Tony Sexton (Kansas City, 02-25-2010 13:11:53)

It has been a couple years since we had the opportunity of being a part of Mary and Rachel’s programs, and we recommend their services and would encourage any person remotely interested in Long-Term Care to avail themselves to this resource.

I have spent twenty-three years both as a volunteer and as an employee in Long-Term care, and have recently began writing some articles on Culture Change in our facilities. Please take a few minutes at the link below and leave me some feedback/comments. It would be appreciated!

http://midwestsenioradvoc acy.blogspot.com/

Sincerely,
Tony Sexton
senioradvocacy@yahoo.com

Jan Huegerich (Exira, Iowa, 10-01-2009 10:37:56)

I so enjoyed your sessions at the IHCA Convention, we have a 17 bed unit and all the education I have been to relates to the early stages, our people are late mid stage. Thank you for the great ideas. Keep up spreading the word, you guys are AWESOME!!!!!

Rachel Kail (Pelham, Alabama, 07-23-2009 18:41:10)

Our thanks to everyone with the Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging for putting on a great conference today in Pelham!!! The lunch was superb (YEAH FOR THE ROLLS!), conversation dynamic and people fantastic...we appreciated the opportunity to learn from everyone present. One book recommended that I will find and read soon is DYING WELL -- and if you haven't yet read ANOTHER COUNTRY, please do!

Kiessa Webster (Minnesota, USA, 05-14-2009 23:36:32)

Obviously memory is a tricky thing with Alzheimer's or dementia, but so much of our identity, pride and comfort come from aspects of our lives that occured in the past. Often those with memory loss retain connections to aspects of their history and their family members from the memories they do maintain. I am a social worker who creates therapeutic life history books to help with this. Please visit me: http://www.explorebeautifullife.com/types-of-books/remini scing/

Rachel Kail (Lexington, KY, 04-20-2009 17:01:39)

If you find yourself in Lexington, KY, make sure to call ahead and volunteer at the Best Friends Day Care (859-266-5283) located in the Second Presbyterian Church on Main Street. What an amazing environment of compassionate care!!! Today we had the pleasure of spending time with Virginia Bell (author of The Best Friends Approach), Bobby Potts (the Volunteer Coordinator for the center's nearly 1:1 carer to elder ratio) as well as the staff, volunteers and elders. Our thanks to everyone who made us feel so included and welcomed! [Lisa, thank you for your post below, by the way...]

Lisa Smith (Dothan AL, 04-17-2009 12:03:27)

I attended the workshop on "Building an Active Living Environment for Those with Alzheimer's Disease" in Dothan on March 11th. Although my father's condition was fast deteriorating, I found renewed hope and some wonderful ideas dor even this stage. I can't say what this meant to me and I will remember your kindness.
Lisa

Rachel (Jacksonville, FL, 03-25-2009 18:21:23)

We just want to say thank you to the staff and family members of Southlake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jacksonville, FL, for a wonderful experience the last two days. The family and community program last night went by in a flash and today (with direct care providers) was no different. It was a pleasure meeting you all...and we appreciate the opportunity to learn from you, as well. Take great care and please keep in touch!

Rachel Kail (Kansas City, MO, 12-15-2008 10:42:53)

We want to make sure this message gets posted all throughout our website, but currently AppleScraps jewelry has a limited edition series of necklaces available for purchase. Edcon teamed up with Amy Cecil (founder and artisan of AppleScraps) to create pendants for engaging those with dementia in meaningful, generational discussion. For those who have attended our program and understand what we mean when we refer to "trigger/flash," ; these are the perfect, small, portable tools for immediately connecting with someone who has dementia and triggering a memory flash. One of the things we have found is how comforting it is as a caregiver to not go into an interaction empty handed. A "prop" allows us a quick and easy way to relate to a person. If interested in viewing or purchasing one of the limited edition 10 designs for engaging those in your care, go to www.applescraps.com/html/edcon.html

Tina Barry (Buffalo, NY, 10-01-2008 10:46:46)

I attended the Connections Seminar in Buffalo, NY on September 23, 2008, and have been singing praises for your presentation. You touched me, like no other speakers have ever been able to in my 35+ years of nursing. The CNA's which I brought with me to your presentation, are excited and sharing the information that they learned. We are amazed at the little tigger/flash moments we are able to create on a daily basis with our residents, and we are having so much fun learning.
I hope to be able to attend one of your presentations again in the future.
Tina

Pamela Mackay (Glasgow, Scotland, 07-21-2008 09:25:18)

I was priviledged to attend a workshop by Mary and Rachel when they participated in the Stirling University (Scotland) International Conference in 2007, I have never been so moved and inspired by any presentation I have attended in my many years of working in dementia Care.

When my own organisation CrossReach decided to run a dementia conference this year in April, the first people I wanted to bring over were Mary and Rachel. I contacted them at the end of 2007 and they coundn't have been more helpful.

The provided a workshop at our conference as well as being one of our key note speakers.
The feed back from the 200 delegates was that Mary and Rachel were the highlight of the conference.

They also provided training in our six specialised dementia units and their interaction with the older adults (Elders) in our care was exceptional. The staff found their training inspirational and it has changed many thoughts on what communication is possible with people who have dementia, even in the later stages.

If you want to learn how to deliver care, with love, understanding, compassion and dignity from the people who know best (people with dementia and the loved ones who care for them) then you MUST attend one of Rachels and Mary's presentations or training sessions.

I will never forget their video clips, and we hope to work again with them in the near future.

The Creativity Connection (Kansas City, MO, 11-09-2007 11:06:00)

The perfect workshop takes such planning, knowledge of the audience and attention to detail.

The perfect workshop includes meaningful information, delivered in an interesting and sometimes entertaining way, with a multi-sensory approach and with an interactive flavor.

The perfect workshop includes a comfortable space and delicious food.

The workshop allows you to express yourself and to connect with others.

The perfect workshop is like a mini-retreat where you learned something you can instantly use in your everyday life.

We just attended the perfect workshop on November 2nd, hosted by Rachel Kail, Mary Sharp and their amazing team. We left feeling connected, inspired and energized. We left looking forward to their next workshop.

Deborah Shouse and Ron Zoglin
Speakers and storytellers, authors of Love in the Land of Dementia: Finding Hope in the Caregiver's Journey

Kathy Eisman (Carondelet Manor KCMO, 11-05-2007 11:46:39)

We attended your conference on November 2, on the Beauty of Dementia. What a wonderful conference! We gathered so much information, that we can't wait to share it with the rest of our staff!
It was so nice that you shared your personal family times with all of us. It felt like we got to know your Mom just as well as you knew her! What a delighful lady!
Thank you again for having such a Great conference! I will pass it along to other caregivers so that they can experience a great and enthusiastic day! Thanks again!
Kathy Eisman, Activity Director Carondelet Manor, KCMO

Erin Garlinghouse (Butte, MT, 10-28-2007 19:22:59)

Words do little justice to the presentation that these 2 woderful womyn made in Gt.Falls,MT at out state Alzheimer's Conference. I have not had the oppertunity to use my clthes pin, but I will tomorrow! I so look forward to bringing them to Butte for a training soon! To those of you who have not been with them for a day or more, don't miss the oppertunity for yourself and your loved ones!
God's Speed and Protection
Erin

Debbie Michalik (Missoula, Montana, 10-26-2007 08:05:15)

I just returned from a conference in Great Falls where Mary and Rachel spent an entire day that flew by totally too fast inspiring a roomful of people to see what folks with dementia can still do. I know this firsthand as I plan activities for these wonderful "elders" - I love and will steal that new term!! However, we were all given a clothespin at the end and encouraged to not go back and do the same old thing. So my next day back I entered memory care with a new enthusiasm and desire to try something new. I approached a male "elder" who almost never comes to an activity and we talked and I smiled and he stayed the entire morning!! Another male "elder" who I almost never approach was lying in bed and I heard his radio alarm going off. I went into the room, turned it off, and spoke to him. I touched his hand and he mentioned that his skin was dry. On his nightstand was a bottle of lotion, so I asked him if I could rub some on his hands and arms. He nodded and as I rubbed that lotion in, he was saying with closed eyes, "That feels so good". Thank you for the clothespin - I am going to put it on my desk and look at it everyday and wonder "what if I tried ...."

Michelle Helton (Marshalltown, IA, 06-13-2007 10:47:10)

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend "The Coin's Other Side" conference in Des Moines. I have to say first of all that Rachel and Mary did a fantastic job. They really are wonderful people with a lot of great information. The conference was great! I participated in part of the activity showing the difference between positive and negative re-inforcement, and what fun it was! If ever given the opportunity to see these two in action, I say go for it! It is definately worth the time.
By the way, Rachel, I loved the Rindercella story!

Tony & Dawn Sexton (Maywood Terrace Living Ce, 11-18-2006 13:49:04)

My husband and I had the privilege of attending Mary and Rachel's "The Coin's Other Side" conference this week, and we both were very impressed. We came away with great ideas and a larger overall perspective on caring for our residents. I certainly recommend this mother and daughter team. You, your staff and your residents lives will be enriched. And I look forward to sponsoring an event in my facility soon!

Sincerely,
Dawn Sexton
Administrator
Maywood Terrace Living Center, Independence Missouri

Rachel (Kansas City, 06-14-2006 10:06:36)

For those of you who don't know about StoryCorps, you may find looking into worthwhile! Basically, it's a not-for-profit organization that captures and documents the stories of every day people from all over the nation. They come to town in an RV equipped to audio-record interviews between two people...and when you leave the 'recording studio' you receive a copy of the interview, as does the Library of Congress (for future generations to know more about life in the early 2000's). For more information visit www.storycorps.net or simply start your own process of documenting life stories!

Jerry (kansas City, 05-09-2006 15:33:15)

Attended your seminar last year and thought it was great and very informative. Would like to be added to your mailing list so I could be kept up to date on future seminars.

Jerry

e-mail Jgibbs@mohome.org

Jerry Gibbs
Masonic Home of Missouri
12101 E. Bannister Rd.
Kansas City, MO 64138

Megan (St. Louis, MO, 04-08-2006 05:04:08)

Some thoughts from a great evening........

I am a student completing my practicum at the Alzheimer's Association St. Louis chapter and I just attended lighting the way with memorable moments in caregiving on April 6, 2006. May I say, this group is moving, inspirational, and passionate! I myself am not a caregiver to anyone that has memory loss. I was motivated and had a sence of encouragement after listening to the presenters. Many thanks for touching my life. I laughed, I cried, and most importantly learned a great deal about interacting and understanding individuals with memory loss and the amazing people that care for them. I will be using some of the depositing techniques today!

Many thanks, Megan Macalady, MSW Student

Rachel Kail (KC, MO, 03-16-2006 13:08:33)

I've been doing some research online and came across an excellent website created by the University of Florida and the Central & North Florida Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, www.AlzOnline.net. Great info resource and online support group!

Rachel Kail (Kansas City, MO, 03-14-2006 21:29:35)

Today my mother and I drove to Jeff City for the Alz. Association Memory Day held in our state capital. I played piano as people honored their loved ones and posted photos onto a MO state map. Beautiful ceremony and gorgeous day here in the Midwest.

Rachel Kail (Kansas City, MO, 03-14-2006 21:25:51)

Recently, our website was updated with this newer version of the bulletin board. Unfortunately, all old postings were deleted... but PLEASE feel free to re-post any information or thoughts you would like to share.