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Memory Activities for Elderly, Alzheimers, Dementia and Autism.
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Puzzle
Games, Memory Activities, Memory Games, Fun Brain Games, Match Games,
Picture Puzzles,
Memory
Improvement Exercise, Games
for Elderly, Songs
of Yesterday,
6 Piece Puzzle, 12 Piece Puzzle and 20 piece puzzle are
beneficial Memory Activities, Fun Brain Games, Brain Exercise,
Memory Improvement Exercise for Elderly, Alzheimers, Dementia and Autism.
Largest
Selection of Age Appropriate Memory Activities for Alzheimers
and Dementia patients.
Norman Rockwell - Sarah Stilwell Weber - The Saturday Evening Post Covers
are MOTIVATORS of "A
Fun Moment in Time"
Does
your loved one benefit from their Brain Exercise and Memory Games OR
do they get frustrated?
You
are their voice!
During
research, I spoke directly with caregivers and Activity Directors working
with Alzheimers and Dementia patients throughout United States.
It
was SHOCKING!
Nothing
had changed since my mother passed away in 1994.
Activities available to dementia and elderly patients were STILL
being used and STILL inadequate,
STILL frustrating patients.
Were/ARE
they beneficial?
I
DON'T THINK SO, and I was determined to change that.
Memory
Jogging Puzzles are age appropriate jigsaw puzzles that focus on the
elderly patients comfort and feelings
while using these puzzles andmatch
games.
Developed
and designed for ease of use and handling.
Simplified
for your loved one's Success and
meeting their needs for fun brain exercise and memory
exercise.
Do a comparison to other puzzles on the market, you will see for yourself
there is a huge difference in these puzzles and competitors.
Very
few have fun age appropriate themes, storytelling themes.
Large pieces for easy handling with unique shapes.
Easy
handling is important especially to those with arthritis, large or shaky
hands.
6
pieces for middle stages; 12 pieces for early-middle and 20 for elderly-early
stages.
Lap Puzzle size 6x8" fits perfect on bed side table or dinner tray.
This size helps keep the puzzle pieces within reach and vision.
This
is critical for
those with physical limitations.
All
are valuable benefits of my puzzles.
There
are other puzzles on the market with few large pieces but
the puzzle size is also large making it difficult for your loved one
to easily find the piece and put in place.
Some might say this is no biggy, let me tell you IT
IS A BIGGY and would be frustrating to your loved one
if he had limitations.
MJP
puzzles are custom cut, Made in America specifically to meet the your
mom, dad or patients needs and they DO!Others don't!
These
memory puzzles were the first on the market (2008)
and they are the best.
My mother had physical limitations and dementia, she was my model.
If she would have been able to reach the piece and put it in place that
would have been success, no matter how small the puzzle.
And more importantly she would have enjoyed the image and the
activity. It wouldn't have been some object with no feelings or a child's
theme.
Age
appropriate themes capture the attention
of
Alzheimers, Dementia patients and motivate participation.
If the activity does not capture their interest immediately, they
will not want to participate.
Some
patients plain and simple just don't want
to.
If
this happens do not force it, play a bit yourself (they will be watching)
Don't take it personal, try again
next time. Brain Exercise
continued
Improving
memory with Brain Games and Memory Puzzles - 6 Piece
Puzzle, 12 Piece Puzzle and 20 piece puzzle with Unique
Features and Benefits for Alzheimers and Dementia Patients, their
families and caregivers.
Old
habits can be recalled in alzheimer's patients, one reason these puzzles
are successful.
We
can't cure Alzheimer's or Dementia, BUT I can help YOU give your loved
one "a fun moment in time".
Testimonial The
puzzles were great I was so surprised at who did well and who was stumped.
Yesterday
there were two bored residents at the activity table and I pulled out
the gossips cards.
One
woman was disturbed by the last couple in the picture, and said "Oh
I don't like this one, they're fighting!" The is someone who rarely
talks, and her comment was revealing.
I
must say the quality of the products is top notch. ~Susan
R - IA
(Susan's
mother has Dementia and she volunteers at care centers.
Susan works with a variety of wooden puzzles, gossips, MatchMate and What's
Mis ing? Memory Exercise Cards plus the Memories of Yesterday - Keepsake
Workbooks.
Brain
Exercises continued
These Puzzle Games and Match Games capture the attention of Alzheimers,
Dementia and elderly patients meeting the #1 need
in activities.
And
remember while they are having fun, they are
exercising their brain and improving memory.
Simplified puzzle games for patients success, Not Frustration!
These chunky puzzles and Memory Games inspire feelings
of wonder and accomplishment in Alzheimer's, Dementia and Autism patients.
You
will connect with your loved and discover a fun, easy way to interact,
making your visit a more enjoyable experience
Testimonial
~The
Saturday Evening Post theme is, indeed, familiar.
That is relaxing and gets the association away from being for children.
She
does all of them several times a day in addition to playing solitaire.
~
Harry
- CA
(Harry’s
wife 87, living at home, works with wooden puzzles, memory exercise
cards: gossips, MatchMate, What's Mis ing?
Developing
Memory Jogging Puzzles brought back many memories to me. (good and sad)
I
recalled how mother enjoyed working with puzzles and playing cards until
several strokes and later dementia changed her abilities and physical
capabilities.
She continued to engage herself in these activities until they became
too frustrating.
Mother was paralyzed on her right side, making it difficult when items
were out of her reach or vision.
The
puzzles were frustrating because they were either too difficult with many
small pieces, or a simple child's puzzle.
The
child's puzzle made mother feel like she was a child. (embarrassed her)
There were no storytelling themes.
Dad
made a card holder enabling her to play longer, she played solitaire,
bridge, poker and rummy.
Mother
was a beautiful, intelligent spunky lady.
These were difficult times for all, watching her go through these stages
and not knowing how to help her cope.
Painful
and depressing for mother, longing to be the way she used to be, fought
it all the way. (she was very independent)
My
father cared for mother many years before she went into a care center.
He was her caregiver 24/7 and never complained.
Mother
would have loved these activities with Norman Rockwell paintings and she
would have cherished Sarah Weber's work.
The
chunky wooden puzzles pieces would be easier for her to handle.
She
would have related to the artwork and laughed at images in gossips
card game.
These
Fun brain Games are Memory Exercise and Brain Exercise, Puzzle
Games and Memory Match Games that will help your loved one:
•
help keep their dignity
• help improve memory • stimulate memories
• motivate participation
• capture attention
• stimulate
conversation and much more
Memory
Exercise and Fun Brain Games
Would
it be nice to visit with your loved one, knowing what you are going to
do and talk about?
The
6 piece puzzle, 12 piece puzzle, 20 piece puzzle and Match Games with
The Saturday Evening Post themes will help you achieve that.
Norman
Rockwell and Sarah Weber's fun loving, age appropriate artwork will easily
breakdown walls
and stimulate conversation, making a more enjoyable visit.
You
will build fond memories.
The
Saturday Evening Post Covers with Norman Rockwell and Sarah S.
Weber will open doors that have been closed for a while, encouraging you
to interact and connect with your loved one.
Norman Rockwell and The Saturday Evening Post are remembered by many and
from their era.
Sarah
S. Stilwell Weber - 1878 - 1939 collection of Happy Days will tug at the
emotions, stimulate memories of yesterday, and remembering our own happy
days.
One cannot look at her realistic illustrations without smiling and feeling
a calmness.
These
are the catalyst, secret ingredient that effectively trigger emotions
& memories.
e·mo·tion
1. A mental state that arises
spontaneously rather than through conscious
effort and is often accompanied by physiological changes; a feeling: emotions
of joy, sorrow, reverence, hate, love.The
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
mem.o.ry 1.
The power or process of reproducing or recalling what has been learned
and retained especially through associative mechanisms.
Merriam-Webster’s
Collegiate Dictionary, 11th ed.
Discover
the magic of Storytelling themes to help break down the walls of silence.
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Night or Special Service please contact before ordering:
815 444 0661
6 piece wooden puzzle
- Little Spooners by Norman Rockwell 1926
First
Jigsaw Puzzles developed for Alzheimer's in 2008
These
Brain
Exercise Games with Unique Features and
Benefits have a positive impact on those with Alzheimers, Dementia
and Autism.
Click
on piece to view 6 pc puzzle
average piece size 2x3" - 3x4"
Age
Appropriate, Storytelling Alzheimer's, Dementia and Autism
Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle
6 Piece Custom Wooden Puzzle recommended
for those in middle stages of memory loss or dementia; enables
your loved one to experience success
Chunky pieces for easy handling and visibility.
Some
families focus on 6 piece, when their loved one
accomplishes it, they introduce the 12 piece.
There may be days when they cannot do the 12 piece, changing back
to the 6 piece avoids frustration.
You
might ask what is so special about these puzzles or what separates
them from the rest?
~These
Brain exercises and Memory exercises are beneficial because patients
use emotional and recognition memory, in addition to their problem
solving skills.~ Mitchell
Slutzky, Ph.D., Clinical Geropsychologist, NY
Please
read on and you will understand why Memory Jogging Puzzles and Match
Games are best for your loved one with Alzheimer's, Dementia or
Autism.
FREE
SHIPPING
over
$100.00
Over Night or Special Service please
contact before ordering:
815 444 0661
12
piece
puzzle for early to middle stages of Alzheimer's
Click
on piece to view puzzle
Features
of Memory Jogging Puzzles and Reasons they
are Valued
• Age Appropriate
• Storytelling themes
• Memory Puzzle •
1/4" thick
• durable
• light weight
• unique pieces
• protective top
• large pieces
• easy handling
•
great for arthritis*
• 6 piece puzzle
•
12 piece puzzle •
20 piece puzzle
12
Piece
Custom Wooden
Jigsaw puzzle, average piece 2x2-1/4"
Recommended
for those in early to middle stages of memory loss or dementia.
.All
puzzles are 6x8" designed for easy reach & visibility.
The
most precious value is connecting with your loved one and
sharing a smile, a laugh, it is a wonderful feeling. "A
fun moment in time!"
Note:
I feel the 12 piece puzzle would be frustrating for many in middle
stages of Alzheimers or Dementia. It is better to succeed with
a puzzle of few pieces than have loved one feel frustrated by
not being able to complete the puzzle.
20
piece custom wooden jigsaw puzzles for the elderly - early stages
have unique, interesting pieces and a little more challenging.
7
Facts
YOU should know about Memory Activities, Brain Games,
Memory Exercise, Games for Elderly and Alzheimers patients.
1
- Memory
Jogging Puzzles and Memory Exercise Games (Match Games) are beneficial
activities for Memory Exercise,
Brain Exercise to help improve memory.
2
- Most puzzles
available are either too difficult, adult puzzles with too many
small pieces; or a puzzle with few pieces, a small child's puzzle.
When
a puzzle has an adult theme many times it has too many pieces.
Your loved one won't know where or how to begin; become overwhelmed,
frustrated, give up or in many cases.
THEY WON'T EVEN TRY.
3 -
If apuzzlehad few, large pieces, most likely it had a young child's
theme.
Your
Loved Ones does NOT enjoy putting
children's puzzles together, these puzzles make your mother, father
or spousefeel, like
a child. (humiliated or embarrassed) Facts Continued
Testimonials
~
Karen Miller Puzzles are Excellent ~ George
N Christopoulos M.D., Internal/Geriatric Medicine Chicago Area
Rush
University Medical Center, Chicago
"I
have recently had the pleasure of seeing the Memory Jogging Puzzles.
Karen Miller has created these Norman Rockwell -Saturday Evening
Post inspired puzzles for Dementia’s Disease patients to
enjoy, while exercising their brain, what a great idea!.
These
puzzles are beautifully crafted. Each one could serve as coffee-table
décor, but they are highly functional pieces that not only
entertain but serve the greater purpose of helping memory challenged
adults with maintaining memory.
I am planning to order a few of the puzzles for our patients in
the Rush Memory Clinic to enjoy while in our waiting area."
Janie L. Urbanic, MA/LPC, Research Study Supervisor
Rush Memory Clinic - Chicago, IL ~~~
7
Facts continued 4
- Age appropriate
(adult) puzzles and gamesfor Alzheimers, Dementia and elderly patients - are a
huge problem for caregivers because, they could
not find them.
Frustrated and aware of
these problems caregivers were very open and helpful to me sharing
the needs of their patients.
Many patients experience
FAILURE and FRUSTRATION.
Think
about this, they are not any different
than you and
I.
Ask
yourself, if a task appears
to difficult, what do you do?
Many of us glide away or perhaps fake it for a few moments and
then forget, it is too hard.
Some
of us take a peek, I'm out of here!
(do you agree?)
I have heard the words "I
don't want to play anymore"
when a puzzle or game is too difficult.(with residents)
If you have children or
grandchildren, I'm sure you have heard and observed these scenes.
What's different? They(children) can and do express themselves.
If your mother, father or spouse does not want to participate,
sometimes it is tagged "acting out".
Many times they say nothing, walk away humiliated because they
cannot do the activity or forgot how to
do it. (If only you
could walk in their shoes for a day)
5
-Very few easy
puzzles hadStorytelling
themes.
Storytelling
themes are wanted and needed to help caregivers
and families stimulate conversation.
6
-Very
few puzzlesand gameson the market meetALL
thecriteriaforMemory Activities, Memory Exercise
for alzheimers, dementia patients and Games for elderly.
In
other words many patients were not and are
not
benefiting from their activities. Most,
unfortunately are getting frustrated.
7
- Some used photos of loved ones, objects or buildings from their
past trying to stimulate conversation.
Many alzheimers and Dementia patients
do not remember their loved ones, places
and objects from their past. Many
are living in a time period from their past. ###
Sometimes
we let our own feelings get involved when selecting the number
of pieces for our loved one.
We think surely the 6 piece puzzle would be too easy for mom or
dad but sometimes it is not.
I suggest both the 6 piece and 12 piece puzzles, starting with
the 6 piece. When it is put together easily, introduce the 12
piece puzzle.
If frustration shows up, gently go back to the 6 piece.
An
example: A lady put a 12 piece puzzle together by herself
without any trouble.
Then,
she played with the gossips card game for awhile.
She
then picked up another 12 piece puzzle and started to put it together.
Rose became very upset. She could not put it together and began
to cry.
She
just needed a little help and was okay. Frustration sets in so
easily when they can not remember how to do it.
It
only takes a minute or so to help them and they are okay.
You
may be tired, but do not make a deep sigh, it is amazing how they
pick up on our frustrations.
Each
individual is unique, keep in mind it is better for your loved
one to experience success with a 6 piece puzzle rather than experience
frustration and tears with a 12 piece.
Amateur
Video - End of Group Activities
PLAYDAY
Memory Jogging Puzzles and "gossips"
Match Game ~~~ We
can't cure Alzheimer's or Dementia,
BUT I can help YOU give your loved one
"a
fun moment in time".
If
you are a caregiver or have a loved one with Alzheimers or Dementia,
you KNOW why these
simplified 6 piece puzzles, 12 piece puzzles and Memory Games
are important to them.
Memory
Puzzles with Norman Rockwell and Sarah S. Weber's art from The
Saturday Evening Post stimulate memories.
Guaranteedto
capture attention, motivate participation,
stimulate conversation and bring back smiles.
Connecting
with Mary by
Karen Miller
Silently…
I gathered the puzzles together,
and said goodbye.
On the drive home, Mary’s
video played over
and over, the tears rolled down.
Flashback
As I laid a 6 piece puzzle in front of Mary,
I asked if she wanted to work on it. She
nodded… yes.
Slowly, I separated the puzzle,
laying pieces within her reach.
She
eagerly picked up one piece, then another,
turning and closely observing, each knob.
Mary knew the pieces went together, she held them in
her hands, adjusting each knob on it’s edge,
then flat, intensely, testing each opening.
After a bit, I tapped on the table saying it would be
easier here and the pieces will stay together.
She obediently put the pieces on the table
and tried earnestly to find two that went together.
(I didn’t rush her, I was
pulled into her time)
.
Discovering a piece she liked, twisted and turned it…
measuring each knob and her search
began.
Her fingers moved slowly over the pieces,
feeling their curves before they made
their way into the puzzle.
Mary like many others, tried to force pieces
into place. Sometimes she would have the right piece,
but could not make it fit because
it was on top of another. (this is common)
At this point, I would slowly guide the piece
into place, saying, it fits perfect.
(When possible I gently guided with one finger…
just a little nudge and it falls into place,
showing her, you don’t have to force it, which
many do)
Upon completion. You did a good job Mary!
And she pointed for another puzzle.
As Mary started her 2nd puzzle, I moved
across the table to observe her from a distance.
This time, she
took the puzzle apart, laid pieces
around, just as I did and then began
her routine.
Picking up one piece, analyzing every curve,
randomly pick up another, testing the knobs
in open areas searching for that right fit.
This process was done in her hands
not on the table.
(I was thinking later perhaps she needed to get the
pieces closer to see them clearly OR
maybe she just wanted to.)
She was extremely focused, not hurried, when she felt the pieces in her hands were correct,
she would put them into the pieces on the table.
Every once in a while she looked
up at me, not saying anything, but her
eyes told me, she wanted my help
and her hands were stalled in place on the puzzle.
Each time, piece(s) were correct, sometimes the angle
was off, or the piece on top of another and she couldn’t
get it to fit, but she was never frustrated or anxious.
Each time she completed a puzzle, good job, it is perfect. You are great
with puzzles!
Immediately, she reached for another
puzzle,
and we would go through the process again.
It took Mary about 7-10 minutes to put a 6 piece
puzzle together. I don’t know if she was faster
at the end, but her touch became
softer placing
the chunky pieces
down and into place.
I could actually see a visual change in her hands
while placing pieces down, more relaxed.
She handled
the wooden puzzles great and she was amazing
On automatic, very intense, full concentration,
never taking her eyes off the puzzle or pieces…
except, when she looked up at me
After
she completed all of the themes I had
with me (7), I asked if she had a favorite puzzle.
Not responding right away, I thought perhaps
she didn’t understand or hear me, THEN, she picked one up and said “this one”, (Title:
Going Out)
I had been with Mary an hour, heard
nothing,
no facial expression, her eyes were her voice,
this was amazing to me, hearing her make her choice.
Mary’s unique way
Mary would discover two pieces that went together,
by putting them together in her
hands,
then, laid them down on the table.
Find two more pieces, put those
together in her hands;
tried to maneuver those two pieces (together)
into the puzzle on the table.
This
is rather difficult, the chunky wooden puzzles
hang together making it possible.
She usually had the right pieces and knew where
to put them. If she couldn’t put them into place,
she would look up, this was my
cue.
After several puzzles it appeared she was studying the picture more, by gliding her finger
on the top surface of the knobs.
Mary would have continued all day,
non stop,
even though she was silent. Expressing only by her
actions and pointing and wanting to do more.
She was experiencing success and I was in awe,
observing her amazing way of looking and
working with the puzzles.
I
was impressed with Mary’s intense focus,
nothing distracted her; she was enjoying what she
was doing, even though she was silent.
.Bingo
was being played in the same room, I kept asking
if she wanted to stop and play bingo. She shook her
head no and pointed to another puzzle.
Doctors say that old habits are buried in our memories, this is one reason puzzles are beneficial
exercises for Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients. read
another visit
Chances
are you have been one all of your live, but haven’t
used that term to describe yourself.
Recently asked this question, and I started
thinking about the term.
care·giv·er
noun \- gi-ver\
Definition of Caregiver - a
person who provides direct care (as for children,
elderly
people, or the chronically ill)
webster dictionary
~~~
My
father was my mother’s primary caregiver during
her illness for many years. Not once
did I hear him referred to as her caregiver, although
he cared for her 24/7.
Dad
loved mom and did everything he could for her, he
felt it was his responsibility and never complained,
he was her husband.
We five children, tried to help in our own little
way but we didn’t consider ourselves caregivers,
she was our mother.
We
wanted her to get better, be the way she used to be.
Observing
this scene for many years left a huge impact on us.
We are compassionate towards others. Always ready
to lend a hand. Always for the underdog. And we pray
it does not happen to us.
All of us have children, several in the medical field
and grandchildren.
None
of us have forgotten the struggles my mother had to
bear or my father’s sacrifices in taking care
of her or my little sister’s loss of the mother,
we all knew so well.
Some of your stories are like mine, if you are going
through it now, I understand your sadness when you
walk out the door after visiting your loved one and
I understand your prayers.
I have never been a licensed or paid caregiver, but
a caregiver all of my life.
I've
worked with licensed caregivers and decided it was
not for me.
I
have volunteered since 2008 in numerous centers and
enjoy it very much.
I have visited those who could not get out of bed
to go to activities; helped with various special activities
and it never fails each time I go to volunteer, I
see someone who reminds me of mom.
I have worked with large groups and small, but what
I like best is working with one person at a time and
observing them closely. This is very gratifying to
me and helps me see things from their eyes.
I
do lend a helping hand if needed and see the smile
on their face, knowing my time with them has made
them happy.
Does
this make me a caregiver?
I don’t need to be a licensed caregiver to do
this, I just need to care, be patient and help when
necessary. It is very simple and you can do it too.
Most caregivers who work in centers have too many
patients to care for, not having the time to dedicate
to one person.
Many with certificates, have
never had a loved one, who has had Alzheimer’s,
Dementia or a stroke.
They
have never been through the emotional roller coaster
that goes along with being a child, mother, father
or spouse.
The
emotional connection is sometimes missing.
They do their job and it is stressful, but you as
a loved one, can give the emotional connection. When
you do and see the smile or hear the laughter, it
is rewarding. Your loved one may not remember it,
but you will.
If
you have a loved one in a care center or in your home,
take 10-15 minutes a day if you can and interact with
them.
Don’t just plop down a game or puzzle and walk
away thinking they can do it. It has been awhile,
they may have gotten how to do simple games they once
knew. They may need your assistance.
If
they cannot complete the task they will feel failure.
Talk
to them and listen to their answers and go with the
flow.
They are not in our world… we must go
into theirs… someone who cares. ###
Testimonials ~I just
received your products in the mail yesterday and it
is just what my father needs! Unfortunately he has dementia
and is not doing well.
But I am hoping the games and puzzle will stimulate
his mind.
You are so right about the images. They are so colorful
and inviting, with a soothing effect. Your products
went well beyond my expectations.
Thank
you so much for selling such nice products. My family
and I are extremely grateful for your service. I am
sure my father will love them. ~Kind
regards, Joan
From The Dementia Zone by
Nataly Rubinstein L.C.S.W - FL
Growing
up I always found gift giving for my parents difficult. Ties, perfume,
cologne, perfume...boring!
My parents "oohed" and "ahhed" over my gifts, but
the reality was, how many ties did my father need?
So when mom started having symptoms of dementia, the holidays
really stumped me!
Bathrobes and slippers were my go to items. They made me feel good,
and mom seemed to enjoy the gifts, that is, until I was the one who
had to clean out the home and found all of my "wonderful"
presents never used!
It appears that I'm not the only one with this problem because I've
received several emails over the last few days from caregivers
looking for holiday giftsfor their loved ones.
Through the years I've learned some gifts are better than others. The
various stages of dementia will call for a little more ingenuity.
As many of us know, dementia affects everyone differently. There
are many different symptoms of dementia, and those symptoms will help
you pick the right gift. For example, some symptoms restrict activities
and other symptoms might make other activities better. The key is to
understand what the person with dementia is capable of doing and choosing
your activity acccordingly. Different stages of dementia will result
in different choices.
I'm constantly on the look out for great activities. Early this
year I decided that my go-to gift would be jigsaw puzzles.
A recent
article correctly noted that, "Dementia slows down the brain’s
function and playing games like crosswords and solving puzzles is good
for the affected person." This supports other findings like the
one published recently
in the Huffington Post where researchers from Germany found individuals
who participated in dementia therapy (such as with puzzles) were effective
at stopping their dementia from progressing further. The one-year study
based on 61 participants also found patients were able to keep doing
their everyday tasks. However, patients who only took dementia-slowing
drugs had their dementia progress.
In addition to their therapeutic effects, puzzles also make
for a great activity to do together.
So I set out to find the perfect puzzle.
The problem I faced was this: All the puzzles I found in nearby Miami
stores were either too childlike or had too many pieces. I wanted something
that would be age appropriate as the person progressed through their
different stages of dementia.
Now, you should know that I'm a sucker for my clients, so it's not uncommon
for me to troll the Internet late at night looking for just the right
activity. I was searcing for an art book and suddently I stumbled onto
a website that physically woke me up....
I found the perfect collection
of jigsaw puzzles! These puzzles are based on nostalgic covers of
the Saturday Evening Post, a well-treasured publication from the past
of many dementia patients. Saturday Evening Post covers are perfect
subject matter because they are age appropriate, fun and there
are many to choose from.
Truth be told, everything looks great on the Internet, but before I
recommend anything to my clients, I have to rigourosly test the product
myself. Call me skeptical, but I've been burned too many times. So I
contacted the maker to find out more.
It turns out that Karen Miller, the manufacturer of the puzzles, has
a passion for the elderly. I learned that in 2007 she saw a show about
Alzheimer's, and the show brought back all the memories of her mother.
She remembered how her mother had suffered through many strokes
and the symptoms of dementia.
Karen is not only licensed to use the Saturday Evening Post
covers, she was able to bring them back to life in her own unique way.
The site describes how Karen came up with the idea:
"Her Mom always liked puzzles and playing cards, both became very
difficult for her. Puzzle pieces being too small and puzzles too big
were frustrating for her."
Karen also makes memory cards that are great for matching games and
terrific for reminicence therapy.
I have personally found that the artwork on these puzzles motivates
and stimulates memories, the pieces fit well in hands and they
are solidly built. I also find it amazing to listen to patients as they
remember their memories of Norman Rockwell and the Saturday Evening
Post.
To learn more about these terrific puzzles, visit Karen's website at
http://memoryjoggingpuzzles.com ### alzheimerscareconsultants.com
If
you have been looking for age appropriate activities with storytelling
themes... look no more.
These
puzzles and memory cards are your solution to a very big problem and
special need for your loved one.
Some
people think this is no biggy, but trust me they are wrong.
•
Helps keep loved ones dignity
- because they are Age appropriate
•
Motivates participation -
Fun storytelling themes and simplified games for
a feeling of success
• Stimulates memories and emotions
- with storytelling
artwork
•
Improves
memory - Repetition
•
Increases concentration - Focusing
to complete
•
Stimulates conversation and reminiscing
- Norman Rockwell, Sarah Weber and
The Saturday Evening Post
•
Encourages problem solving skills
- Simplified Memory
Puzzles and Memory Games encourages participation
•Builds self
esteem and confidence - Completion
and Success , NO FRUSTRATION
(Plus,
socializing, laughter and smiles are Huge Experiences for Alzheimers and
Dementia patients)
I
am just like you, before I begin interacting with residents, I naturally,
wonder how each one will react.
During
a session, I am aware how this experience
is affecting the person, and their reaction affects
me.
Afterwards,
I am thrilled being the messenger of these wonderful gifts that give the
residents good feelings and "a
fun moment in time".
Realize
when you interact with your loved one, it allows you to carefully study
their movements and facial expressions. Be there for them, go into their timeframe
and pace.
Remember,
your loved one may need your guidance
and patience.
Activity
Directors comments about Memory Jogging Puzzles. (before
production)
love
the themes; love the size of the puzzles; Adult in nature; Size is nice
because they fit on a lap or bedside table; Simple and not too busy.
"I
like The Saturday Evening Post themes because they aregood
for reminiscingwith Dementia residents"
"Puzzle
size is good for residents to hold and will be beneficial in memory treatment
because they are easy to do and do not take a long time."
"Conversational,
some residents will remember Norman Rockwell"
One
of my favorite feedbacks
from Harry, bits and pieces - (Harry’s
wife 87 and living at home)
The
most difficult; hence, most exhausting card game is the 15 piece Gossips.
So far, she needs a helper to do any of the three cards games that she
has. The card games are really a variation on Solitaire, which she likes
to play by herself.
She likes to keep the puzzles in their completed form in their plastic
covers.
The
current size of the puzzles is the right size.
The Saturday Evening Post motif is the right motif. So far she likes to
keep the puzzles neatly lined up in sight on the dining room table.
Laughter,
Agree, Same, Success, Yes form an anagram, LASSY, which I think is helpful
to the mental and physical well-being of our seniors.
You're
on the right track, Karen. I hope my remarks are helpful.
Harry – CA
~Age
Appropriate Games for Elderly, Dementia and Alzheimers patients, simplified
for success.~
A
Little Trivia about Norman Rockwell's Art
Norman
Rockwell paintings were published in the Saturday Evening Post from
1916-1970’s. (Rockwell illustrated over 300 covers)
Everyone
loved his work, many waited anxiously for the new covers. Some would
tear the covers off the magazine and tape them on their walls. Today
they are collectors items.
There
is something or someone in these pictures
that will stimulate memories.
Patients identify with his art, he was from their era.
His
illustrations touched emotions, reminded people of when they were young,
home and the good life they were living.
Norman
Rockwell had alzheimers when he died at age 84, November 8, 1978. "Hero
of yesterday, motivating minds, jogging memories,
and healing hearts today".
The
Saturday Evening Post was founded in 1728
is still in print today, and America's oldest Magazine.
Now
you know the value of Memory Jogging Puzzles and Memory Games; and why
your loved one will identify with these wonderful themes.
Caregivers,
plan a Norman Rockwell Day or Happy Days with Sarah Weber, there will
be fun conversations, helping each other and plenty of laughter.
More
Valued Benefits with Memory Jogging Puzzles
•
Great hand eye coordination and Brain Exercise.
• Confidence
is built upon completion of task, no matter the size.
•
Age Appropriate adult -
#1 Need, helps your loved one keep their dignity.
•
Storytelling Themes stimulate
conversation
•
Lap size keeps puzzles and pieces in
patients view and within their reach. (also, many have
poor vision, when items aren't within reach they may appear blurred.)
PS.
During research, I noticed how difficult it was for some to reach
the pieces, while doing puzzles with many pieces.
They
became Frustrated!
It
is better for your loved one to conquer a small
puzzle with feelings of SUCCESS,
a smile on their face, rather than frustration
and tears because the puzzle
has many pieces and too difficult.
Trust
me, when I say you will see their faces transform into smiles,
hear laughter and see hands reaching
to participate when working with Memory Jogging Puzzles and Memory Games.
And this will make you feel good.
These
Memory activities and brain exercises are fun for your loved one to do
and a way for you to interact with
your loved one.
Alzheimers
Disease and Dementia are life changing, not only for the patient but for
their families.
I
personally feel it is more difficult observing the
changes in their personality, feeling hopeless,
frustrated by not knowing HOWto connect with your mother, father or spouse. Forgive
yourself, we all experience it.
These
age appropriate puzzles are what you have been looking for.
You
can not find these in Walmart.
Lesson
Learned
testing the Puzzles I remember quick stepping into the Memory Treatment Center clutching
my puzzles, it was the first testing and I was anxious.
As the activity director and I were strolling into the room, we were intercepted
by Bob in a wheelchair.
Mary asked if he wanted to put some puzzles together, his immediate response
was "no". continued
