Virtual Care Partner Support
Welcome to the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region Virtual Care Partner Support Page. Here you can explore some activities for taking care of yourself, online programs and resources to help you navigate your care partner journey.
Some daily activities courtesy of Activity Connection and Golden Carers.
Activities December 7 - December 13
- Monday
-
National Letter Writing Day
Today is Letter Writing Day. Take a few minutes, and send someone a hand written letter.
Does anybody write letters anymore!? Letter writing is almost a lost art skill. Most letters and notes nowadays, are on texts, emails and instant messages. Messages are sent much more quickly via smart phones and the internet.
When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone, either printed or in cursive?
Quote of the Day
Humour of the Day
Music of the Day
Bryan Adams - Christmas Time
Wellness of the Day
4 things you can do to alleviate caregiver stress
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/4-things-you-can-do-to-alleviate-caregiver-stress
Take 5 for Self-Care
Show Gratitude
When we stop to consider the things we're grateful for, no matter their scale, we immediately re-evaluate our life in a more positive light. Instead of dwelling on all the things that are troubling you or preventing your success/joy/sense of fulfillment, try listing all the things you are truly thankful for.
It doesn't have to be anything huge: maybe the local grocery clerk greets you with a sincere and personable compliment or smile or perhaps you have a loving partner or friend who always makes you laugh, maybe you live in a part of the world others only dream of visiting or maybe even the warm of a cup of coffee or tea.
Taking a moment, even in the midst of a particularly stressful day, to count your blessings can help you regain a bit of necessary perspective.
- Tuesday
-
National Brownie Day
National Brownie Day celebrates chocolatey, chewy brownies.
Brownie lovers, love chocolate. Conversely, chocolate lovers, love brownies. Therefore, it’s only natural, that we have a special day to celebrate brownies.
It's fun and easy to enjoy this special day. First, select your favourite brownie recipe, and bake a batch of brownies. You can add nuts, if you prefer. Topping the brownies with chocolate frosting is a good thing, too. Finally, eat them! You can have them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a snack.
P.S. Don't forget the glass of milk!
Susan's Chocolate Brownie Recipe Yield: 16 squares
Susan's Chocolate Brownie Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (use less if you want)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 squares melted chocolate
How to make Susan's Chocolate Brownies:
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
- Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix in shortening and sugar until light.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix until smooth.
- Mix in melted chocolate.
- Add in flour mixture from step #1.
- Mix until smooth.
- Pour batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 30 - 35 minutes.
Quote of the Day
Humour of the Day
Music of the Day
Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmastime
Wellness of the Day
10-minute Indoor Walking Workout #2 for Seniors, Beginner Exercisers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkaX-YbOi3I
Take 5 for Self-Care
Have A Good Laugh
A good laugh can not only brighten your day, but scientists have found that laughter lowers the blood pressure, boosts endorphins (also known as ‘happy hormones'), reduces stress, and even tones your abs!
Catching a funny show, reading the comics, or chatting with a dazzlingly quick-witted friend can be all the silver lining you need to put your day back into a more light-hearted balance.
Laugh Along Session - 5 mins of straight laughter
- Wednesday
-
National Christmas Card Day
Christmas Card Day, honours Sir Henry Cole (1818 - 1874) of England. Cole created the first commercial Christmas Card in 1843.
Just a few decades ago, sending Christmas cards through the mail was a holiday "must". Now, sending cards through the mail continues to decline in popularity. The cost and time for writing and sending cards has caused many people to stop sending them. Free Ecards have surged in popularity. Animated Christmas and daily seasonal Ecards have made sending and receiving them a lot of fun.
Today is a good day to send out your Christmas cards and holiday greetings. If you have yet to do so, use today to get a start.
Quote of the Day
Humour of the Day
Music of the Day
Frosty the Snowman (with lyrics)
Wellness of the Day
5 Stretches to Do
https://www.kendalathome.org/blog/5-stretches-for-older-adults
Take 5 for Self-Care
Turn Up the Tunes
Music has long held a powerful sway over humans – why else do we “set the mood” with romantic ballads or up the energy with upbeat tunes? Listening to your favorite music on the morning ride can rev you up and keep you going.
Conversely, chilling out in the evening to some soothing sounds can help you unwind and let go of the day's events.
- Thursday
-
National Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day, created by the United Nations, promotes awareness of the importance of Human Rights issues around the world. On this date in 1948, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Each year, the United Nations, establishes a new theme for the year. In 2006, the theme is fighting poverty.
Human rights is something we easily take for granted in the United States. Elsewhere, freedom and basic human rights are not a given.
Participate in this day by learning more about human rights issues around the globe. Offer your time and money in support of a human rights issue that is important to you.Quote of the Day
Humour of the Day
Music of the Day
The Ronettes - Sleigh Ride (Official Audio)
Wellness of the Day
30 MIN Connective Tissue Workout with Miranda Esmonde-White | Essentrics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbWgGgRLp94
Take 5 for Self-Care
Stop and Smell The Roses
Over the years, studies have shown that scents have a considerable effect on our senses and thus, mental outlook. A recent Rutgers University study in particular revealed that those who work in rooms naturally scented with flowers perform considerably better than those who do not and what's more maintain an overall cheerier demeanor.
Try keeping a fragrant plant or fresh bouquet of flowers by your desk or bedside table and see if you find your mood unexpectedly lifted.
- Friday
-
National Noodle Ring Day
National Noodle Ring Day is a December day that kids young and old have been impatiently awaiting......yeah, right!
What would cooking be like without the noodle ring? We shudder to think about it. We are certainly relieved that the Noodle Ring exists, so we can cook them in one recipe after another. And, doesn't it make sense that we honour the Noodle Ring with its own very special day!?
BTW: Is the proper term "Noodle Ring" or "Ring Noodle"? We will let you make the call on this important question.
Get your fill of noodle rings today. After all, that's what this day is for.Quote of the Day
Humour of the Day
Music of the Day
Let it Snow - Michael Buble
Wellness of the Day
24 Healthy Christmas Snacks
https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/g2058/healthy-holiday-snacks-for-kids/
Take 5 for Self-Care
Do Nice Things for Others
Whether you believe in karma or not, there's no denying the joy of seeing someone's face light up at a thoughtful gesture on your part. Just as helping others tends to give us a sense of helping ourselves, even the smallest gesture of kindness can induce a smile of one's own.
- Saturday
-
National Poinsettia Day
These beautiful flowers are a well-recognized symbol of Christmas. Poinsettia Day was officially declared by an Act of Congress. It is in honour of Joel Roberts Poinsettia, who died on December 12, 1851. Poinsettia was the first Ambassador to Mexico. Poinsettia brought this colourful plant back to his plantation in the U.S. He grew the plants in his Greenville, S.C plantation and gave them out as gifts to friends.
According to Mexican folklore, there is a story of a little poor girl who had nothing to bring to church for Christmas. On her way to church, she picked some plants by the side of the road. As she entered the church, the leaves at the tips of the branches turned into bright, brilliant red flowers. You guessed it... Poinsettias.
Quote of the Day
Humour of the Day
Music of the Day
Idina Menzel & Michael Bublé - Baby It's Cold Outside
Wellness of the Day
Yoga For Neck, Shoulders, Upper Back - 10 Minute Yoga Quickie - Yoga With Adriene
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3-gKPNyrTA
Take 5 for Self-Care
Draw from your strengths
Research shows that we learn more from our victories than from our failures. When we succeed, we feel happiness and fireworks start lighting up inside of us. Well, our brains notice too and try to remember these sensations and the behaviors that had led to the triumph, so that they could be repeated again.
Start by making a Strengths Inventory and read it often. Start with one or two things. But the crucial part here is to put them into practice. So, try to use at least one of these strengths every day in a new way. Cultivate and develop them over time.
- Sunday
-
National Violin Day
The violin is easily the most popular bowed string instrument across the world, and we’re really not all that surprised to see that the violin does in fact have a day dedicated to its existence. After all, everything from Western and Indian classical music to bluegrass and jazz would be unimaginable today without the violin. It’s quite possibly the most versatile instrument in the world in terms of repertoire, and that’s why there’s a Violin Day to celebrate it!
History of Violin
The violin itself evolved from medieval fiddles, and came into a distinct form by the 15th century (most violins today are copies after either Stradivarius or Amati, the latter being active as a violinmaker in the 16th century), becoming the most popular virtuoso instrument in Europe by the 1660s.
Today, the violin not only remains an indispensable feature of western classical music, but has found its way into various forms of classical and folk music around the world as well as various other genres. There are a lot of violinists and fiddle players throughout the world today, so it we can see why Violin Day caught on.
In fact, the violin is present in the most prestigious musical groups in the world, including the Venetian Philharmonic Orchestra! Imagine an instrument with such humble beginnings becoming such an important mainstay of modern classical music.
Quote of the Day
Humour of the Day
Music of the Day
U.S.A. For Africa - We Are the World (Official Video)
Wellness of the Day
Low-Impact EASY Cardio Dance Workout
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF75L-s7PM4
Take 5 for Self-Care
Get Silly
Research indicates the psychological and physiological benefits of dancing, singing, and laughing. So why not join a choir, take some dance classes, sing at the top of your lungs in the shower, or even start dance parties in your kitchen while you’re making dinner?
If you need a suggestion for a song to get you started, try Happy by Pharrell Williams. It’s one of my personal favorite pick-me-ups.
Exercise Waiver
We ask that you make sure when you participate virtually in exercise programs you take care to create a place that is clutter-free and safe for you. Make sure you have proper footwear and the area is clear. Because physical exercise can be strenuous and may cause risk of injury, we urge you to obtain a physical examination from a doctor before participating in any exercise activities and participate only as much as you feel comfortable. These online exercises are intended to encourage you to gently move your body – so don’t push yourself beyond what feels okay. Participating in exercise activities included in the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region's activity site is done entirely at your own risk.
Resources
This resource information is provided for information purposes only. It is not presented as an endorsement of any one service or service provider over another. Never disregard your right to choose the service that best meets your needs simply in deference of something you have read on this website.
Advanced Care Planning
Community Resources
- Grocery Delivery - CSSN
- Info Niagara - 211
- Gate Keepers
- Transportation options
Mental Health and Well-being
- Crisis Outreach and Support Team - call the Niagara Crisis Line at 1-866-550-5205 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
- Grief Share
- Families First - Grief Resources During COVID-19