Out in the field

FEAR: STOP AND SIT
"Is there anything  you are worried about when you get back  home?" the COTA asks an old timer in transtion care.  
"The long hallway in my assisted living building.  It's too far for me to walk."
"Pick three spots in the hall,  and when you get to each one, stop and sit in your rolater and rest a bit."  

PREVENTION: A bed alarm is needed for Grandpa's bed:
But it's the grandson who spends sleepless nights listening for his grandfather's stirring. The bed alarm helps the caregiver  rest more peacefully!

UNSURE:TEST IT!
"I'm afraid to use my security necklace."  
"Test it!  Push the button and say,  "Thanks,  just testing!" 

POSTIVE ATTENTION: Her arm is broken but not her leg.
Tilly kicked up her leg.  Was it  a dance kick?
"Are you a dancer?"
"Yes, an amazing dancer.  I'm glad you asked."

HOME: There's no place like home.
His belongings help to tell his story: the baby grand he bought for a nickel,
his boy scout bugle, and his collection of navy ship hats.

LONELINESS: Little Bits of Visit.
Duncan, out on his porch, in his wheel chair, visited a short time with the mail carrier but that wasn't enough. 
That was last year.   
Now he's moved into to the care center, and the people there meet and gather  and talk much longer.  He likes it there.  

Butterfly Embroidery and Soft Mystery

  

 Monica Ferris, wrote a series of  "Needlecraft Mysteries":  Crewel World,  Hanging by a Thread, and  A Stitch in Time...

      I attended one of her writer's workshops.  The theme was "Where to get ideas". 

     During her lunch break, Monica was embroidering a small flower on a linen dinner napkin.  

     "You do nice work,"  I said.  "Even the underside looks good.  If I were to take your handiwork  from you and finish it up,  my stitching underneath would be a tangled mess in comparison."

     Thanks for sharing that,"  she said,  "I could use that as a clue in my next book...". 

Eldery Play and Care at hollyhockjunction