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Welcome back to another segment of #ImEngaged! This week we are so thrilled to introduce you to Rae. Rae recently got certified and got creative implementing programming while adhering to the current IPAC guidelines. We are so excited to introduce you to Rae!

“I started on the wing I felt would be the most receptive to the program and pulled in people that I felt would be the most open to the changes. We have since moved on from our 2 case studies and are now work on more residents in that wing creating agendas, using wayfinders, and creating “activity” bins for more residents. Because of IPAC practices we were not able to leave activities out in areas for residents to use at their own leisure, so we created “DementiAblity carts” for each wing with materials for staff to pull for residents to use and then they can clean later. We also created some individual activity bines for certain residents. It has been a really big success so far and our hope is to continue to work to the other wings in the coming months. One idea myself and BSO leader are working on is “resident behaviour boards” for each wing. The board would have a chart on them with the residents name, their behaviour triggers, and activities to help with de-escalation.”

Rae Ajayi
Recreation Manager & Staff Educator
Sumac Lodge
Sarnia, Ontario

We are back with another #BecauseWeCare. This week we would like to introduce you to Simran – a new DementiAbility certified staff member. Her comments on the importance of creating an enabled environment really reflected what we do. We are so pleased to introduce you to Simran!

“Adaptation to the environment plays an important role in everyone’s life. Good environment provides freedom, joy and life with purpose. Also, encourages/engages a person to things to do by their own in which they are capable of. To support our residents’ abilities adaption to environment is very important. Different adaptions needs to support different things. The main adaption is to support abilities is having an environment where they are “Welcome and accepted”, having good relation with all individuals. Adaption is required which support all mentally, emotionally, socially, intellectually and physically.”

Simran
Recreation Facilitator
Kildonan Personal Care Home
Winnipeg, MB

We are back with your regularly scheduled #BecauseWeCare!
We are so excited to introduce you to Becky. Becky is one of our nearly certified staff members. Becky exemplifies how this work is multi-disciplinary. As the RAI Co-Ordinator and ADOC she has really shown the importance of doing this together as a team within every department. Here is what she had to say about her success implementing the DementiAbility Methods.

“What I really find amazing is the power of words “Would” and “Good Job”. After my two-day training course, the first thing I tried was just simply trying to ask would you with anything I did and saying good job at the end. I have to say I was a bit sceptical in training that something so simple would make a difference. I was wrong. It changed everything. Resident who would never agree to things started to. Even residents who can’t really to activities because their dementia had progress so much would say yes and engaged in an activity. I worked with staff to make it a common language in our home, simple would you and thank you good job.”

Becky Donison RPN
RAI Coordinator/ Educator/ADOC
Long Term Care, Telfer Place

Well done Becky! Thanks for all your hard work putting this into practice.

This weeks #BecauseWeCare comes from York Region, ON. If you have been to a DementiAbility Workshop you probably know that we often promote the use of drums with individuals with dementia. After a workshop last week, I was contacted by one of the participants about how excited she was to see this covered in the workshop. Terri Segal has been experiencing first hand the therapeutic benefits of drumming with the clients at the adult day program where she works. The drumming program is run by the staff team on a weekly basis and is a huge success. Drumming is an outlet for creative expression, physical exercise, social connection, and mental stimulation. The percussion instrument becomes an extension of the players voice and helps to express that which cannot be articulated in words. Rhythm and music in general is one of the first things we learn and one of the last things we forget. Start a beat and see what happens!
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“Today, I had the pleasure to facilitate some drumming and music-making with the clients at the adult day program where I work. We began with attuning to the rhythms of our body and warming up by playing very simple rhythms together; tapping on the knees, with the feet, and then on tabletops. I played my drum which has a lovely deep bass that is an anchor for participants to play along with. We celebrated and delighted in the small accomplishments of stopping all together, playing together in harmony and appreciating each person’s unique contribution to the group rhythm. After about 30 min of using our bodies and tabletops as drums, I handed out maracas to each person. The rhythm became even more colourful and dynamic, each person playing in their own unique way with bright eyes and big smiles. At the end of the drumming program, Brian (not his real name) called me over, looked me straight in the eyes and said, “the drumming wasn’t good….it was AMAZING. Everyone was engaged!” ⁠
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Terri Segal⁠
Adult Day Program Worker
York Region

This weeks #BecauseWeCare comes from Northern Health BC. Lindsay Jezierski and her team are some of the many individuals who are implementing the “Take 10” initiative. Take 10 was created as a way to encourage staff to take just 10 minutes out of their day to engage residents in life and living.

Lindsay told us “Multiple homes have picked this up and are putting their own twist on it!”

Do you have a story of how you are encouraging staff to engage residents in life and living each day? Email us at laura@dementiability.com!

This weeks #BecauseWeCare has chosen to stay anonymous but their words absolutely touched me. It is messages like this that keep me going even on the toughest days. Thank you to this wonderful individual for making my day!

“Laura,
Thank you so much for leading the dementiability workshop this week! I have been mulling through ideas that I want to pursue with dementiability in mind! Your workshop has put me on the right track after 2 years of feeling lost and searching for a professional change, I even considered leaving dementia care. The DementiAbility course has rejuvenated me in a new way, I haven’t felt this professionally motivated for a long time.”

Thank you so much for this beautiful message – it is so appreciated!

This weeks #BecauseWeCare comes from Grimsby, ON. Tara has been a huge advocate of DementiAbility and her passion never ceases to amaze us. We are so pleased to introduce you to Tara!

“Kilean Lodge has implemented many of the DementAbility methods in our home. We are a firm believer that the interventions work, and we are working to get all staff trained (PSW’s, Nursing etc.), so that each staff member can implement them, not just the Recreation team.

Some that we have used are signage for the washroom, signage for resident rooms (including arrows), incorporated some of their recreation ideas in our calendar and ‘Fidget Boxes’ that any staff member can grab and give to residents who are exit seeking or wandering.

DementiAbility has also allowed the recreation team to really dig deeper to find out about each individual resident (WOW Model) and to plan activities that fulfill any unmet need (s).

It has also been a great resource for our Responsive Behavior huddles as we have used a lot of the methods to try and limit things such as behaviors, depression and falls.

Overall, Kilean has seen firsthand success with these methods and will continue to incorporate them!”

Tara Veltri
Recreation Manager/Volunteer Coordinator
Kilean Lodge
83 Main St.E
Grimsby ON L3M 1N6

For this week’s #BecauseWeCare I wanted to share a personal story about my experience this week working in a LTC home here in Canada. I must admit, I was unsure about what to expect, as I had heard so many negative stories about what was going on in LTC during the pandemic. It is clearly time to change the messaging. What I found was love, care and compassion – and residents who were doing well. I was welcomed with open arms by staff who had been working to do what they have always done: they were doing their best to care for those in their care – navigating each challenge associated with the pandemic with a goal of creating better days for their residents. I found residents with huge smiles on their faces, excited to share their life stories with me and ready to connect with me and ready to share a compliment or two with me. I had family members stop me in the hall to discuss the changes in the home and how excited they were. Above all, I saw hope. Hope for days free from masks, protocols and sanitizer, and a group of people willing who were passionate about doing the best they can for each person in their care. Today I feel renewed. Thank you to everyone who made my trip so rejuvenating. I want to thank all the residents, families and staff for a great week. AND MOST OF ALL I WANT TO SAY – LIFE IN LTC IS BETTER THAN THE NEWS LEADS US TO BELIEVE! It is time for some positive messaging about the great people behinds the masks that clearly showcase “They care”.

This weeks #BecauseWeCare comes from a recent attendee of our Georgian College workshops! Shannon attended our course with some of her fellow students. Shannon reached out after the course and we felt her beautiful words should be shared! We are so pleased to introduce you to Shannon!

“I wanted to reach out to extend a heartfelt thank you. Your 2-day course is not only extremely informative, but it is engaging and fun – I know this is no easy feat in a virtual context. I am feeling excited and optimistic about my future as a Recreational Therapist and am really looking forward to working with clients and caregivers again.”

Shannon Goodman
Therapeutic Recreation Student
Georgian College

Thanks Shannon, it is so exciting to have people like you continuing on in this field!

Todays #BecauseWeCare comes to you from Steinbach, MB! Ada got certified with her team at the end of last year. Here is what she had to say about her certification experience.

“It was a great opportunity for me to do the DementiAbility Certification. It provides me a standard to test my understanding of the methods and materials through developing case examples and put what I have learned into practice. It’s a rewarding job for me especially seeing the resident progress, I feel happy too when they feel happy and that they still have life and they belong to the community.”

Ada Acosta
Health Care Aide
Rest Haven Care Home
Steinbach, MB

It is so important that individuals with dementia feel apart of their community. Thank you for working hard to make every person with dementia feel as though they are home.

This weeks #becausewecare is courtesy of Rest and Nest! You may remember a few weeks ago we shared our initiative for Adopt a Senior and giving a gift box with things that will create the look and feel of home to someone who would benefit. We are so pleased to share that 12 people received a gift this holiday season! Here is what @restandnest had to say!

“Seeing these smiles on their faces is why we do what we do! These reactions are what motivate our mission – to bring a feeling of care, purpose and fulfillment for everyone.

Thank you to everyone that purchased a gift box to donate to an LTC home.

Even though the holiday season is wrapping up, you can still purchase gift boxes to donate. It’s a great way to start the new year; by bringing joy to someone!” @restandnest

Thank you to everyone who donated and shared! These boxes are still available for purchase at www.restandnest.ca

We are so happy to share our first #becausewecare of the new year! Benita got certified at the end of 2021 and blew us away with her success. One of the ways she managed to keep everyone in the organization up to date on her progress was by sending out a DementiAbility newsletter with updates, facts and even activities! Here is what Benita had to say about this initiative:

“I completed my certification at a small supportive housing unit. Due to Covid and scheduling, I was rarely able to meet with family and only met some of the staff. I borrowed a sample newsletter from one of our local long term care facilities. I thought it was a great way to communicate with staff, family and people living at the home. The newsletter also provided a way to demonstrate that I was supporting change in my certification.”

Benita Le Morvan (she, her, hers)

Clinical Specialist – Occupational Therapist

Northern Health Authority, Prince George, BC

Well done Benita! What a fabulous way to create sustainable change in practice.

We are back with one FINAL #BecauseWeCare of 2021! We were so excited to hear that one more team member from the Revera team wanted to complete their certification before the new year. Zack Henderson completely blew us away with not only his hard work on his certification, but the fact that he managed to move provinces as well as jobs AND get certified in only a couple months. We are so thrilled to introduce you to Zack!

“What the DementiAbility courses and certification has shown me, is that this is an ever-growing field, and the opportunities to grow, adapt, and learn are never ending. I’ve heard that if you know one person with dementia, that’s it. You know one person with Dementia. No two people are going to be the same. Some interventions may work well with multiple people, but at the end of the day, we are creating individualized resident centered approaches. And who knows, something that might have worked one day, might not work the next and its all about adapting to those new challenges. DementiAbility has also shown me the power of language and how the words we use can greatly affect our desired outcomes. Using words like “would you” instead of “can you” changes the tone of the questions. Would you, allows the resident to make their own choice. When you say can you, it invokes a sense of ability and the opportunity to fail. Growing up in a household where my mother was not a native English speaker, this was not an immediate thought of mine. It is taking some practice and work to make it a habit, but the results are proving that they make a difference. Lastly, DementiAbility has shown me that setting up the residents for success only makes things better for everyone involved. When you properly scaffold programs, no one thinks that they are doing a bad job and therefore doesn’t get agitated or frustrated during a program. Putting up cueing and wayfinding signs around the space allows residents to stay independent while accomplishing their ADLs. Making the space a comfortable and inviting arrangement, allows the residents to truly feel relaxed and like they’re at home. That is the whole goal and reason we are doing what we are doing. Even in the short time that we have had these interventions up, we can already see the immediate impact that it has had on our resident’s lives.”

Zack Henderson
Reflections Manager
Evergreen, Revera Inc.
Calgary, AB

This weeks “Because We Care” wraps up our team Revera certification! For the last instalment we are so thrilled to introduce you to Paige.

“I had already begun implementing many of the methods I had learned in the initial classes and both myself and staff were seeing significant changes in the residents. For example, I had already created a “pick and go” cupboard with a variety of activities such as sock matching, cutlery sorting, button and nut/bolt organizing, rope winding, picture matching, and many more. Each with their own yellow with large black arial font “would you like to…?” printed on the front. I also created the “JOB BOARD”, with a variety of tasks I try to rotate through every few days (except for those that have become routine for a few residents). Since creating this shelf of activities and the job board, I have had tenfold interaction by not only staff, but residents on their own, with their neighbors, and with families! They are especially utilized for those residents who wander and are seeking purpose, or new resident move in’s when they begin to exit seek.

I had also already began implementing the W.O.W model, and it has been groundbreaking – especially regarding staff “buy-in.” As an individual who has worked with those with dementia for many years, I always felt I had a “gut” understanding that a behavior, or personal expression, was linked to an unmet need. It was not until I began to manage a team and the Reflections program for Revera, that I understood this “connection” was not something everyone had in common. Thus, my biggest challenge while managing has always been describing to staff on how to identify, explain, and meet unmet needs that later result in personal expressions. However, the W.O.W model as a tool has done just that! Now, instead of me briefly explaining why a personal expression may occur, I take the extra few minutes and walk through the steps with the team. As a result, many of the staff now walk through the tool on their own, during team huddles with each other, or come to me with solutions. This has empowered them to become their own detectives, buy into the program and its methods, create a deeper understanding of dementia, and generate pride when they are able to witness the change and happiness in the resident. This tool has also enabled me to branch out and think about the individuals needs on a deeper level, especially when I sit down with pen and paper to brainstorm difficult cases.”

Paige Blaney, BSc., MPH
Reflections Manager, Revera

Well done team, you truly are champions of change!

This weeks #BecauseWeCare is a continuation of last week! Shaelyn, working alongside Nathan and Paige, got certified recently in DementiAbility Methods. We felt what she had to say in her reflection really encompasses what we are all about here at DementiAbility.

“In its most basic form, DementiAbility methods to me means looking at the whole person. Not just looking at the behavior they are currently presenting, but who they were, who they are now and how the two intersect and contribute to the current situation. It is so easy in caring for people living with dementia to be overwhelmed by personal expressions and react to those expressions without considering the whole picture. It’s in taking the time to look at the individual and try to understand who they are, what’s important to them and what needs they have. Then we can truly understand where their expression is coming from. A personal expression doesn’t occur for no reason and the DementiAbility certification has helped me to realize that when I witness an expression, I need to put on my investigation hat and do the work to better support the individual.”

Shaelyn Owen RSW, BSW
Reflections Manager
Revera Inc.
Calgary, AB

Thanks Shae and congratulations on being DementiAbility certified!

This weeks #BecauseWeCare comes from Revera’s National Manager of Memory Care. After attending the DementiAbility Workshop, Nathan was determined to become certified, even if he had to do it remotely. Nathan worked with two colleagues (their success stories we will be shared in the coming weeks). This team has worked hard to create successful outcomes for those in their care. We can’t wait to see what this incredible team continues to do. We are so thrilled to introduce you to Nathan!

“Working in the Seniors Sector for 15 years I have always believed in person-first and person-centered approach to Senior Living. Understanding and destigmatizing Dementia begins with us. The DementiAbility Methods encompasses this in its entirety and ensures all members of the team are working together to deliver this way of living. Understanding the unmet need being shown as a personal expression, knowing an individual in their fullest form and how past and present collide. My goal in implementing DementiAbility is to ensure our care team members are not working in a task focused environment and each individual they are working with are just that- an individual, not another task number in a computer system they need to click off.
We have been truly blessed with success but of course success comes with determination and constant education. There have been quite a few roadblocks along the way, but with my determination and education, along with true, heartfelt stories of success, the outcome has been absolutely fantastic.”

Nathan Posteraro
National Manager of Memory Care at Revera
Mississauga, ON

This weeks #becausewecare comes from one of our newest DementiAbility Trainers! Laura Smith-Baldi got certified at a retirement home in Scarborough, ON and this was her favourite moment from her experience.

“This was my expression when I saw this woman jump up in the air. She usually sat on the couch for most of the day. We knew she loved to dance and staff had been supportive in bringing out her abilities. But that day was a step above the usual. She was teaching me how to dance and part of her moves was to “jump up”. I was literally shocked at discovering her hidden abilities as you can see in my eyes! Even under my mask, the team captured my shock.”

Laura Smith-Baldi
DementiAbility Trainer
Toronto, ON

Congratulations on all your success Laura, we are so thrilled to have you apart of our team!

We are back with another #becausewecare with Rest Haven staff! This week are pleased to introduce you to Leahn.

“I am very grateful for this program because it was an amazing and rewarding experience. I felt I became a part of the residents’ lives and was able to contribute to their needs. It provided an opportunity for me to think of ideas and collaborate myself with others to perform these activities. I know that there is a lot more to learn and practice these methods, but I believe this is very doable. I’ll keep in mind that the outcome of this program will give a lasting positive effect in Rest Haven in terms of resident care and give them joy and a purpose in life.”

Leahn E. Obviar
Food and Nutrition Services Supervisor
Rest Haven Care Home
Steinbach, MB

Welcome back to #becausewecare! We have another staff member to share with you from Rest Haven Care Home. We are so thrilled to introduce you to Catherine!

“Staff here at Resthaven plays a very important role in every resident’s life. I observed that mornings are always the best time to engage them in activities while their mind and thoughts are fresh and well rested. During this time, we can then easily identify their interest, skills and abilities. However, even when residents are tired and agitated anytime during the day, we immediately learned how to attend to their needs. I believed that teamwork in every department can achieve a dementia patient’s forgotten abilities be stirred up again. In order for us to achieve our goals we should be purposeful in helping or engaging our residents to activities that interest them. I also recognize that sufficient time must be invested in doing this activity to make it more fruitful and productive. We, therefore, should be the “starter button” for them to remember what they used to do before dementia in order to live a meaningful and joyful life.”

Catherine Ariza
Health Care Aide
Rest Haven Care Home
Steinbach, MB

What a beautiful testament. Thanks Catherine!

“Now when I come to work I have seen changes that we all contributed to reaching. Signs are very helpful. I do a lot of nail care in the facility. I sorted nail polish, clippers, and files in the drawers. I told the residents that love to have their nails done that every time you need one they have to go to the main floor for the spa to get an appointment. Look for the sign. I made a sign that said “Polish Me Pretty Nails and Spa”. This way they have a chance to come on the main floor, feeling excited to book a manicure, like what they did before…It was very rewarding to see them participate, to watch them work independently, to show their willingness to be part of the activities. That being said, it was a great pleasure to work with residents in the home. Just to see them smile, you can tell the happiness you contributed to them. That being said, DementiAbility is the best experience I had in my entire 13 years in the home because that gives me a chance to share ideas and be part of the life they have in the facility. My work is my passion. I love working with the elderly.”

Grace Garcia
Health Care Aide
Rest Haven Care Home
Steinbach, MB

This weeks #becausewecare is another wonderful staff member from Rest Haven Nursing Home. Yvonne is a registered nurse and had some beautiful words to say about her hope for the future of their home. Read it here https://dementiability.com/learn-more/

We have another #becausewecare from Rest Haven Care Home! This weeks story comes from Lori Sheppard who is from the House Keeping department and was certified this summer in DementiAbility Methods. We are so thrilled to introduce you to Lori!

“During this time our team has implemented many activities for our residents to enjoy. We have built closer relationships. The staff have become closer and enjoy sharing ideas of ways to improve the lives of our residents. I feel that we are collectively taking better care of the residents – emotionally, cognitively and physically. We are actively seeking to provide the support that enable our residents to live their best quality of life. I feel we have made great progress so far. I feel this is just the beginning.”

Lori Sheppard
Housekeeping
Rest Haven Care Home
Steinbach, MB

Thanks Lori – we love your attitude, it is indeed just the beginning and we can’t wait to see what you continue to do!

Over the next few weeks for #becausewecare we would like to share some quotes from the NINE staff who got certified at Rest Haven Nursing Home in Steinbach, MB. You will see staff from many different departments and how DementiAbility helped them in their unique positions. We are so pleased to kick this off by introducing you to Eva from dietary!

“My job is in the dietary department, I get a short and good interaction with the people while setting tables and serving coffee and juices in the dining room. A couple of them come early to the dining area and after we had some book club readings, we continue giving a book to read, while some were puzzling or colouring till suppertime and they kept busy. It covered the feeling of sitting and boredom. Even when serving juice I found it interesting to let them choose their juice if possible but ask them slow, clear and give an option for example: Would you like apple or orange juice today for supper? It can make a difference.”

Eva Peters
Dietary Aide
Rest Haven Care Home
Steinbach, MB

Thanks Eva! It is so wonderful seeing DementiAbility implemented in all environments!

This weeks #becausewecare comes from The Dementia Society in Ottawa. We are so thrilled to introduce you to Misia!

“I am forever grateful for this opportunity as it has also impacted my caregiver coaching role. I often used the ABC method when discussing triggers with families in my prior coaching role. I look at my coaching in a very different way when using the WOW method. There is so much more to reflect on with observations and who the person is both past and present. I use the WOW in every conversation I have now, and as a result, every conversation ends with at least one suggestion on how a certain activity, role or routine can help improve the quality of the person’s day. It begins the caregiver looking at things in a different way and sparks them to become more of a ‘detective’ as I often put it with them.

This has also impacted me in my personal life and made me see that often the way people react and how they behave has a lot more to do with their past and not just the present. I appreciate connection in a different way. I am so excited and hopeful to guide the Dementiability workshops for our caregivers moving forward.”

Misia McCallum
Dementia Care Coach
The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County
Ottawa, ON

Thanks Misia! You are going to change the lives of many.

This weeks #becausewecare comes from Vancouver, BC. Andii was our very first certified individual of 2021! She has since continued to put DementiAbility into action and has had some incredible successes!

“I just love DementiAbilty and the opportunities that it gives our residents living with Dementia to embrace who they were and activities they used to enjoy! As things are getting back to somewhat normal here in Vancouver, it has been wonderful to be able to offer more programs to our residents. As well as to be able to learn more about these individuals every day. During the pandemic restrictions I think a big success in programming was being able to add to our DementiAbility library, by creating stories with our residents. Once we worked our way through the great stories DementiAbility offers we were able to read the books that the resident inspired such as “The History of the Vancouver Aquarium” and “The History of British Columbia”. We were even able to share our stories with other facilities and in turn they wrote their own to share with us! Creating stories was a great outlet for learning who the residents were and what they did (do) enjoy.
Another project we are working on right now is communication cards. These benefit residents that do not speak English or English as a second language as well as those that may be hard of hearing. They have been very helpful for all staff in being able to communicate effectively with those residents that benefit from them. We currently have 7 dialects (Tagalog, Spanish, Vietnamese, 2 Chinese dialects, Bengali and Punjabi) and always looking to add more to our card index!”

Andii Millett, RecT.
Recreation worker of Lifestyles & Therapeutic Services
Broadway Lodge
Vancouver, BC

This weeks #becausewecare is a story that absolutely touched our hearts. Christine Wilkinson from Niagara College connected us with Heather Kane and informed us of an AMAZING initiative she partook in. We are so pleased to share Heathers story with you.

“Jackie Robarts is a very busy person, she always has been, and always will be. She was the first woman to be appointed President of a College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ontario, she was often the top of her class, and the winner of many different awards for her accomplishments. Now living with dementia, Jackie is just as busy as she always was, only her sense of accomplishment and purpose has diminished.
Through my training with DementiAbility I realized how important it is to provide an environment that is familiar and set for success of the individual living with Dementia. I contacted my previous Professor from Niagara College’s Recreation Therapy program, and we developed an individualized program for Jackie. The plan was to connect Jackie with students so that she may share her work experience and advice to the students. This created a learning opportunity for students as well as an opportunity for Jackie to thrive, doing what she does best, working and encouraging for the greater good!
Jackie met for 30-minute virtual calls, multiple times a week, with various eager students. They were able to ask her questions about her work, seek advice for themselves and other students, and engage her in uplifting conversations. Prior to the calls Jackie would at times be overtaken with confusion and anxiety associated with Dementia, but during these calls Jackie was able to focus and be fully engaged. She would speak words of wisdom and share some witty humour with the students. After the calls Jackie would reflect on how good she felt being able to help the students and how important it is to her that she is there for them still.
Jackie’s friends and loved ones have all remarked on the difference in her ability to recall memories of both 40 years ago to just moments ago, something that seemed was already lost from her. Her ability/desire to communicate has been increased and overall her demeanor has improved as she feels uplifted from having purpose again!
This has been a truly meaningful experience for all involved. A huge thank you goes out to Jackie for being willing to participate and continue to teach us all. Gratitude is shared with Gail Hilyer, Jackies POA and Niagara College. Thank you all for helping to make this happen.”

Heather Kane
Recreation Coordinator
The Community of Lookout Ridge
Fonthill, ON

This weeks “Because We Care” comes from one of our new DementiAbility Certified Grads! We are so thrilled to introduce you to the lovely Maheen.⁠
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“I find this experience both challenging and rewarding. I not only learned about our day to day challenges with caring for dementia residents but also realized that we think of them as being normal part of Dementia care. ⁠
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Dementiabiliy course gave me an insight about looking at the resident beyond their diagnosis. ⁠
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WOW model helped me look into resident’s past and what they were as a person before the diagnosis of dementia. Once I learned about their past life, I was able to understand their behaviour and personality better. It helped me with my observation of their behaviours, their interests and abilities. The WOW model helped me with incorporating new ideas and interventions to keep me resident positively engaged. It helped me know about the resident holistically. ⁠
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I also noted that these involvements and observations are always growing and changing with our clients. I understand that when you know a person with dementia you know only one person with dementia. I appreciate that my residents with dementia have a new day every day…⁠
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This course has given me an in-depth understanding of the struggle of people with dementia and their loved ones. It makes me realize that we must work with our care team and the families but also keep the communication channel open.”⁠
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Maheen Ashfaq⁠
RN, GNC (C). ⁠
Fairview Lodge⁠
Whitby, ON⁠
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Congratulations on all your wonderful success Maheen!

We are back for more #becausewecare! This week we are so pleased to introduce you to Melissa. Melissa came to our workshop in Vancouver 6 years ago and has since been a true advocate of DementiAbility. She has now become DementiAbility certified and is working towards certifying her whole home! Here is an excerpt from Melissa’s certification experience.

“When we started the DementiAbility Certification process here at St. Charles Manor we wanted to test our understanding of the materials/kits and methods learned and how to put them into practice here at our home. How do we put DementiAbility Methods into practice? About 6 years ago myself, Melissa Howarth, Activity Coordinator enrolled in the 2-day course with Gail Elliot in Vancouver BC and then completed the fresher course in January 2021. Our Executive Director Twila Thomson, Care Aide Roselo Sefuentes, RN Leah Chisholm and RN Lara Strachan completed the 2-day course in March 2021. We have all been busy learning and understanding the DementiAbility Methods. In starting the implementation of materials for Residents to use I started making up “kits” with labels on yellow paper with black bold fonts what the kits intention. Then started buying furniture that would assist in displaying these kits/materials, so they were easy for Residents and Staff to see and use daily. Making sure these were age appropriate, easy to sanitize, and dementia friendly kits. We have a shopping list for staff to put items they would like, or if we run out of something and need more as I do all the shopping. The next step is an ongoing learning process for ALL staff members.”

Melissa Howarth
Activity Coordinator, St. Charles Manor, Trillium
Victoria, BC

Thanks Melissa! We can’t wait to see what you continue to do!

This weeks “Because We Care” comes all the way from Burns Lake, BC. Jhenny sent me a message last week showing some of the wonderful art work she has inspired some of her residents to create. We are so pleased to introduce you to Jhenny!

“I am a greeter during the pandemic but to pass time I try and mingle with the residents.
One day I just decided to sit down and draw. Drawing has always been something I’ve enjoyed.
So I just sat down started drawing and pretty soon I had 2 people join a few days later I had 4 and now I will sometimes get up to 6 people sit down and colour or learn how to draw basic things like birds dogs cats etc…

Sometimes I will bring in my guitar and play some tunes some they know some I know.
Everyone is invited and remember when it comes to art there is no wrong way!”

Jhenny Nelson
Student
The Pines
Burns Lake, BC

We love your attitude Jhenny! Keep up the great work and we can’t wait to see where your career takes you!

“I loved the Certification process. Going through the ‘All About Me’ and the other forms including Needs, Interests and Roles started some fascinating conversations. The two participants I had chosen were two that the team and I believed we knew quite well. But opening up these conversations meant that we learned some very valuable information about each participant that we did not know of before. I highly recommend getting Certified! Now as a Trainer, I absolutely love the discussions that I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of. While teaching over Zoom isn’t always the easiest, there are so many creative minds that love to collaborate and discuss new challenges and strategies that have arisen during the Pandemic.”

Kelly Jagger
Clinical Resource Worker,
Community Support Services
St. Joseph’s Health Center,
Waterloo Wellington

This weeks “Because We Care” comes from a recent DementiAbility Certified grad. We are thrilled to introduce you to Brandon.

“As part of completing my DementiAbility Certification each of us were tasked with implementing a “reading club” (what the Wilkes Terrace resident’s referred to as.) With the hurdles and demand of working in these challenging times our reading group at Wilkes Terrace long term care home was structured to take place twice a week (Wednesday + Thursday) at the same time each week. The overall experience was great and a huge success in my opinion. This project allowed me to learn a lot. I learned new things about the Wilkes Terrace residents, I learned that this reading group provided an environment where they felt safe, and secure enough to share stories. I also learned that there is a lot of behind the scenes preparation that goes into an activity like this. The residents here at Wilkes Terrace have requested that reading club continue to be an activity weekly, speaking with our activities coordinator she has now added “Reading Club” to the monthly activities twice weekly on our original days that we used. It was also passed on to me that it was proposed at Resident’s council meeting that the reading club had inspired the residents to want to write their own short story/stories. This is something that will most definitely be looked into as a project for the future.”

Brandon Pope
Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant
The McCausland Hospital / Wilkes Terrace LTC
Terrace Bay, ON

This weeks “Because We Care” comes from one of our newest DementiAbility Certification graduates! Helen Hunter (MPH) is the founder of the Dementia Family Caregiver Network in Sidney, BC.

“DementiAbility course and certification has helped me as a medical professional by increasing my knowledge to help those living with mild cognitive impairment, and dementia and their family caregivers. Using the knowledge from the course, workbook, and using the program participant profile and connecting what you know to what you do through the table of Connecting Observations to Goals and Interventions and using the WOW model assists in making a successful plan for each client.

Thank you, Gail and Laura, for this fantastic program, Dementiability!”

Thanks Helen! We can’t wait to see what you continue to do!

“I have had the incredible honour of working in a retirement home setting for the past 8 ½ years in the culinary department. I love working with our Senior Community and do my best to connect with each one of our Community Members on any level. Although I have had the desire, it has sometimes proved challenging for me to connect with those who are facing dementia.
Recently, I was able to take the DementAbility workshops, both communication and methods. While some of the material seemed very focused on long-term care settings and advanced dementia, I saw so much potential and benefit in applying these lessons to the Community Members I have the privilege of working with each day.
Just recently, a few days after completing the workshops, I had an interaction with one of our ladies. She has been diagnosed with Dementia and struggles with confusion which causes her anxiety and some depression. She was feeling very out of sorts, confused, and upset on this particular evening. She was wandering around in our 24-hour café unable to settle. I could see her struggle on my way out for the night, so I approached her, called her name, and asked if she would like to sit with me. We sat, but I could see that see was still quite unsettled. I called on what I had learned in the workshops. I moved closer to her, put my hand on her forearm, and began to talk about my day. It was incredible, almost instantly, I could feel her relax, focus, and connect with me. We had a cup of tea and had a lovely conversation. Something so simple, just taking the time to try instead of calling our “wellness” team to come and get her, or just walk by.
This, to me, is a great example of how being present and being aware can allow us to make a difference. Had I not been a part of the workshop, I would have known something was bothering her, but would not have known how to help her myself. I may have said some comforting things, but the likelihood is, without this training, my words of comfort would have been for me, as I would not have known how to connect with her and bring her comfort.”

Kelly-Anne Moss
Culinary Services Manager
V!VA Whitby Shores
Whitby, ON

“CARINA ERVINE:

When Royal Rose Place (RRP) first opened its doors in 2016, we had the opportunity to build a new culture from the ground up. From the very beginning, all staff members worked together to implement a person centred home, to achieve, improve and make a difference in each and every one of our residents’ lives. Beginning with the basics, Sarah Hessels, Life Enrichment Coordinator, was able to lead the home and implement a wide variety of DementiAbility Methods such as; activity buckets for residents to engage in throughout the day, All About Me posters outside residents doors, Mealtime Masterpieces for residents to create prior to meals, Job Boards to provide residents a sense of purpose within the home, a Craftsman Shed for the residents to show off their handyman skills and finally a calendar of programs that fully encapsulated DementiAbility Methods. Since then, we have been able to provide our residents with new themed areas such as; Little Roses Nursery where women and men can enjoy doll therapy, conversing about being a parent or talking about their childhood, a Sensory Room that provides comfort and cognitive stimulation and The Royal Garden which is a seasonal room where the residents can continue their passions of gardening or learn a new hobby.

Without Christine Wilkinson, Coordinator of the Recreation Therapy Program at

Niagara College, we would not have had our Royal Garden and many other DementiAbility activities. Since 2018, we have collaborated with her class to implement DementiAbility Methods within our home.

CHRISTINE WILKINSON

About five years ago, we were developing a new course in the Recreation Therapy Program called “Therapeutic Approaches for an Aging Population”. I knew in the development phase that I wanted to include DementiAbility Methods training for our students. After receiving an enthusiastic response from Gail Elliot when we first discussed this idea, planning began, and we were able to build the full DementiAbility Methods workshop into the course from the onset. I wanted to include a practical opportunity for students to put into practice what they learned in the workshop. It was an amazing stroke of luck that Royal Rose Place is located around the corner from Niagara College, and that Carina was fully onboard with collaborating from the first time we talked about it.

The assignment that students complete related to the workshop includes creating two DementiAbility activity kits for residents of Royal Rose Place. They also design a new themed area and then pitch that themed area to RRP staff. For the first two years of the partnership, students took their activity kits to RRP and had the opportunity to try them out with the residents, with the kits then being left at the home for future use by staff and residents. We have had to adapt this part of the assignment due to COVID-19 these past two years, but students were still able to create and present their activities virtually to staff, with RRP staff receiving the activities after the fact. For the themed area pitches, staff at RRP have selected the ideas that are the most appropriate, feasible, and creative, and have worked towards creating those themed areas, as they did with the “Royal Garden”.

Learning about the DementiAbility Methods and then having this practical opportunity through the partnership with Royal Rose Place has been very meaningful for students. Recreation Therapy student Jelena Vicentic says “this experience has been the most rewarding and eye-opening journey of my academic career. Prior to taking the DementiAbility Methods workshop I was terrified of dementia due to the common stigmas surrounding it. Now I see that individuals can lead a life with meaning, joy, and purpose by creating a supportive environment along with validating their reality. It was truly an honour and a privilege to learn, create, and collaborate with RRP. Knowing that our contributions will improve the lives of older adults is one the reasons we do what we do.” Jelena and her group members were one of the deserving teams whose themed area ideas will soon be implemented with the future creation of a retro-styled music room at Royal Rose Place.

CARINA ERVINE

Throughout the years, Gail Elliot has provided tours of our home for her colleagues around the world. When she gave Helen Millar, our Administrator and I the sign that says “DementiAbility Neighborhood” we felt truly honoured. It has been a pleasure to work alongside all of these wonderful people and I am genuinely excited to see where the Royal Rose Place team will take the home in the upcoming years. Although COVID-19 has affected our lives greatly, we have found ways to continue to provide our residents with a sense of normalcy through the use of DementiAbility Methods and our partnership with Niagara College.”

Carina Ervine, BRLS,Majoring in TR., CTRS – Life Enrichment Coordinator at Royal Rose Place

Christine Wilkinson, M.Sc., R/TRO – Coordinator, Recreation Therapy Program at Niagara College

This weeks “Because We Care” comes from an individual who has absolutely touched our hearts. We are so thrilled to introduce you to Christiana.

“What’s in a name?

DementiAbility, has been the core of my daily practice for decades as the owner and operator of Alexis Lodge Retirement Residence for the past two decades.

My journey through the years has been defined by transition, from beginnings working as a Registered Nurse on a busy crisis unit at Canada’s largest Psychiatric hospital, to my current day to day work, providing care to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.
My first introduction came from Jill O’Donnell and her team, as our Consultant. Months later, I was all alone in the community to fend for myself and my residents. I had a couple of things in my favour, passion and the desire to make a difference. Unbeknownst to me, I branded Alexis Lodge as a home for difficult to manage individuals. My passion to create change also made me take on very challenging individuals, that no one wanted. I remember the day that one of our Nursing interns suggested a change of name to “Alexis Lodge Rehabilitation Centre.”

To help me along in my new position, I was constantly searching for educational opportunities and participating in training to improve my ability to care for those with dementia. Even so, I knew nothing about the Dementiability program, until our Local Health Integrated Health Network (LHIN) offered us the chance to do a workshop. After noticing the name, I remember mentioning DementiAbiility to a friend of mine who also operates a small home. At mention of the name, she lit up, and simply could not stop singing praises of the program. She told me that I’d soon realize I had never attended anything like it before, and insisted that I give it my full attention, so that I could bring my learnings back to my staff. Finally, she went on to tell me about the mother, Gail Elliot, who created the program, and her daughter, Laura, who now runs the program with her mother. She told me how kind, receptive and encouraging they both were. Driven by this enthusiastic reception, my curiosity got the better of me, and I could not wait for the training day to come.

After attending the program, I must say that it was everything my friend had told me, and more. Laura did not disappoint! It resonated so strongly with me, that from the very first day, I made up my mind, that I was going to become certified in Dementiability. All the things I have done through the years, now had a name, DementiAbility! All those years of pouring into people that were more or less written off, were now validated!

The goal in dementia care is to maintain and or enhance the individual’s remaining abilities, and Alexis Lodge has always, and will continue to do this by providing a safe, caring, loving and supportive home, that allows the abilities of our residents to shine through.

We are on our way to fully adopting the principles of Dementiabilty, guided by research, education and change in practices.”

Christiana Egi, RN, RNHN, NC
Executive Director
Alexis Lodge Retirement Residences
Scarborough, ON

Thank you Christiana for your years of dedicated service to those living with dementia. You have changed so many lives and will continue to change more. We look forward to many more years working together!

“Good morning Gail and Laura,

My name is Jelena Vicentic. I am a first year student in the Recreation Therapy program at Niagara College.

We had the opportunity to work through two of the DementiAbility workshops with Christine in Therapeutic Approaches to an Aging Population. Prior to learning about your methods I was terrified of Dementia. So much so that it was too difficult for me to attend the initial lecture introducing Dementia. I certainly did not see a future in Dementia care. Since participating in your workshops my life has changed forever.

Consider me a forever advocate of the DementiAbility Methods.

Thank you both for all the wonderful work you do.”
Jelena Vicentic
Recreation Therapy Fast-Track
Niagara College

“DementiAbility came to our Home to help us integrate their methods into the lives of residents living at Billings Court Manor in 2018. As a result , residents are now more engaged in meaningful activities in their daily lives.

We began by working on the environment of the Home. The residents are now able to enjoy a café, a workshop, an office, and a kitchen area. Throughout these areas, a variety of activities are made available with easy-to-read signage. Residents who have dementia are able to follow these cueing signs and initiate purposeful activities such as: sorting, reading, folding, colouring, and playing word games.

Many of our programs are now based around more meaningful activities, concentrating on the residents’ needs, interests and abilities. Examples are reading groups, baking bread, sorting laundry, setting the dining room table, and dusting. We started with one unit, and the staff from the other units saw the successful implementation of DementiAbility which included the decrease in behaviours and the overall happiness of the residents; they initiated similar interventions throughout the other four Home areas.

We thank Laura from DementiAbility for all her support. She helped transform our Home by using the DementiAbility methods, and has helped to give our residents an improved quality of life.”

Kathryn Penalgion

Director of Therapeutic Recreation Services

Billings Court Manor

Burlington, ON

It is time for another “Because We Care” segment! ⁠
Over the past few months we have had multiple staff come through the DementiAbility Certification process. Karleigh Wright, Sara Galusha & Stevie-Lee Kaemingh worked together to implement the DementiAbility Methods with those in their care over the past few months. This is what they had to say about their certification process:⁠
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“I’m grateful to have had this experience. The client we selected for certification was quite an interesting person to get to know, and I enjoyed the time we were able to share together as a result of being involved with the DementiAbility certification. I feel it gave me a good opportunity to sit down, get to know him as a person, as well as who he was prior to his admission to long term care. Because of this experience, we were able to trial new interventions with him, and find some that were particularly successful. Objectively, the resident is doing much better now – demonstrating fewer responsive behaviours; more engaged at meal time; seemingly happier day to day. ⁠
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While this type of thing is the specific role of the psychogeriatric resource program, and is not necessarily foreign to us, it was interesting and a fun experience to have a different “routine” to follow in determining and implementing these interventions. It also gave us a better opportunity to focus in on this client specifically, and we feel we’ve been able to assist him in achieving a better quality of life as a result.⁠
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We are grateful for the experience!”⁠
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Karleigh Wright, Sara Galusha & Stevie-Lee Kaemingh⁠
Canadian Mental Health Association ⁠
Fort Frances Branch⁠
Fort Frances, ON⁠
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Well done and congratulations for all you have accomplished and becoming DementiAbility Certified!