Make LHH More Creative

Make LHH More Creative,
Playful and Fun!


---I am laboring under the idea that if you increase the creativeness of the individual…you are making him more capable in all aspects. This, by NO means is a new concept. It is one that seems to be growing as we speak, however.

---We see in this that as folks become more creative they are becoming more buoyant at the same time. They feel better about things and the focus is not on themselves and their maladies so much…but on what is being created and the process itself. Better begets better!

---Our job in all of this seems to be one of getting folks interested in something that changes focus for them. Even closer than that would be to get them to realize that creativity is a worthwhile investment and how it impacts your life. It is healthy self-expression.

---If we want some improvement, creativity seems to work. Of course, the more creative the better. We have to be sure their negatives aren’t reinforced as soon as they leave the gate. Be supportive in a healthy way and don’t patronize or be phony with your response to what they do. Know that it is an important thing that they do what they are doing. Remember that it is far better to be expressive and creative than to be all negative about life and living. Encourage don’t discourage. Keep it real and be realistic.  Be Well.

Study on loneliness and how lethal it can be - UCSF

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Eden-Alternative-News-and-Updates.html?soid=1101511475155&aid=AioHhzUVBqo
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---A study on the ill effects of loneliness. They even speak of how lethal it can be. One of the clicks will bring you to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle. It was part of the newsletter from the Eden Alternative.
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The SHOPPING BAG LADY
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http://www.archive.org/details/shopping_bag_lady
---May resemble someone we know or a recent news story about ''bullying.'' This film was made in the seventies. It seems tame compared to what we may see and hear, nowadays...but, poignant nonetheless. (About 20 mins)

Eight Days a Week - The GUMBO BOYZ

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---If not held to close scrutiny, THE GUMBO BOYZ...did okay. We played at the On Lok facility last Friday. ''Eight Days A Week'' is the song we use to get warmed up. It was smoother sailing as we went.

---The formation of the GB situation goes to Cho T., (guitar player,) in the middle. We got together to fulfill a need at Laguna Honda and have, now, gone beyond the walls of our own community to share with others at another facility located in the larger community.

---It has been said at LHH - ''What the GUMBO BOYZ may lack in talent, they make up in enthusiasm.'' The people there had many Laguna Honda questions that could be fielded and asked only by older folks in a similar but different setting. Seniors talking and sharing with seniors from different facilities. Sounds like another group setting that would reap benefits.

---We were, also, thanked for bringing a spirit of fun and enjoyment to their Friday afternoon. It is that statement that rates the day a SUCCESS (in capital letters) in my book. A big Thank You, to Cho T., and others, for making this day possible.

Community Living Campaign

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---Here is a video that David R. and myself were in. The theme is one where we attempt to debunk the stigma that computers are something to be afraid of. Through the Community Living Campaign, we are trying to bring computers to older people and people that have some pre-conceived idea that computers are not for them.
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---Note to self - SLOWLY, CLEARLY and DISTINCTLY.

Dr. Curtis and the shoes!

---Dr. Sweet speaks of a doctor who suddenly realized that what kept one of his patients from discharge, was awaiting medicaid approval for a pair of shoes. The doctor figured that three months of waiting for approval was too long and went to a department store and bought shoes for the patient. The patient was now ready for discharge. Dr. Sweet then uses a quote from a speech from a Dr. Peabody in 1929...who said, ‘’the secret of the care of a patient is in caring for the patient.’’
---She goes on to speak of the good, better and best - doctor. (Do not forgot that mine is a patient’s perspective.)
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---The three as I see it - the good doctor or staffer would be the staff member who actually listens to what you are saying and attempts to act accordingly. The better staffer is the staff member who hears what you are saying and is more in tune with what to do, but usually finds that his/her job will be in jeopardy if he continues on the path he is on. I say this because a problem usually comes up and somewhere along the line the rules have been interpreted in a way where his or somebody’s butt would be on the line, if it were interpreted differently…and usually in the patients favor. He usually drops your case at this point with sincere wishes that ALL turns out in the patients favor and with his hope that you understand his position. He simply lacks the clout that is necessary to continue. His thinking is more like ''why make waves?'' The unfortunate part of this is that most agree with what you are asking than what they are adhering to. The conventional wisdom (or ignorance) keeps an old and outdated policy and it keeps a more correct way of addressing a situation from happening.
---The best staffer sees and hears clearly what is going down with you. He/she sees that a change is inevitable. He tosses caution to the wind and - like nike - just does it. This usually works out BEST for ALL concerned. It makes things happen.
---The quote by Dr. Peabody really is true, from my perspective. ‘’The secret of the care for a patient is really in the knowing what that individual is saying and directly addressing it.’’ If that was happening on a more constant basis, I think we would see more patients actually rehabbing and be more ready to take that next step. If the staff member uses good judgment and knows what he is doing...he can maneuver obstacles easily. It is the ''unsure'' that cause problems...in most cases.
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There is a healing power that is conveyed when someone understands you and let’s you know that they get what you are talking about…and, then takes it seriously.

Dr. Curtis and the shoes