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 October 19 - October 25
- Monday
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National Evaluate Your Life Day
Evaluate Your Life Day is a bit scary. It sounds just a little bit too serious for my liking. And, what if I evaluate my life, and find out that I don't like it????????
Well, for starters, you can then make positive changes.
Evaluate Your Life Day gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect upon our life, where it's been, and where it’s going. C'mon, be honest with yourself. Are things going well? What is bothering you? What do you need, or want, to change? How's your appearance? What makes you feel joy and happiness?
With a self evaluation, you can then make big changes to improve the quality of your life, as necessary. Or, if things are going well just tinker with small adjustments.
We believe that Evaluate Your Life Day is the beginning of a happier and healthier you!Quote of the Day
Humour of the Day
Music of the Day
Senior Citizen Plays Piano...Then Magic Occurs
Wellness of the Day
Gentle Chair Yoga 30 min
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YHjBYcqJ5c
Take 5 for Self-Care
MAKE A PHONE CALL
Sometimes all it takes to put things in perspective or turn your day around is to connect with someone. Call a good friend or a family member. I’ve found that when I’m feeling stressed, even a 15-minute conversation with someone who makes me smile can completely turn your day around.
- Tuesday
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International Chefs Day
International Chefs Day is one of those great days, and it comes to us all the way from South Africa. From the southern tip of Africa, this holiday has spread around the world, making it a truly international day.
One of the things that makes this special day so great, is that it is not just about honouring or celebrating chefs. Sure, one of the objectives of this day is to celebrate this noble profession, and to promote this exciting career. But, the main focus of International Chefs Day is to provide education on how to eat healthy.
The organization Worldchefs is perhaps the largest promoter of International Chefs Day. This is a world-wide network of chef associations. Each year, the Worldchefs organization sets a theme for this day, and helps to provide educational materials to interested groups. These materials make it pretty easy for your group to hold healthy eating programs for your community.
To celebrate this day, schools, governments, and local organizations are encouraged to hold educational programs, workshops and exhibits on how to prepare healthy foods, helping people to establish healthy eating habits for a long and healthy life.Quote of the Day
Humour of the Day
Music of the Day
Daniel O'Donnell performs a medley of hits | The Late Late Show
Wellness of the Day
17 Min Chair Exercises for Seniors & Beginners
Take 5 for Self-Care
FIND A FLOW
Have you ever heard this expression before? If not, perhaps you are familiar with the idea of being “in the zone”? They basically mean the same thing, which is being “fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of [an] activity”.
The activity will vary, but you probably already have a sense of what works for you. It could be photography, cooking, or going for a bike ride; or perhaps it’s playing drums or an instrument. For some people, it’s as simple as becoming immersed in a good book. The activity doesn’t matter, though. Just do what makes you feel happy, unburdened, energized, and – when you’re done – refreshed.
- Wednesday
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International Nacho Day
Nachos are extremely popular both with a meal, and as a snack. They are in popular demand for parties of all kinds. We enjoy them while watching any sporting event, at home, at the stadium or in the arena.
Eating Mexican or Tex-Mex tonight? Have it your way. A pile of nachos is all but certain to be included with the meal. As a snack, nachos are great eaten plain by themselves. However, both salsa and cheese dips are sure to be surrounding the nacho bowl. Reigning supreme in the world of nachos, is the Nacho Supreme. Home recipes abound. They all begin with a deep pile of nachos covered with cheese, on a large serving platter. Jalapeños are also certain to be a key ingredient. Other potential ingredients include: chicken, beef, salsa, black bean, onions, and black olives. Don't forget to serve lettuce, tomatoes, and guacamole on the side.
We may not know anything about who created International Nacho Day, why it was created, or exactly when it was first celebrated. But, the creation of the nacho itself is well documented. The inventor is Mexican Agnacio "Nacho" Anaya in 1943. Anaya lived and worked in the Mexican border town of Piedra Negras. After a long day of shopping, several U.S. Army wives entered the restaurant looking for something to eat. The kitchen staff had left, so Anaya went into the kitchen and went to work creating a snack for them. He cut tortillas (some say he cut up tostados) into triangles, placed some cheese and jalapeños on top, then put it into the oven to melt the cheese. When he removed it from the oven, the nacho was born.Quote of the Day
Humour of the Day
Music of the Day
Relaxing Mexico - Chillout Mexican - Music, Musica
Wellness of the Day
23 Hobbies Guaranteed to Beat Stress
https://thriveglobal.com/stories/23-hobbies-guaranteed-to-beat-stress/
Take 5 for Self-Care
SAY NO
There are big ways to show yourself some self-love and then there are all the small ways, which often make just as much of a difference as the more substantial self-care activities. Learning to say no is one of those little things that can make a big impact.
Saying no to a few little things that eat up your time and mental energy allows you to make time for the activities that make you feel refreshed.
- Thursday
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National Nut Day
Many of the October holidays centre around Halloween and pumpkin themes. However, there's ample room on the October calendar for plenty of holidays and observances celebrating or commemorating other subjects and topics. There's certainly room in October for a nutty day.
National Nut Day is today. It's a little kooky and crazy if you ask me, as it is the Pe-nuttiest of all of the holidays.
When we first researched this day, we found little information as to its origin or purpose. Additional research uncovered the real meaning and goals for this special day.
This day is promoted by the Fair Trade Organization in the U.K. Not surprisingly, it is an organization that promotes and sells healthy nuts.
The company has two goals: First, is to raise awareness of Fair Trade organization’s nut products. No surprise here. The second goal, is to encourage us to include healthy nuts in our diet.
Extensive research shows that eating nuts is indeed healthy for us. They are rich in vitamins E and B2, they contain lots of protein, and they are high in fibre. Studies show consuming nuts helps to avoid coronary heart disease, as well as lower bad cholesterol. So, celebrate National Nut Day by adding more nuts in your daily diet.
Like many other holidays, the goals and meaning of National Nut Day has evolved somewhat over the years. Many people use this day to celebrate their kooky and nutty friends. We think this is quite alright and encourage you to continue to do so.
Of course it is always possible that some of us may use National Nut Day to celebrate the "nut" that screws onto a bolt for fastening things. Perhaps that is a little nutty, perhaps not. You make the call.
Whatever reason you choose to celebrate today, we hope you have a very nutty National Nut Day.A couple of nutty facts:
* Peanuts are not really nuts. They are Legumes, a member of the "Pea" family.
* The centre of seeds, like pumpkins and squash, is called a "nut".Quote of the Day
Humour of the Day
Music of the Day
Kalan Porter - Awake In A Dream
Wellness of the Day
7 Stress-Management Tips for Caregivers
https://www.verywellmind.com/caregiver-support-caregivers-and-stress-relief-3144520
Take 5 for Self-Care
EAT SLOWLY
Not only is this good for your digestive health, but it also allows you to pay attention to what you’re eating, enjoy the experience, and savor the flavors. Not every meal has to be gourmet, but slowing down and enjoying the experience of eating it builds natural breaks into your day (oh, and it goes without saying that not eating in front of a screen is ideal, right?), and encourages mindfulness in a natural way – which is especially helpful if you struggle with the formal mindfulness and guided meditation practices. It’s also a good time to connect with friends or family, or enjoy a quiet moment.
Plus, let’s be real: food is delicious. When you allow yourself the time to appreciate the experience of something as seemingly mundane as eating, it’s a nice reminder to appreciate some of the other small pleasures in your day.
- Friday
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TV Talk Show Host Day
TV Talk Show Host Day celebrates and honours all TV Talk Show hosts.
This very special day is celebrated on the birth date of legendary night time talk show host Johnny Carson. Carson is considered the "King of late night Television". He hosted The Tonight Show from 1962 to 1992. His reign lasted a record 29 years, 7 months, 21 days. There were 1,859 episodes.
While this day is celebrated on Johnny Carson's birth date, it is intended to show appreciation to all Television talk show hosts, daytime and nighttime.
Celebrate today, by having a television talk show marathon....watch them all day and night.Have a happy Tv Talk Show Host Day !!
Quote of the Day
Humour of the Day
Music of the Day
Sweet Home Alabama Lynyrd Skynyrd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Du-CWASm20&list=PLL8EnX7s-Dvym8zdc4ecOQ1AGJUOPuVzX&index=5
Wellness of the Day
Snack Ideas for Seniors
https://www.commonwisecare.com/healthy-snacks-for-old-people
Take 5 for Self-Care
STAND UP STRAIGHT
When you stand up straight, you feel different: stronger, more confident, taller and even more energized. You can breathe more deeply and somehow, the world feels brighter when you’re not busy trying to scrunch yourself into the smallest, most invisible package.
- Saturday
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Make a Difference Day
Initiated in 1990, this is a national day is for devoted to helping others by doing volunteer work in the community. The activity can be almost anything. On this day, millions of people participate in community improvement projects. It takes the form of cleanup, fixup, painting, and repair in poorer neighborhoods, parks and municipal facilities. It doesn't matter what project you take on. It doesn't matter whether you help a non-profit organization, the community, your town, nursing home, a church, a food kitchen, or any other group in need. What matters is that you participate.
Make a commitment to help others for just one day. Make a difference on Make a Difference Day!
Quote of the Day
Humour of the Day
Music of the Day
You are my SunShine
Wellness of the Day
30 Minute Full Body Stretching Exercises - How to Stretch to Improve Flexibility & Mobility Routine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sl6q1igrxpk&t=71s
Take 5 for Self-Care
Get moving.
Moving your body is one of the most effective tools for stress reduction. First, it tends to take your mind off of things—it’s hard to think about daily stressors when you’re huffing and puffing up a mountain, for example. It also boosts your endorphins, according to the Mayo Clinic, which are the magic hormones behind the “runner’s high.”
But you don’t have to run to get the benefits of moving your body, and you’re better off starting with a walk or any form of activity that you genuinely enjoy. Whether it’s dancing, stretching, yoga or a vigorous walk make sure to move.
- Sunday
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International Artist Day
Artists of all kinds are celebrating around the world today, as it is International Artist Day. On this day, we can and should honour and recognize all of the artists who enrich our lives and society in so many ways. It is important to recognize the contributions of artists around the world. It certainly makes sense that this should be an international event. There' are so many famous artists from virtually every corner of the world. It would be shame, had the creator of this special day limited it to one area or a single country.
So, just who is an artist? Painters and sculptors are usually the first people that come to mind. But, there are many other art fields, including: acting, dancing, photographers, writers, musicians, poets, and digital artists, to name a few. There are certainly plenty more artistic fields. So, let's use today to celebrate all artists around the world.
Celebrate International Artist Day by recognizing artists in your community. Take an active role and support them, if possible. Spend a little time today, to appreciate all of the art that surrounds you. Visiting an art gallery, attending a symphony, or watching a movie at the theater, are just a few ways to enjoy International Artist Day.Quote of the Day
Humour of the Day
Music of the Day
Céline Dion - The Power Of Love (Official Video)
Wellness of the Day
10 Healthy Make-Ahead Meals for Seniors and Caregivers
Take 5 for Self-Care
Write a list of ten things you love about yourself. Self-love is self-care. Give yourself a compliment...or ten.
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