THE BULLETIN BOARD
The bulletin board is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for anyone in the world to share knowledge, random thoughts or concerns. It's a place to learn of good books, articles, websites, helpful telephone numbers and e-mail addresses to contact and obtain help. Enjoy reading and/or posting comments!
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)
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)
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)
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)
Rachel Kail (Kansas City, MO, 03-14-2006 21:29:35)
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.