When you’re trying to encourage someone with dementia to participate in activities, take heart and keep trying. Don’t give up, because you never know what will spark their interest and abilities.

For an activity geared toward stimulating the senses, our Activities Coordinator put together a sampling of lotions with a variety of smells. As she led the activity, she noted that the seniors didn’t seem interested. They weren’t familiar with these ”spa” scents and although there was sensory stimulation, they couldn’t relate to it.

So, she decided to change the materials for the…

We’re always looking for new and fresh ways to get our seniors involved.   Many of our participants love art or are developing a new interest in art.     For people with functional impairments, although we’re located so close to New York City, it can be difficult to get there to enjoy all the cultural opportunities.

We were very lucky to connect with the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA).   They have a wonderful program where they come to adult day centers and train staff on how to lead art related activities and discussions…

We’ve seen endless examples of people with dementia come to our center and are disinterested in activities. They’re resistant at first, but with a little time and patience, we’ve been able to engage every single person.

What is the key to helping them open up? Patience and the recognition that participating is about the process, not about the product.  We don’t focus on the end result of the activity, but more on getting them to connect to any part of the process. If we try an activity one way and we don’t see…

At the VNSNY CHOICE Adult Day Center, we love discussion groups with our seniors. It’s a wonderful way for them to stimulate cognition, feel valuable, share opinions and socialize. Their humor and wisdom always make an impression and encourage us to think in new ways. Last week, we had a great discussion. We loved their answers and wanted to share with you…

What does the word “elder” mean to you?

• Boss
• Wise person
• Teacher
• Apostle
• Have loot
• A good neighbor
• Pastor
• Someone in charge
• Experienced
• Someone you respect

What are the gifts and contributions you make to our lives and world?

• Words of…

One of the wonderful benefits of being an adult day center affiliated with VNSNY CHOICE (http://2012.vnsnychoice.org/) is that we have access to experts to provide health education.  Recently, VNSNY CHOICE Rehabilitation Consultants gave excellent Falls Prevention presentations to seniors in our dementia program. Although one might think that people with dementia may have difficulty understanding the information, we’ve been pleasantly surprised at how much the seniors learned and what good questions they’ve been asking about this important topic.

Since the presentations, we have seen noticeable changes in behavior that are helping our…

Ms. N., an 85-year-old female living in Queens, joined VNSNY CHOICE and the VNSNY CHOICE Adult Day Center a few months ago. She lives with her family, but they work during the day, and she needs help to remain safely at home. 

Last week when she arrived at our Adult Day Center, she appeared lethargic. Our staff spoke to her about the change in her condition, but she didn’t realize there was anything wrong. She showed staff a paper bag filled with medications and told them that she wasn’t sure how to take them. The…

One of our wonderful Girl Scout volunteers who comes to the VNSNY CHOICE Adult Day Center (http://2012.vnsnychoice.org/) for intergenerational programs is now spending some time in China. She wrote to us to share how her experience with the elderly at our center is shaping her experience in Shanghai. It’s very interesting and I wanted to share it with you.

My name is Neassa and I have been a Girl Scout since the 4th Grade. One of the parts of Girl Scouts that I have enjoyed the most is preparing for and…

Last week, we had our annual New Year’s Eve party and as always, our seniors had some great new year’s resolutions and thoughts to share. One of things I love about working with this population is being inspired by their perspective and wisdom. As we toasted to 2012, I had chills looking at all the smiling faces, and seeing everyone laughing and loving each other. As many of them said, they would be home alone if they didn’t come to our center. As I told them, we’re so grateful they choose…

Last week, we had our annual holiday sing-a-long/ Santa visit led by our friends at Partners in Care, the home health care agency that provides us with our exceptional Home Health Aides. Our staff and seniors were so moved and appreciative of their visit, that it compelled me to share more with you about this special day.

Not only was the event deeply meaningful, but it also provided many therapeutic benefits, even if the seniors didn’t realize it during the activity. This special sing-a-long is a great example of how we…

During the holiday season, if we’re lucky, we get to spend time celebrating with our loved ones, but for many, especially seniors, December can be lonely if loved ones live far away or have passed. Many seniors suffer from depression during this time of year, and we work hard to lift their spirits.

At the VNSNY CHOICE Adult Day Center, December is party month and we keep the celebrations going through New Year’s Eve. In addition to 4 holiday parties and a New Year’s Eve celebration, we have a Chanukah party,…