Product Description

This book may seem simple at first glance, but the book will provide a wealth of useful information for family members and involved professionals of the memory impaired and hours of enjoyment for memory challenged persons. This book will not only stimulate conversation but will also provide a meaningful pastime by rousing the reader/listener s memories, observations and life experiences. This book can also be used in a group setting in order to foster positive relationships, boost self esteem, and further stimulate the mind. Baby pictures were chosen for this book because for many of the memory impaired, the time when their own children were young often remains lucid to them and arouses happy memories

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1248269 in Books
• Published on: 2006-12-20
• Released on: 2006-12-04
• Binding: Paperback
• 44 pages

Review
I find this book to be very helpful in stimulating conversation and memories with memory impaired residents. I have also seen this book being utilized by families and other visitors to provide meaningful interactions during their visits. Even our residents with limited speech enjoy seeing the photos of the babies. The questions and suggestion provided are a great starting point to begin an activity. I also like using props such as baby clothes and baby powder scented items to stimulate even more memories. Families often face the challenge of "what do I talk about" or "what can Mom do" during their visits. I think this book opens a window of opportunities for conversation and pleasant visits for our families and their loved ones. Sandy Whelan, ADC,Director of Resident Programming .New Albany, IN --internet review

In light of recent research, activities should take on a whole new dimension in long-term care. Activities can no longer be thought of as leisure time fillers, but rather, as opportunities to provide mental stimulation. If done thoughtfully, activities can help those with Alzheimer s disease hold on to their remaining cognitive skills longer and enhance mood. In a word, activities should be therapeutic . Susan Berg s book is a treasure-trove of therapeutic activities that can bring joy and purpose to those with a cognitive impairment. Paul Raia, Ph.D, Director of Patient Care and Family Support Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts Chapter --ibook review

This book is an accurate and realistic presentation of a subject that is dear to everyone's heart-babies. Engaging photographs and open-ended discussion questions are designed to stimulate interaction and pleasant memories. Created for groups of two or more, this book can be used as part of a planned activity, or as a spur-of-the-moment diversion. Debbie Miller, RN CRT Columbus, Ohio --book review

About the Author
Susan Berg is a seasoned Activity Director. She has extensive experience working with memory impaired persons directly. She has also gained knowledge and insight for writing this book through her occupational therapy assistant (COTA) education and practice. She has participated in numerous workshops, seminars and conferences on dementia. . Most importantly, she has a great passion for wanting to bringing happiness to those with memory impairments. She believes that this book will bring smiles to millions of faces.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
** Tips for using these flash cards **

No matter how you use these cards, the group leader(caregiver) must be upbeat, animated and excited about what (s)he is doing.

First you can just show the pictures on the front of the flash cards to the memory challenged person or to a group of participants and listen to the comments and observe facial expressions revealed.

Or you can show the picture and read the words about the picture, or you may want the participant(s) to read the statements about the picture.

What is so great about these cards is that you can be showing the pictures and reading the idea on the back at the same time. Also more than one group or individual can be using the set of flash cards

Another idea is to show to flash cards and ask which baby is happy, smart, tired, wet, hungry, thirsty, singing, or any other action you may think is appropriate. Remember have a discussion only about one word at a time

You may want to write a story about one of the flash cards with the group or individual

You can use the flash cards as a diversionary tool.

The flash card(s) can be looked at independently. The memory challenged person may want to sort the cards.

No matter how you use these cards, make sure to have fun, but I know you will

For more ideas, make sure to read the book by the same title, Adorable Photographs of Our Baby-Meaningful, Mind-Stimulating Activities, and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones, and Involved Professionals, or get a copy of Activity Ideas Galore.

Customer Reviews

Practical Information
This book has excellent information on helping those with Alzheimer's disease to exercise their brains and maintain their cognitive abilities beyond what might be expected. I have used this book and it's idea's with my mother, who is in a nursing home and suffers from Alzheimer's. She especially enjoyed the pictures of the babies! Thank you Susan!

Barbara Smith OTR/L's Review
As an occupational therapist I appreciate how Susan Berg provides detailed directions on how to use these photographs to stimulate patients who are in different stages of memory loss. The simple and attractive photographs have universal appeal and the large, bold captions make the book easy to use by individuals in the early stages of dementia. Each photograph is accompanied by an idea page that suggests ways to use the photograph to stimulate the patient. This may be as simple as saying "The baby in the picture is being hugged" and then giving each resident a hug or the photograph may be used to initiate a discussion of how hugs make one feel.
This book provides a useful tool for professionals who work in the activities field. Family members or friends of memory impaired individuals may feel more comfortable interacting with a loved one when using this guide book filled with fun activities. Thank-you, Susan!
Barbara Smith, M.S., OTR/L author of Still Giving Kisses: A Guide to Helping and Enjoying the Alzheimer's Victim You Love and The Recycling Occupational Therapist

Jeanne's feedback
I have read this book and find it to be very informative and easy to use. There are so many useful ideas and suggestions on how to communicate with a patient with dementia. The games are easy to do with one-on-one or with a group. The pictures are large and colorful and should bring smiles to many people. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a caregiver, nursing homes, and I have even given a copy to our local library. They were very pleased to receive it. This book should get a lot of use. Thank you for finding a way to connect with our memory impaired relatives.