Going Green

The month of March is extra green for Alzheimer's Services. We have begun the transition of moving our printed newsletter to an e-newsletter in efforts to GO GREEN. Also, we are days away from that oh-so-green holiday we all know as St. Patrick's Day. With shamrocks, pots of gold, Leprechauns, and lots of GREEN, this holiday offers a great deal of fun. Dementia patients sometimes miss out on holiday celebrations because of their elaborate nature. However, there are ways they can comfortably celebrate without becoming too overwhelmed. Charlie's Place is celebrating all week with Luck O' the Irish Socials. Some fun and stimulating activities you can do at home are:

• Eat green foods—green beans, lime Jell-O, boiled eggs peeled and soaked for a few minutes in green food dye, biscuits sprinkled with green candy sprinkles… Use your imagination!
• Try Irish Folk Dancing.
• Wear green, of course.
• Purchase Leprechaun hats from a party store and wear them at dinner time.
• With dietary restrictions in mind, consider serving corned beef and cabbage for dinner.
• Use finger paints to create pictures of the Pot O’ Gold at the End of the Rainbow.
• Search for Four Leaf Clovers

Remember to plan simple, easy to carry out activities that will fit into the patient's usual routine and you can ensure their holiday celebration will be a success.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!