What is an Activity Therapist? Zoë uses the term Activity Therapist to convey her interest in the human capacity for creativity in the last phase of life. She believes that we never lose our potential for expression and connection. Using art, music, poetry and literature, as well as nature, she helps her clients connect to …
Welcome to Sands of Time, a project started by Sandi Peters and dedicated to promoting well-being and fullness of life in the later years despite frailty or disability. Sands of Time offers a range of services to enhance life for elders. Sandi specializes in using sandplay, a box of sand and numerous miniatures, to access …
Are you sometimes confused or frustrated trying to communicate with an older adult who has memory loss? Do you ever wonder what’s going on inside the person? Are you wondering what to say? What to do? Using the Validation Method, Odile Lavault gives care-partners the tools to change themselves so they can enter the personal …
By Sandi Peters As I was reflecting on the mental states I and many people are reporting as they deal with the changes brought on by the corona virus, the words helplessness, hopelessness and humility came to mind. The first 2 words seem to accurately describe what is causing quite a bit of psychic distress … Continue reading
By SANDI PETERS, The buzz word for facilities that house older adults today is ‘community’. Corporate America has caught on that providing a well-appointed environment is insufficient to foster quality of life. The new trend seems to re-brand themselves as a ‘community’. Let’s look at what that word means. The word ‘communis’ is a combination … Continue reading
By SANDI PETERS, In 2004 I was working in a nursing home. I had just started and was unsure of the culture. Each morning the routine was for management to meet in what is called a ‘stand up’ where each department reports the work plan for the day and also advises others of any … Continue reading
Six months ago, my supervisor burst in the middle of my music group at the psychiatric hospital: “We have two clowns visiting, can they come in? –Of course!” Two grinning youthful men popped into the day room; one wearing a monkey suit, the other dressed in short striped pants with suspenders, colorful socks with a … Continue reading
“Where could I get a book like this one?”Simone lifts her walker’s seat. She pulls out a square paperback, and start turning the pages: ”Look, I finished it. ” I admire page after page of carefully colored mandalas. I noticed that some seems unfinished. Maybe Simone considered the white of the paper as a color … Continue reading
The mother nestled in her favorite spot, The build-in wooden bench by the nurses’ station, For comfort, three thin dining room chair pillows. Two daughters by her side, attentive, serious, Grey roots showing amidst their dyed hair; Above them, my red paper decorations, In front of them, little food containers and paper bags Covering the … Continue reading
Lydia asked: “I have an announcement to make to the group. My son gave me a wreath. If you look outside there, you can see it.” We all gathered close to the window. The night was falling. Continue reading
From her bedroom door, she yells angrily. I approach. I ask: “What’s happening? -She does not understand English” Whispers a voice behind me. She invites me in, Guides me into the bathroom. Her piercing tone and gestures Tell that something Was transferred from the sink to the toilet (I recognize the word TOALET) And now … Continue reading
“With my siblings, we divide the day in three: 7 to 12, 12 to 5 and 5 to the time my mother goes to bed, around 9. This way we can each have one day off. I usually do the middle of the day. My little brother is still working; he does the evening.“ Phil … Continue reading
email: Olga to Greg, Dec 4 at 11am Hi Greg, Alma’s birthday is on December 7, right on the day of your weekly community meeting. Would you celebrate her, if she attends? I am working that day. I can coordinate with the team to help and encourage Alma to show up. Conversation with Alma, Dec … Continue reading
Soul2Soul Seniors 