DAYBREAK Living in the Moment…moments of joy March 5, 2007 Alzheimer Society Conference

Our purpose in presenting our Daybreak Program is: 1)To increase the awareness of how this small group program can provide moments of joy, for those with memory loss and other challenges. 2)Provide framework for developing these programs 3)To provide program ideas, resources, challenges and successes 4) To share the philosophy that this program is assisting in helping seniors to age in place and live independently longer

If you lived in Assisted Living – how would these challenges affect participating in programs: 1) If you had vision loss….. 2) If you had hearing loss….. 3) If you had mobility challenges…. 4) Early memory loss…..

Examples of how Daybreak meets these challenges: 1)Vision Loss – read newsletter – update on current events, read stories, sensory focus 2)Hearing Loss – small group setting, leader seated appropriately 3)Mobility challenges – transportation is provided, adaptive exercises 4)Early memory loss – phone call reminders, pick up and assist to find location, mental stimulation programs

What is Daybreak? Our in-house “day program” that is breaking down barriers for those coping with physical and emotional, or memory challenges. With this program we are reducing isolation, providing community, enhancing self esteem, facing anxiety and offering respite. We believe this program is helping people to ‘age in place’.

Aging in place, Definition “Aging in place”…. is not having to move from one’s present residence in order to secure necessary support services in response to changing need. We are using the term “aging in place” in reference to living where one has lived for many years, or to living in a non-healthcare environment, and using products, services and conveniences to allow or enable

Aging in place, definition cont. (older adults) to not have to move as circumstances change. More recently “aging in place” is a term used in marketing by those in the rapidly evolving senior housing industry.” Senior Resource for Aging in Place. (2005) Aging in place. Retrieved on November 17,2005 From

How the idea was born: 1) Noticed low Recreation participation levels in two categories: Those who are independent and continue to be active in community Those who face barriers, such as memory, vision, hearing and mobility challenges. 2) Model of our program based on visits in 2003 to Bethel Place – Coffee and Conversation group and Lion’s Program - Morningside

CRITERIA Residents who attend group must meet one or more of the following criteria: Anxiety re: leaving building or suite Not involved in other community day programs Socially isolated Physical and emotional or mental barriers Attend less than 5 events at Manor in the past 4 months.

Criteria continued: Decreased mobility, challenge to attend programs on their own Referral from Health Resource Coordinator, Executive Director or Coordinator of Recreation.

ASSESSMENT Develop an assessment form. –Think of the information you will need to determine what kind of program the client will need. What are their leisure needs Leisure barriers Identified strengths What would they like to participate in.

Assessment Cont. What are your observations of the client at the time of the interview. –Hearing status –Visual status –Mobility –Communication skills –Mental status –Emotional status –Social status –Spiritual status

Assessment Continued Recommendations 1:1 visitor Walking companion Daybreak candidate Regular programs meet needs Declined all interventions Involved in community programs

LOCATION Things to keep in mind when choosing location: -Quiet location, not in main traffic areas (reduces peoples questions re: meeting) -Glare Lighting – close blinds – if window -Cover windows to hallway – with blinds

Large rooms Round Seating Sink Washrooms

Volunteer Position Description Assist staff with set up for program/event. Assist with transporting residents to and from programs. Assist in serving refreshments. Assist clients on 1:1 basis during programs Ensure safety of residents at all times.

Volunteer Role Cont. Skills, Qualifications & Training: The ability to communicate with patience and understanding. Must have a sincere interest in working with seniors. The ability to communicate and work within a team. The ability to receive and follow instruction. Must be dependable.

IMPLEMENTATION  Coffee Preparation  Phone Calls  Pick up at Residents suite  Start each session with coffee time  Week1 – Newsletter  Week 2&3 – Theme programs which include preparing for special events.  Week 4 – Shufflebowling/Pool  Each Program ends with exercises

Wholistic Program ideas Social – coffee time Emotional – crafts, baking, music, gardening, volunteer for community Physical – exercises, shufflebowling Spiritual – music, devotionals Intellectual – mental aerobics/quiz/trivia, guest speakers

STATS -Currently we have 36 residents that qualify for the program. (desired case load, no more than 40) - Of those 23 attend Daybreak regularly - We run 3 Daybreak programs per week -Average attendance is 6 -8 per group (max. recommended group size is no more than 10 – 12) -2-3 participants in each group cope with Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia. -Often the men’s group has highest attendance - Of those who refused Daybreak, 13 are in 1:1 programs

Resident Contributions Assist with exercise Read poem Teach a new game Read devotional/prayer Bring snacks Provide recipes for baking program Centerpiece for table

Challenges Dealing with Loss: Education: Graduating: Scheduling:

FUNDING Originally, part of Manor Recreation Budget – ran one Daybreak group Tenant Resource Programs, WRHA Designed for individuals living in elderly persons housing complexes and can assist residents find services to help with their needs to support living in the community. With this funding, we created a half time Tenant Resource Coordinator position and are now able to offer 3 Daybreak groups. Contact Person: Madeleine Kohut