Jigsaw Puzzles For Dementia Patients And Carers A Big Hit At The Diversional Therapy Association Conference, Brisbane

At the recent Diversional Therapy Association conference in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, the jigsaw puzzles designed for dementia and Alzheimer's patients and their carers were a huge hit.

It was a struggle at times to stop some people playing the jigsaw puzzles on the computer so that others could have a turn.

The most popular jigsaws (designed for patients and their carers as well) were Tractors, Motorcycles, Planes, Birds, Ships, Old Cars, African Animals and More English Castles.

As mentioned before in previous posts, my 95 year old mother, Edna, who has moderate dementia, trialled the 12 piece jigsaw puzzle for me. People have asked to see her, so here she is.

She's not very well at the moment, particularly with shingles pain and arthritis in the neck and head.

However, with her arthritic hand she can still manage to click on the left mouse button, release, and move the mouse with her hand. Then to place the piece all she has to do is click on the left mouse button again.

That way there's no pressure on her hand and fingers and she doesn't have to hold the mouse button down to move the piece (the other method of playing the jigsaw puzzle).

For people who haven't seen or used a personal computer or a laptop before it can be a bit daunting at first. However, with a bit of training and maybe a little help from volunteers, people do grasp the idea and then there's no stopping them.

There's a great sense of achievement when the puzzle's finished (there's even a congratulations message), it promotes hand and eye coordination and the finished jigsaw presents a colourful photo to look at and discuss. Armchair travel and reminiscence all wrapped up together.

One of the comments from the conference was that the reason some people don't want to use computers is because they can't control the mouse properly. With the interactive jigsaws they can learn mouse control in a fun way and gain the confidence to learn more about computer use later.

The jigsaw puzzles on CD are not Mac compatible but they do come with instructions and also a jpg of all 5 photos transformed into puzzles (this can be printed out for people to choose which puzzle they want to do).

Because of the digital format, the jigsaw puzzles are light to post anywhere in the world. 

Here's a demonstration of just  how easy it is to do a puzzle.



There are 5 photos per Jigsaw Puzzles CD and each photo has been converted to 5 jigsaws of 12, 24, 40, 104 and 260 pieces, so there are 25 puzzles in total.

To buy any of the CDs click on the jigsaws label in the menu on the left hand side of this post.

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Canyon Country Jigsaw Puzzles For Dementia Patients Are Colossal

Canyon Country Jigsaw Puzzles for dementia patients are sure to bring back memories for those who have travelled to southern Utah, USA. The scenery is so spectacular that these jigsaws for Alzheimer's and dementia can also be used for armchair travel.

For Australians, the "Red Rock" country brings back memories of our own Outback. Maybe that's why I fell in love with this stunning Southwest landscape. It reminded me of home.

The concept behind these interactive jigsaw puzzles is that they're so easy to play. All that's required is a personal computer or laptop and a mouse.

There are 5 photos each made into jigsaw puzzles of 12, 24, 40, 104 and 260 pieces (suitable for different levels and something for the carers as well).

Canyon Country Jigsaw Puzzles CD

Australia (incl. P&H) $29.00 AUD Overseas (incl. P&H) $33.00 AUD

These photos, taken in southern Utah, USA, are of Bryce Canyon, Red Canyon (near Bryce Canyon), Kolob Canyons in Zion National Park, Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park.

Puzzles are not printable, they're designed to be used on a computer or laptop or even on a large screen via a data projector.

Internet access is not required.

If you would like to try a sample of a jigsaw, email me at fran@franwest.com.

Jigsaw Puzzles of Trains for Alzheimer's and Dementia are Just Terrific

Trains and locomotives, whether steam or diesel seem to capture that spirit of adventure and take us back to a different time. The photos made into jigsaw puzzles of this exciting mode of travel are sure to bring back memories for people with dementia (and their carers too).

Here's a twist on an old theme - interactive jigsaw puzzles which can be done on a computer. Great for stimulating the mind, reminiscing, armchair travelling and using the hands.

In this new series of CDs there are 5 different photos which have been converted to jigsaws of 12, 24, 40, 104 and 260 pieces each, making a total of 25 jigsaw puzzles.

This range of puzzles can be used by people with different skill levels, and can be enjoyed by both people with dementia and their carers - something for everyone.

Jigsaw puzzles are easy to do with the click of a mouse button and a little bit of training from carers. Even my 95 year old mother who has moderate dementia has been trialling the 12 piece puzzle. My netbook is a little bit small in the size of the screen but a bigger laptop or computer would be ideal.

Trains Jigsaw Puzzles CD

Australia (incl. P&H) $29.00 AUD Overseas (incl. P&H) $33.00 AUD

These photos are of trains old and new, working and at rest. Sure to bring back memories for people who love trains and travel, especially throughout the USA in Alaska, Arizona and Colorado. There's the Alaska Railroad in Talkeetna, Alaska, the Grand Canyon Railway at the South Rim station, Arizona, the Verde Canyon Railroad, Arizona, a Santa Fe Railway caboose, Williams, Arizona, and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Colorado.

Match this Jigsaw Puzzle CD with the "Trains"  and "Getting Around the USA" Photo Downloads.



Puzzles are not printable, they're designed to be used on a computer or laptop or even on a large screen via a data projector.

Internet access is not required.

If you would like to try a sample of a jigsaw, email me at
mailto:fran@franwest.com

Colour My World Winter: A Seasonal Workshop From Alzheimer's Australia SA

Colour My World Winter: A Seasonal Workshop From Alzheimer's Australia SA,  will be run on Friday 15th June 2012.

Suitable for lifestyle staff, care staff, occupational therapists, volunteers and anyone interested in creative therapeutic activities for people with dementia.

Colour my world flyer winter, from Alzheimer's Australia SA

View more documents from Fran West

Colour My World - Winter will explore creative, therapeutic activities relating to winter.

Learning Outcomes;

• Understand how the season of winter can affect our behaviour and emotions

• Learn the therapeutic art projects relating to winter

• Explore musical activities with a winter theme

• Explore sensory themes relating to winter
 
THE FACILITATOR

Deborah Treherne is a Dementia Educator with Alzheimer’s Australia SA with a Post Graduate Diploma in Grief and Palliative Care Counseling from Adelaide University and a Diploma in Transpersonal Art Therapy from Ikon Institute SA.

She has over 20 years experience in aged care specialising in designing and facilitating Palliative Care, Sensory Therapy and Therapeutic Art programs for people with dementia.

For further information please phone Kirsty on (08) 8372 2100 or email satraining@alzheimerssa.asn.au

Horticultural Therapy Methods: Making Connections in Health Care, Human Service, and Community Programs

Horticultural Therapy Methods: Making Connections in Health Care, Human Service, and Community Programs, by Rebecca Haller and Christine L. Kramer is another book which may prove to be useful in dementia care. Click on the photo for more information and to purchase.



Horticultural Therapy Methods: Making Connections in Health Care, Human Service, and Community Programs

"Widely accepted treatment methods using horticulture as a therapeutic modality.
 
Through the years, horticultural therapy (HT) has evolved from its use only by volunteer gardeners to become a recognized and respected therapeutic modality conducted by trained, registered professionals.
 
Horticultural Therapy Methods: Making Connections in Health Care, Human Service, and Community Programs details the basics of the growing, time-proven practice of therapy through gardening.
 
Experienced practitioners and educators discuss horticultural therapy theory, application, and the impressive positive impact it has on clients.
 
Beginners are educated on key issues and given the tools needed to effectively treat clients.
 
Horticultural therapy uses widely accepted treatment methods in a calming, creative program framework.
 
Horticultural Therapy Methods challenges pre-conceived notions of the value of this treatment by describing the processes, techniques for practice, and the rationale for their use.
 
This manual not only can be used as a reference and a guide for students but can also be used by educators and those conducting horticultural therapy to help construct effective treatment programs.
 
Health care and human service professionals will find this resource a powerful ally in the therapy, treatment, and education of inmates, residents, patients, trainees, and students.
 
Horticultural Therapy Methods is a clear helpful manual that explains: the types of programs, settings, and goals the process of treatment planning developing sessions including activity or task selections to meet treatment objectives motivation and behavior management techniques documentation guidelines three types of HT programs resources for HT activity ideas practical approaches for mental health.
 
Horticultural Therapy Methods is a valuable addition to the literature and is crucial for all levels of horticultural therapists, occupational therapists, therapeutic recreational specialists, social workers, special educators, community horticulture leaders, horticulturists, mental health professionals of all types, and students.

Table of Contents
About the Editors Contributors Foreword (Paula Diane Relf) Preface Acknowledgments

Chapter 1. The Framework (Rebecca L. Haller) Introduction Shaping a Profession Horticultural Therapy Defined Program Settings, Types, and Goals Understanding the People Served Horticulture As a Therapeutic Modality Summary

Chapter 2. Goals and Treatment Planning: The Process (Rebecca L. Haller) Introduction Treatment Teams The Process of Treatment Planning Summary

Chapter 3. Activity Planning: Developing Horticultural Therapy Sessions (Pamela A. Catlin) Introduction Horticulture As a Vehicle to Meet Wide-Ranging Goals Activity or Task Selection to Meet Treatment Objectives Additional Considerations for Activity Planning Planning for Seasonality and Efficient Use of Horticultural Resources Sources for Session Ideas Summary

Chapter 4. Working with Program Participants: Techniques for Therapists, Trainers, and Program Facilitators (Karen L. Kennedy and Rebecca L. Haller) Introduction Facilitation and Group Leadership The Therapeutic Use of Self Motivation and Behavior-Management Techniques Training Adaptation and Modification Summary

Chapter 5. Documentation: The Professional Process of Recording Outcomes (Sarah Sieradzki) Introduction Purpose and Importance of Documentation General Guidelines for Horticultural Therapy Documentation Individualized Documentation Group Documentation Summary

Appendix A: Goals, Activities, and Measurements

Appendix B: Activity Planning

Appendix C: Documentation

Appendix D: Using Horticultural Therapy for Mental Health

Appendix E: Example of an Individual Program Plan Index Reference Notes Included"

Future Faces of Dementia - The Alzheimers New Zealand Conference in Wellington, May 24 - 27, 2012

"Future Faces of Dementia - The Alzheimers New Zealand Conference: Future Faces of Dementia has been endorsed by The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) and has been approved for up to 19.15 hours CME for General Practice Educational Programme Stage 2 (GPEP2) and Maintenance of Professional Standards (MOPS) purposes.

Alzheimers New Zealand warmly invites New Zealand and international delegates and speakers to our bi-annual conference, Future Faces of Dementia 2012.

Held in the ‘Coolest Little Capital in the World’, this dementia specific conference is a must for all involved in dementia and aged care.

If dementia is a priority for you, then make attendance at the Future Faces of Dementia conference your priority for 2012.

Offering a broad range of professional streams and practical workshops, the Future Faces of Dementia conference caters for health professionals, policy makers, care workers, residential care providers, primary health workers, people with dementia and their care networks."

For more information go to http://www.conference.alzheimers.org.nz/

ACSA National Community Care Conference, May 21st & 22nd, 2012, in Adelaide, South Australia

Here's some information about the ACSA National Community Care Conference 2012.

"It is with great pleasure we invite you to Adelaide, South Australia for the Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) fourth national Community Care Conference and Trade Exhibition.

It will be hosted by Aged and Community Services SA & NT and held from 21st May to 22nd May 2012 at the world class Adelaide Convention Centre.

The Conference speaking program has been developed around the Conference theme of Firm Foundations : Flexible Futures.

Community Care is a valued and essential component of many people’s lives. It was established to provide practical support to help people stay in their own homes and to live the life they choose.

Aged care as a whole is changing in response to our ageing population and the emergence of consumer directed care.

Against this background we see our Governments at all levels considering broader reform.

As we go through this change we can capitalise on the energy, enthusiasm and principles from our community care foundations to ensure future systems, models and approaches with far greater flexibility to support older people and their carers.

Aged care providers need to build on the firm foundations of community care principles as we move with a positive focus towards an unknown future in genuine partnership with the consumers of community care services.

Adelaide is a diverse multicultural city. It is picturesque with the beautiful Torrens River running through the city and parklands.

The city offers exceptional food and wine and is easily accessible from the rest of Australia. South Australia offers a wide range of experiences, from the wineries of the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills, white sandy beaches and the unique Kangaroo Island, to the rugged outback of the Flinders Ranges and beyond."

Website: http://www.sapmea.asn.au/conventions/acsa2012/index.html