Transforming Care with Creative Calendars

November marks a time of warmth and togetherness, presenting a perfect opportunity for Activities Professionals to bring a renewed sense of engagement and joy. With the RESTORE-Wellness Calendar as your ally, each day is a chance to weave RESTORE games into a fabric of fun, learning, and memorable experiences. Let’s maximize this month’s potential.

  1.   Seamless Integration:

Enhance American Football Day by syncing "Football Frenzy" with a celebratory social hour, where residents can share their favorite game-day memories. It’s an excellent way to increase participation and social interaction among residents.

  1.   Thematic Continuity:

For days like Cookie Monster's Birthday, why not play "Grocery Grab" beforehand to pick ingredients and bake together? It reinforces the theme and creates a tangible reward—delicious cookies!

  1.   Educational Opportunities:

Geography Awareness Week turns educational by playing “Take Flight” and using Visit Familiar Places to visit airports in your area. Follow this by encouraging residents to recount personal travel stories, which supports cognitive engagement and reminiscence therapy.

  1.   Emotional Connection:

Veterans Day is deepened by pairing "Veterans Trivia Night" with a heartwarming "Share Your Story" segment. This not only acknowledges their service but also validates their personal journeys.

  1.   Cultural Celebration:

The "Turkey Hunt Challenge" on Thanksgiving can lead to an afternoon of sharing gratitude. It’s a moment to connect over shared histories and create new traditions within your community.

  1.   Community Building: Spark collaboration with Puzzle Week. Play "Holiday Word Search" as a group and then set up a communal jigsaw puzzle station. It's a fulfilling way to encourage social bonding and gives a shared sense of accomplishment as the puzzle comes to life.


Expanding the Experience:

  1.   Wellness Focus:

Health Day is more than just activity; it’s about holistic well-being. Start with "Grocery Grab" and evolve into a wellness workshop where nutrition meets physical activity, like chair yoga or guided meditation.

  1.   Creative Expressions:

After exercising with Paul Eugene, introduce a digital storytelling workshop for Cyber Monday where residents can narrate their life highlights or create a community blog.

  1.   Seasonal Festivities:

Capitalize on Fall Feast by hosting a cooking class post "Grocery Grab.” This not only teaches new skills but also results in a communal meal that celebrates the harvest and flavors of fall.

 November brings a treasure trove of opportunities for Activities Professionals to curate a month brimming with excitement, growth, and togetherness. With the RESTORE-Wellness Calendar activities and games as your canvas, paint a November filled with rich experiences that resonate with every resident!

P.S. We'd love to hear about the creative ways you're using RESTORE-Wellness. Post in the RESTORE  Game Changers, skilled-care professional Facebook group and let the world see your genius!

Transform how residents receive care all while streamlining workflow with RESTORE’s innovative platform. Click Here to schedule a RESTORE-Wellness demo.

Chair Yoga: Empowering Your Residents to Age Well

In the realm of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, where our primary goal is to enhance the well-being and vitality of seniors, the concept of actively aging takes center stage. Much like the wear and tear on a tire accumulating over time, the aging process can take its toll on our residents.

However, what if there was a way to engage in actively aging, slowing down the impact of aging and preserving strength, flexibility, and overall wellness? This is where the practice of Chair Yoga becomes a transformative tool.

In the enchanting universe of Dr. Seuss, characters navigate peculiar challenges with resilience and humor. Similarly, aging can be an extraordinary adventure, and the practice of Chair Yoga allows seniors to approach this journey with empowerment.

Now, at 68, I've observed the transformative effects of Chair Yoga on our seniors. Here are the principles for helping your residents to age well.

  1. Activity for Empowerment
    "You're Only Old Once," but you can stay young at heart.

Regular physical activity is essential for the health and independence of our residents. Chair Yoga, tailored for all ages, becomes a gentle yet effective means to improve strength, flexibility, and balance.

  1. Breathe for Vitality
    "You're Only Old Once," but your breath can change everything.

In the world of Dr. Seuss, a deep breath often signifies overcoming challenges. Deep breathing in Chair Yoga reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and enhances oxygen flow to the brain and body.

  1. Mindfulness for Serenity
    "You're Only Old Once," but mindfulness keeps you in the moment.

Promoting mindfulness among our residents is a crucial aspect of enhancing well-being. Mindfulness reduces stress, improves mood, and fosters a sense of serenity, allowing them to navigate their environment gracefully.

  1. Connection for Joy
    "You're Only Old Once," but you never have to be alone.

Social connections are vital for mental and emotional health. Chair Yoga classes provide physical activity and create a supportive, non-judgmental space for meaningful relationships to flourish.

As we facilitate the aging journey, let's remember that our residents are only Old Once. Through years of observing our Chair Yoga sessions, I've realized that happiness is a choice. In the world of Dr. Seuss, it's similar to choosing whimsy over grumpiness.

Chair Yoga empowers residents to radiate positivity, embrace life's quirks, and continue their adventure with a twinkle in their eyes. Age is merely a number; the attitude with which they embrace it genuinely shapes their journey.

P.S. We'd love to hear the benefits of Chair Yoga you have discovered. Post in the RESTORE  Game Changers, skilled-care professional Facebook group and let the world see your genius!

Transform how residents receive care all while streamlining workflow with RESTORE’s innovative platform. Click Here to schedule a RESTORE-Wellness demo.

Navigating ADLs & IADLs: One Trivia Question at a Time

Tackling ADLs Through Trivia

  1. Dressing

Trivia Connection: The "70s, 80s, and 90s" categories can stimulate memories of past fashion trends. This reminiscence can motivate residents to dress themselves, prompting discussions about clothing choices from those eras and integrating dressing practice.

  1. Grooming & Personal Hygiene

Trivia Connection: The "Classic Movies" category can inspire residents to discuss iconic movie stars and their grooming styles. Residents might be inclined to emulate their favorite celebrities, encouraging grooming routines like combing hair or washing their faces.

  1. Eating

Trivia Connection: The "Food" category can trigger appetites and memories of favorite meals. These memories can be an opportune moment for OTs to work on hand coordination, using utensils, and discussing healthy eating habits.

  1. Mobility & Transferring

Trivia Connection: In the heat of the game, patients often reach out, move slightly, or adjust their seating. The subtle physical actions incorporated in the game mechanics can be amplified and directed towards improving mobility and transferring from one position or place to another.


Maneuvering IADLs Through Trivia

  1. Cooking & Meal Preparation:

Trivia Connection: The "Food" category can lead to discussions about recipes, ingredients, and cooking methods. Encourage patients to discuss and plan meals, potentially leading to cooking activities under supervision.

  1. Communication Management:

Trivia Connection: The "Food" category can lead to discussions about recipes, ingredients, and cooking methods. Encourage patients to discuss and plan meals, potentially leading to cooking activities under supervision.

  1. Managing Finances:

Trivia Connection: Categories like "Retro Games" or "Sports" can lead to questions about the cost of items or events in the past, initiating conversations about budgeting, inflation, and the value of money.

  1. Safety Awareness & Home Management:

Trivia Connection: The "Discharge to Home" category is a goldmine. Therapists can use this section to discuss potential hazards in the home, safety protocols, and adaptations necessary for a secure living environment. It emphasizes the vital skills and awareness that residents need once they're discharged, ensuring they can handle daily tasks confidently and safely.

Trivia Night is more than a game – it’s a bridge to real-world skills, encompassing ADLs and IADLs. The trick lies in drawing connections between the trivia categories and daily tasks, making rehabilitation essential and engaging. Give it a try and discover the therapeutic wonders of Trivia Night!

 

Click Here to schedule a RESTORE-Skills demo and experience a facility-wide commitment to skill building. 

Already part of RESTORE-Skills? Then join Game Changers, the skilled-care professional Facebook group!

October’s Playlist: A Daily Dose of Games, Activities, and Fun!

Activities Professionals, we see and value your unwavering commitment to enriching lives. We've crafted a week of activities that mirror your passion. Let's create moments that matter!

Monday: Name Your Car Day! 🚗
Get in Gear: Who knew that giving your car a name could be this much fun? We're kickstarting our week with "Name Your Car Day!" Have a chuckle hearing the creative and quirky names everyone comes up with.
The Fast Lane: Get those minds racing with a game of Car Cross on our platform.
Road Trip Anyone?: End the day with a virtual trip down memory lane. Buckle up as we tour the iconic Route 66 with 'Visit Familiar Places' on the RESTORE-Wellness platform.

Tuesday: National Fruit at Work Day! 🍎
Fruity Fun: Dive into the vibrant world of fruits. Not only are they juicy and delicious, but they're also packed with health benefits.
Catch if You Can: Navigate through 'Falling Fruit,' a game that's both fun and, well, fruity.
Blend it Up: As the cherry on top, get those blenders whirring and treat everyone to fresh fruit smoothies. Yum!

Wednesday: National Golf Lovers Day!
Hole-in-One: Golf enthusiasts, this is your day! Tee off with 'Mini Golf Masters' and get everyone involved, no matter their skill level.
Zen on the Green: After the competitive fun, bring everyone together for a serene 'Guided Meditation' on the RESTORE-Wellness platform. A perfect way to wind down and embrace tranquility.

Thursday: Get Funky Day! 💃
Move to the Beat: Today, we embrace the funky rhythms of life. Get everyone up and dancing with 'Move & Groove'.
Dress to Impress: And, what's funkiness without some sassy, vibrant outfits? Dress in your funkiest attire and light up the room!

Friday: National Coaches Day! 🏀
Shoot and Score: It's game on with 'Hoop Stars'. Perfect for all our aspiring basketball enthusiasts.
Bring the Spirit: Encourage everyone to show their spirit, because the best energy wins a prize today. Cheering, clapping, and team spirit will be the order of the day!

Activities Professionals, you're not just the heartbeat of recreation, but also crucial promoters of well-being for our residents. This week, as we engage in diverse games and experiences, we're not just having fun; we're stimulating minds, promoting physical activity, and fostering community.

P.S. We'd love to hear about the creative ways you're using these games and activities pairings. Post in the RESTORE  Game Changers, skilled-care professional Facebook group and let the world see your genius!

Transform how residents receive care all while streamlining workflow with RESTORE’s innovative platform. Click Here to schedule a RESTORE-Wellness demo.

Unlock PT Success: October’s Gaming Guide for Mobility & Balance!

October's here, and PT Month is the perfect time to focus on Lateral Mobility and Weight Shifting. Delve into these game-based strategies that promise both fun and functional outcomes!


🏀 Hoop Stars: Shoot & Score

  • Lateral Mobility: Encourage patients to step laterally, aiming and shooting those baskets with precision.

  • Weight Shifting: Nailing that golden basketball requires balance and a smooth transition of weight.

  • Bonus Tip: Mix up the game speeds! A slower game pace for understanding movement and a faster one for challenging mastery.

🎯 Bullseye: On Target Every Time!

  • Lateral Mobility: Moving the scope to hover over targets fine-tunes side-to-side hand-eye coordination.

  • Weight Shifting: Holding position over a target, especially for bonuses, promotes steady weight balance and controlled shifts.

  • Bonus Tip: Turn each bonus into a mini-challenge! Ask patients to predict their next move or anticipate the next bonus.

💃 Move & Groove: Let's Dance

  • Lateral Mobility: As the arrows light up, guide your patients to hover over them using their controller, emphasizing rhythmic lateral transitions.

  • Weight Shifting: Feel the beat and transfer weight with each lit arrow.

  • Bonus Tip: Let them pick a song they enjoy! Recognizable rhythms can aid with anticipation and coordination.

🎰 Jackpot: Skillful Lever-Pulling

  • Lateral Mobility: Reaching the top of the lever promotes lateral hand-eye coordination. An engaging way to practice precision!

  • Weight Shifting: The act of pulling down the lever is an exercise in subtle body weight adjustments.

  • Bonus Tip: Set mini milestones for patients, like achieving a consistent weight shift across multiple lever pulls.

🌊 Jet Ski Adventure: Navigating with Agility

  • Lateral Mobility: From the vast sea to the challenging rocky paths, lateral swerves become an exhilarating practice in mobility.

  • Weight Shifting: Dodge and weave, shifting weight dynamically with each rapid maneuver.

  • Bonus Tip: Encourage patients to craft their own adventure story during play. This not only stimulates their imagination, but also engages them further in the activity.

By integrating these game-driven techniques into your therapeutic approach, you're primed to deliver sessions that fuse fun with foundational physical therapy goals. Here's to an October filled with innovative therapy, playful challenges, and transformative results!

Click Here to schedule a RESTORE-Skills demo and experience a facility-wide commitment to skill building. 

Already part of RESTORE-Skills? Then join Game Changers, the skilled-care professional Facebook group!

Activity Pros, Meet Your New Best Friend: Sing-A-Longs!

Sing-A-Longs are now available on the RESTORE-Wellness platform! Thank you to Ricky Pena and Ace LiPuma from Marquis Health Services for their collaboration and energy. Their talent and passion have shaped this unique offering. Tune in and witness the transformative power of song!

 


For Activity Professionals

  1. Diverse Content: With songs from the 40s-50s, 60s-70s, and Patriotic Classics, there's something for every resident's taste, ensuring a broad appeal and accommodating diverse musical preferences.

  2. Easy Accessibility: The platform's digital format simplifies the organization and initiation of sing-a-long sessions, reducing the need for physical materials and manual setups.

  3. Continuous Learning: Activity Professionals can fine-tune sessions for maximum participation and enjoyment by gauging which songs resonate most with residents.

  4. Collaboration: Featuring artists like Ricky Pena and Ace LiPuma introduces a touch of novelty and authenticity, enhancing the overall experience.

  5. Flexibility: The digital platform allows Activity Professionals to tailor sessions according to residents' preferences, moods, or specific events or themes.

  6. Reduction in Resource Dependence: Digital sing-a-longs eliminate the need for physical CDs, instruments, or other equipment, leading to cost savings and ease of setup.

For Residents

  1. Cognitive Stimulation: Singing and listening to familiar songs can stimulate the brain, triggering memories and enhancing cognitive engagement. Music can be helpful for residents living with Dementia.

  2. Emotional Well-Being: The power of music to evoke feelings of nostalgia, happiness, and a sense of belonging can significantly uplift residents' spirits.

  3. Social Interaction: Sing-a-longs are inherently communal, promoting interaction among residents and helping reduce feelings of isolation.

  4. Physical Health: Singing exercises the lungs and releases endorphins, acting as both a mood booster and mild physical activity.

  5. Personal Expression: These sessions offer residents a chance to express themselves, share personal stories, and connect with their past and each other.

  6. Familiarity and Comfort: Classic songs, mainly from their formative years, can provide solace and a reassuring touch of the familiar in their environment.

Access the RESTORE-Wellness platform to find our fresh Sing-A-Long sessions. Activity Professionals and residents, you're the stars of the show. Ready, set, sing!

P.S. We'd love to hear about the creative ways you're using these Sing-A-Longs. Post in the RESTORE  Game Changers, skilled-care professional Facebook group and let the world see your genius!

Transform how residents receive care all while streamlining workflow with RESTORE’s innovative platform. Click Here to schedule a RESTORE-Wellness demo.

Using RESTORE Trivia to Safely Discharge to Home

Stephanie Staudigel, one of our users from Summit Home Health, recently showcased the incredible potential of Discharge to Home Trivia. She used it to empower her patient with vital home safety awareness, ensuring they felt confident in their home environment.


🏠 An essential tool for a safe and smooth transition to home 

Comprehensive Safety Awareness: The game covers a wide range of topics related to safety at home. Questions like, "What are the safest ways for your caregivers to transfer you from one place to another?" and "Why should you have a non-slip bath mat or adhesive strips in your shower or bathtub?" address critical safety concerns.

Empowering Residents: Discharge to Home Trivia empowers residents by equipping them with the knowledge and awareness they need to navigate their homes safely. It fosters independence and confidence.

Engaging Learning: Learning through a game is far more exciting and memorable than traditional methods. Residents are actively involved, making the educational process enjoyable and effective.

Covering Essential Topics: The game covers a wide range of topics, from preventing falls to ensuring proper hydration and medication management. Each question provides valuable insights into key aspects of home safety.

Supporting Caregivers: Caregivers also benefit from the game, as it reinforces the importance of safe transfer techniques, proper wheelchair maintenance, and other essential skills required to provide excellent care.


🔑
Unlocking the Benefits for Your Residents

Regular Game Sessions: Incorporate Discharge to Home Trivia into your residents' routine. Regular sessions can reinforce safety awareness and keep residents engaged.

Encourage Participation: Create a supportive and inclusive environment where residents feel encouraged to participate. You can even organize friendly competitions to make learning fun.

Tailor the Experience: Work with residents on new questions addressing their needs and concerns. This personalized approach ensures that residents receive the most relevant information.

Follow-Up and Application: Encourage residents to apply what they've learned daily after playing the game. This practical approach reinforces safety habits.

Promote Open Dialogue: Foster open discussions about home safety. Prompt residents to share their concerns and questions, creating a collaborative learning atmosphere.


Discharge to Home Trivia isn't just a game. Stephanie's success story is a testament to its effectiveness. Incorporating this valuable resource into your residents' discharge preparations will give them the knowledge and confidence they need to enjoy a safe and successful transition.

Click Here to schedule a RESTORE-Skills demo and experience a facility-wide commitment to skill building. 

Already part of RESTORE-Skills? Then join Game Changers, the skilled-care professional Facebook group!

Group & Concurrent Solutions: Tackling Therapy Challenges

RESTORE is a versatile tool for group and concurrent therapy in skilled nursing facilities and senior care, offering resources like cardiovascular exercise videos, cognitive therapy, and functional movement interventions to effectively target functional skills.

The Advantages of Group Therapy: Group therapy involves treating multiple patients simultaneously in a group setting. 

  1. Social Interaction: Group therapy facilitates social connections, addressing potential feelings of isolation among seniors.

  2. Shared Experience: Seniors can bond over mutual experiences, learning from each other's journeys.

  3. Cognitive Stimulation: Engaging in activities and discussions promotes mental activity.

  4. Skill Building: Group sessions can target specific skills, from mobility to cognition.

  5. Cost-Effectiveness: Serving multiple participants can be economical without sacrificing quality.


The Power of Concurrent Therapy:
Concurrent therapy often refers to delivering rehabilitation services to two patients simultaneously when the patients are not performing the same or similar activities.

  1. Increased Efficiency: Concurrent therapy allows therapists to serve two patients simultaneously, optimizing their session time.

  2. Motivation through Observation: Witnessing a peer's engagement can drive motivation.

  3. Customized Activities: Each individual takes part in activities tailored to their needs.

  4. Safety is Prioritized: The proper measures ensure all participants are secure and well-tended.


RESTORE introduces a game menu crafted for both group and concurrent therapy. This feature is pivotal for:

  • Directed Game Selection: The platform refers users to games ideal for the selected therapy type.

  • Active Engagement: These games are more than just pastimes; they aim to enhance functional skills.

  • Measurable Progress: Track improvements and gains made during each session.

 

When powered by RESTORE, group and concurrent therapies offer a direct approach to improving functional skills. Explore our platform, use our specialized game menu, and witness the tangible progress in therapeutic outcomes.

Click Here to schedule a RESTORE-Skills demo and experience a facility-wide commitment to skill building. 

Already part of RESTORE-Skills? Then join Game Changers, the skilled-care professional Facebook group!

Seven Trivia Categories for Peak Engagement with Residents

Benefits of Trivia For Your Activity Calendar:

  • Adaptive Scheduling: Trivia can fit into various time slots—be it a 10-minute filler activity or a two-hour special event.

  • Resident-Led Rounds: Let a resident be the quizmaster daily, giving them a sense of empowerment and leadership.

  • Community Outreach: Invite local schools or community groups for an intergenerational trivia event, enriching your residents' social experience.

  • Trivia Leaderboard: Create an ongoing scoreboard in a communal area to keep up the excitement and competition even when trivia is not being played.

Double the Fun: Trivia and Activity Pairings

Planning a gardening session? Warm up the crowd with our Food trivia. Chat about fruits, veggies, and homegrown herbs to get residents eager for some hands-on planting.

Team Spirit: Group Play & Contests

Gather residents into teams for a spirited Trivia Night. Decorate the space, offer refreshments, and dish out small prizes for a session that's as competitive as it is engaging.

Seasonal Synergy: Trivia for Holidays and More

Are holidays on the horizon? Use trivia to prelude festivities. Our Veterans category is tailor-made for Veterans Day, and Food trivia is a crowd-pleaser around Thanksgiving.

Smooth Integration: Pair with RESTORE-Wellness Activities

Why stop at trivia? Integrate questions into our physical activities module or use trivia to kickstart a meditation or yoga session. The options are endless when combined with the RESTORE-Wellness platform.

You've been asking, we've been listening, and these new Trivia categories are our way of saying thanks! Light up those trivia games and tell us how these new categories add a fun twist to your activities. Your input fuels the RESTORE community and we can't wait to hear your success stories!

P.S. We'd love to hear about the creative ways you're using these pairings. Post in the RESTORE  Game Changers, skilled-care professional Facebook group and let the world see your genius!

Transform how residents receive care all while enhancing outcomes and streamlining workflow with RESTORE’s innovative platform. Click Here to schedule a RESTORE-Wellness demo and experience a facility-wide commitment to skill building. 

Boost Cognitive Training with 7 Fresh Trivia Categories

We've just added seven new trivia categories thoughtfully selected to align with your high-quality therapy sessions. Interested in how these topics can contribute to more engaging cognitive training for your residents? Keep reading.

Occupational Therapists, Make Every Session a Hit!

Working with residents on activities of daily living (ADLs)? Incorporate our Country Music and Eighties categories to prompt memories and stories that can be intertwined with ADL tasks. Remembering lyrics or iconic moments can serve as excellent anchor points for cognitive exercises, helping residents focus better and participate.

Physical Therapists, Flex Those Mental Muscles!

Physical exercises are essential, but why not layer on a cognitive challenge? Use the Sports category to quiz residents while they perform balance or strength tasks. Not only does this require them to think on their feet—literally—but it also elevates the level of mental engagement necessary for each task.

Speech-Language Pathologists, Turn Up the Volume!

Aphasia, cognitive-communication disorders, you name it. Our new categories can be helpful tools. The Slogans and Retro Games trivia can be a fun and engaging way to work on word retrieval and expressive language. It'll get your residents talking, remembering, and perhaps even laughing.

September, World Alzheimer's Month

We want to recognize World Alzheimer's Month, and Trivia Night can help. Use the Food category to prompt discussion about textures, tastes, and sensory experiences that can often be vivid, even when other memories fade. Prompting these discussions can be particularly impactful in memory care settings.

Honoring Our Veterans, The Veterans Category

Many of our residents have served in the military. The Veterans category can be an honorable and respectful way to pay tribute while sharpening cognitive skills. Discussing military slogans and historical events, or even just sharing service stories, can offer deep emotional and cognitive engagement.

Takeaways You Can Use Today

  • Multi-Tasking is Your Friend: Layer cognitive challenges over physical or speech therapy sessions for a two-in-one win.

  • Use Memories as Anchors: Anchor the therapy session with deeply resonant and familiar topics to stimulate more focused interaction.

  • Be Inclusive: The new categories cater to various interests and backgrounds, making every resident feel included and engaged.

We hope you find these new trivia categories exciting and helpful. Your input was the catalyst for this addition, and we can't wait to hear how you put these categories to work. Thank you for being a valued part of the RESTORE community.

Transform how residents receive care all while enhancing outcomes and streamlining workflow with RESTORE’s innovative platform. Click Here to schedule a RESTORE-Skills demo and experience a facility-wide commitment to skill building. 

Already part of RESTORE-Skills? Then join Game Changers, the skilled-care professional Facebook group!