Getting the message out, new products, free activities and more from Keeping Busy

April, 2015

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The Montessori Way to Help People With Dementia

Communication is Key

Implementing any care strategy in a facility is difficult and takes a concerted effort by everyone - staff, volunteers and family. Implementing Montessori is no different. A big part of the challenge is that often not all of the people involved are familiar with the terms used, the methodology, and sometimes not even the goals or purpose of the strategy. It is hard to gain their trust and support if they aren't sure what is going on and why. Communication

Communication is key.

New Products on Their Way!

Our Aquapaints have always been one of our most popular products and now we're pleased to announce four new sets. These new images are paintings rather than photographs, making the experience of uncovering the picture even better. And they are now an even better value because each set includes five images instead of just four, for the same price.

It did take us a bit of time to get used to the new images but after using them for a while, we really see the improvement. You can see the new sets on our website.

Upcoming Events

CTRA Conference

Donna will be giving a presentation on "Understanding and Creating Montessori Activities for People with Dementia" at the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation conference in St. John's NL on May 15. We'll also have our products on display. Hope to see you there.

More information...

TRO
Conference

See us at the Therepeutic Recreation Ontario Conference in Toronto on June 4. We'll have lots of products on display to see firsthand.

We have been so impressed by the quality of the Aquapaints that we have decided to carry a line of jigsaw puzzles from the same UK supplier.

These 13 piece tray puzzles are made of plastic so they are long-lasting and easy to clean. The pieces are large, but not so large as to be unfamiliar as puzzle pieces. We recommend these puzzles for people who would benefit from being able to do a puzzle from start to finish in less time than our Sequenced Puzzles. You can see the new puzzles here.

Both of these new products are enroute from the UK and should be arriving this week. Get your order in early to be sure that we can fill your order from this first shipment.

FROM THE BLOG

The Importance of "Active" Programs

We all know that physical activity is of huge benefit to our health. It helps control weight, reduces risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease and strengthens bones and Active Program muscles, among other things. Studies also show that it helps lower the risk of cognitive decline.

These benefits can all help improve the quality of life for people with dementia, and help them maintain their abilities. By combining the physical aspect with an activity that is also mentally or socially engaging, the benefits can be multiplied.

SAVE $30

Recreation Collection Changes

We've made our popular Recreation Collection even better! We've exchanged two of the four Photo Match activities (you still get two) for your choice of Sequenced Puzzle and set of four readers. This makes the Collection even more well-rounded.

Unfortunately, due to the drop in the Canadian dollar we've had to raise the price, but for newsletter readers we'll hold the old price until May 15. That's a savings of $30. Just enter coupon code NEWS-REC at the checkout and the price will be reduced.

Click to see the Collection

FREE ACTIVITY

Spring Tulip Paint Project

Spring really is in the air, even for those of us in Atlantic Canada (we just have to ignore the snow banks). Here's a tulip line drawing and a coloured version that you can use as a template or guide. A fun way to celebrate the warmer weather.