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In this episode of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia speaks with Jodi Colada, a director of caregiver outreach, about engaging activities for family caregivers of loved ones living with dementia. They discuss the challenges caregivers face in getting their loved ones to participate in activities, the importance of creating a supportive environment, and various creative expressions that can foster connection. Jodi shares practical tips, resources, and tools to help caregivers engage their loved ones meaningfully, emphasizing the value of participation and the joy of shared experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Engaging Activities for Dementia Caregivers
00:17 Introduction to Jody Kalata and Her Expertise
00:45 Connecting with the Audience
01:00 Engaging Activities for Dementia Caregivers
11:13 Creative Expression Through Art and Music
21:06 Practical Tools and Resources for Caregivers

Jodi Kolada is the Director of Caregiver Outreach and Non-Clinical Team Member Education with Well∙Spring Solutions. Jodi has a master’s degree in Gerontological Studies from Miami University of Ohio. She is a certified co-leader of Powerful Tools for Caregivers.  She is a certified instructor of the Dementia Dialogues Program from the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina. She leads the agency’s efforts to successfully provide a combination of evidence-based programs, educational classes, retreats, and monthly support groups to family caregivers. She also presents to faith, civic and community organizations about caregiving issues.

Below are some of Jodi's helpful resources;

SITES
www.nationaldaycalendar.com – online database of holidays and celebrations – can spark great conversation and incudes activity ideas


www.backthenhistory.com – provide an email address to receive a daily message about the history of everyday objects - can spark great conversation and activity ideas


https://dementianc.org/helpsupport/music-memory-at-home/  Music & Memory is an evidence-based program which helps people living with dementia find joy and connection to life through musical favorites.  They help to develop a personalized playlist, and provide a Music & Memory at Home Kit, which includes a digital music player uploaded with the person’s favorite music, headphones, a Bluetooth speaker and written guides. Both the primary caregiver and the program listener (person with a dementia diagnosis in a home setting) must be in NC.


https://www.goldencarers.com/activities - activity ideas & helpful resources

https://mariasplace.com/ - activity ideas

 
Free APPS

Word Search Colorful

Flower Garden

Jigsaw Puzzles Real

My Reef 3D Aquarium

 GAMES

 Shut the Box  -basic math

Rory’s Story Cubes - storytelling

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Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies.
Email: ask@miayangmd.com
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.