusive offer ends 31 January 2010. If you would like to take advantage of this special offer, click here.

*** As with all our products, our Spark of Life Platinum and Gold Members receive an additional 10% discount.



Rainbow Uniforms - why people with dementia love them

Colour dominates our senses and the colours we see can noticeably affect our states of mind and our feelings. It is a myth that too much colour can be over stimulating or confusing. In fact, vibrant colour improves memory, stimulates interactions, and helps people with dementia to focus. You can read more on how colours affect people with dementia in our article, 'Why Rainbow Uniforms?'

Spark of Life Rainbow Uniforms - Buy Now
Bring a rainbow of colour to your facility with our specially designed, colourfast and breathable polo's that feature custom woven rainbow collars and cuffs. Click here to find out more.

Price: AU $59.50



Rainbow Ribbons - On Sale Now
People with dementia are known to respond instantly to these vibrant rainbow ribbons. Graduating through all the colours of the rainbow, these satin ribbons are 140cm and are suitable for use together with music therapy and activity programs. Click here to find out more.

Normal Price: AU $16.50
Special Price: AU $12.50 (Sold in bundles of 4)

Visit our online shop now to take advantage of the savings.
Sale ends 1 February 2010

*** As with all our products, our Spark of Life Platinum and Gold Members receive an additional 10% discount.



We love to feature our members on the DCA website, so if you have 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,
The entire DCA Team

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