A very big part of empathy infused improv as a communication technique with those we work and care for is introspection. Our desire, willingness and ability to look beyond the situation at hand and consider how we could possibly be a part of results we see and scrutinize. As we ponder our own interactions and […]
In this COVID-19 time, seniors are encouraged to self-isolate to minimize chances of coronavirus exposure. Groups that care for seniors, such as retirement communities in New Jersey, have been trying to keep their charges safe. However, such drastic measures have led more of them to sink into depression and loneliness. Despite the challenge of maintaining […]
You don’t have to be Julie Andrews or Oprah to have favorite things, and you certainly do not need to be a celebrity to bring those favorite things to the attention of others. For months you have been reading blogs about communication and empathy and improv and how all of these concepts mesh together when […]
By Paul P. Falkowski Ph.D. This article is the second in a series of articles I am writing to not only talk about what goes into producing a viable and sustainable volunteer workforce but also to encourage you to explore new and creative ways nursing home volunteers can support you and the people living in […]
By Cathy Braxton, Educator and Owner of Improv4Caregivers I recently had the pleasure of attending a refreshing psychology class at Purdue University. I had to refrain from raising my hand to participate, answer the questions and prompt new ideas as the professor presented the material. On this particular day we underwent an overview of the […]
Today, more than 45,000 people in the U.S. are receiving their Social Security benefits. While some retirees prefer to maintain part-time jobs that don’t conflict with their benefits or retirement plans, many others are uncertain about what to do with all the time suddenly thrust in their lap. While many older adults dream about the […]
Consider what activities are the most meaningful for participants and schedule them first. For example, make sure there is time for physical movement, getting outdoors when weather-appropriate, etc. Schedule activities according to the natural energy cycles of participants. Think about when participants are the most physically and cognitively alert. When do people usually feel sleepy […]
Are you looking for fun and safe activities to do with your elderly loved ones? Crafts are an excellent way for seniors to reduce stress in their lives. Doing crafts has been known to produce serotonin and boost self-esteem. Visualizing, working on, and then creating an item can help seniors feel better about themselves. Crafting […]
By Kim Grandal, ACC/EDU, ACM www.recreativeresources.com Meditation is such an important aspect to our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Many people think that it’s just a metaphysical woo-woo type of activity. Some people automatically think of spiritualists sitting in the lotus position (criss-cross apple-sauce) while chanting ohm. I assure you, I have never […]
At some point during the overall healthcare experience, most residents are likely to feel vulnerable, fearful, or anxious. Team members who engage their resident-interactions with kindness, compassion and person-centered individualized care have an innate ability to calm many of these above-mentioned feelings while also strengthening relationships and improving resident moods, behaviors, and even certain health outcomes. In turn, these positive encounters […]
