EXPERIENCES
Where the beauty of nature
and the warmth of community and caring come together.
WE BRING
THE MAGIC
TO YOU
This isn’t about clowning or performing magic tricks. It’s about bringing the genuine magic of awe and wonder, the beauty of art, and the joy of the extraordinary world that our elders are still a part of. These experiences are essential for them, especially at this stage in their lives.
Currently, About Caring is assembling a team of Music Therapists, Biologists, Storytellers, Local Historians, Story Readers, Naturalists, Zoologists, Art Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Environmental Psychologists, Lighting Designers, Sound Engineers, Aromatherapists, Animal-Assisted Therapists, Dance/Movement Therapists and Culinary Artists. Each brings an extraordinary form of awe, wonder, beauty and sensory delights - tailored to individuals and groups within in each Long-Term Care Home we engage with.
Re-enchanting elder care
Creating Awe-inspiring environments in Long-Term Care
AWEsome elder OBJECTIVES
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Highlight and enhance the magic that’s already there.
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Find the magic that’s hidden in the staff and residents.
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Bring the magic of love, connection, art and nature to life.
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Maintain & facilitate the magic over time.
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Sustain the magic after we’re gone.
We begin with an AWEsome Elder assessment to ensure we are person-centred in every activity and initiative we undertake.​
We START WITH STORIES
story magic
Storytelling has the power to transport us to different times and places, evoke deep emotions, and create connections across generations. By incorporating a variety of story-based activities, we aim to bring moments of magic and wonder to staff, family members and especially elders with cognitive decline. These activities are designed to ignite imaginations, foster a sense of community, and rekindle the joy of a good story, one that resonates with their life experiences and reaches deep into their hearts to provide inspiration and recognition.
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Often, even with advanced dementia elders will nod, smile and sometimes laugh at key moments of the story - showing that although they cannot speak, they can understand a story and participate.
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Below are some of the ways we can bring the enchantment of stories into Long-Term Care Homes:
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Caregiver Appreciation Events: Celebrate the dedication of caregivers with special storytelling sessions that highlight their invaluable contributions and share heartwarming stories of care and compassion.
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Awesome Elder Events: Host events where experienced storytellers share their elder care and caregiving experiences, creating an interwoven tapestry of delights that inspire and connect everyone involved.
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Youth Readers of Children’s Stories: Invite young readers to share beloved children’s stories, like “I’ll Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch, from our library of emotionally uplifting tales designed to evoke joy, wonder, and awe. For ages 5-105.
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Show and Tell Stories of the Marvels of Nature: Share fascinating stories about the wonders of nature, sparking curiosity and a sense of connection to the natural world
More Story Magic
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Folk Tales: for all ages, celebrating the wonders of connection and love, fostering a sense of community and shared heritage.
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Simple and Inspirational Personal Stories: Share personal stories of aging and caring that are simple yet deeply inspirational, highlighting the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.
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Classic Stories like The Velveteen Rabbit: Retell classic stories like “The Velveteen Rabbit” in the oral tradition, bringing timeless tales to life in a way that resonates with all ages.
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Interactive Storytelling Sessions: Engage elders in interactive storytelling where they can contribute to the story, making it a collaborative and immersive experience.
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Memory Lane Sessions: Expertly facilitated sessions where we encourage elders and their family caregivers to share images and stories from their past, creating a rich tapestry of personal history that can be cherished by all.
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Themed Story Nights: To keep the content fresh and exciting, organize themed storytelling nights, such as “Adventure Tales,” “Love Stories,” or “Mystery Evenings.”
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Talking Stick Story Circles: Create small, intimate groups where participants can share stories in a circle, fostering community and connection.
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Digital Storytelling: Using technology to share digital stories, including videos and audio recordings, that can be enjoyed by those who may have difficulty reading or following along with traditional storytelling.
the magic of nature
Connecting with nature can bring immense joy and tranquillity, especially for those in long-term care. Our “Magic of Nature” activities are designed to immerse residents in the beauty and wonder of the natural world. From accessible nature walks and bird watching to gardening programs and seasonal celebrations, these activities offer therapeutic and engaging experiences. Residents can enjoy the serenity of aquariums and terrariums, the excitement of stargazing nights, and the creativity of nature crafts. By bringing the outdoors in and creating opportunities to explore and appreciate nature, we aim to foster a sense of awe and connection that enriches the lives of elders and staff alike. We start small, but we dream big.
Integrating Nature and Natural Elements
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Indoor Gardens and Green Spaces: Create indoor gardens with a variety of plants, flowers, and small trees. These spaces can include seating areas where residents can relax and enjoy the greenery.
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Water Features: Incorporate water features like small fountains or aquariums. The sound and sight of water can be very calming and mesmerizing.
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Accessible Nature Walks and Bird Watching: Organize guided walks in nearby parks or gardens, where naturalists can help residents observe and learn about local wildlife.
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Gardening Programs: Create opportunities for residents to engage in gardening, which can be therapeutic and provide a sense of accomplishment.
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Nature Walks and Bird Watching: Organize guided walks in nearby parks or gardens, where naturalists can help residents observe and learn about local wildlife.
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Seasonal Celebrations: Host events that celebrate the changing seasons, such as flower arranging in spring or leaf peeping in autumn.
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Aquariums and Terrariums: Install indoor ecosystems that residents can observe and care for, offering a connection to nature year-round.
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Selected Nature Documentaries: Screen films that showcase the beauty of the natural world, accompanied by discussions led by biologists or naturalists.
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Stargazing Nights: Arrange for evenings of stargazing, possibly with the assistance of local astronomy clubs or planetarium staff.
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Wildlife Cameras: Set up live feeds from wildlife cameras in various natural habitats, for example near bird feeders, allowing residents to witness nature in real-time.
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Therapeutic Landscapes: Work with landscape architects to design outdoor spaces that are safe and accessible for residents, with elements like butterfly gardens or sensory paths.
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Nature Crafts: Use natural materials for arts and crafts, such as leaf pressing, pine cone bird feeders, or flower pot painting.
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Storytelling with Naturalists: Invite naturalists to share stories about their field experiences, if available alongside a campfire setting.
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Butterfly Releases: Organize butterfly release events where residents can participate in releasing butterflies into a garden, creating a moment of beauty and wonder.
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Nature Photography: Provide cameras or smartphones for residents to capture their favorite nature scenes. Host a photo exhibition to showcase their work.
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Herb Gardens: Create small herb gardens where residents can grow and harvest herbs. This can be a sensory experience involving touch, smell, and taste.
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Nature Journaling: Encourage residents to keep nature journals where they can write about their observations, draw pictures, or press flowers and leaves.
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Bird Feeder Workshops: Host workshops where residents can make their own bird feeders and then watch as birds visit them.
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Nature-Themed Storytelling: Combine storytelling with nature by sharing myths, legends, and tales that feature animals, plants, and natural phenomena.
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Outdoor or Indoor Yoga, Meditation, Tai Chi, and QiGong: Offer sessions in a plant-filled room, garden or park setting, allowing residents to connect with nature while practicing mindfulness.
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Rock Painting: Collect smooth stones and have residents paint them with nature-inspired designs. These can be used to decorate gardens or indoor spaces.
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Nature Bingo: Create bingo cards with different natural elements (e.g., types of birds, flowers, trees) and organize a nature walk where residents can mark off what they see.
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Indoor Gardens and Green Spaces: Create indoor gardens with a variety of plants, flowers, and small trees. These spaces can include seating areas where residents can relax and enjoy the greenery.
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Water Features: Incorporate water features like small fountains or aquariums. The sound and sight of water can be very calming and mesmerizing.
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Enchanted Lighting: Maximize the use of natural light with large windows and skylights or smaller additional like fairy lights. Good lighting can improve mood and create a more inviting atmosphere.
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Living Walls: Install living walls or vertical gardens in common areas. These can be both visually stunning and beneficial for air quality.
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Weather Observation: Set up a small weather station and involve residents in tracking and discussing daily weather patterns, fostering a connection to the natural world.
These activities can further enhance the sense of awe and wonder that nature brings, providing enriching and engaging experiences for the residents.
More enchanted experiences
Embracing the Magic of Connection and Sensory Delight
​The power of sensory experiences and connection brings joy and wonder to residents. Through a diverse range of activities, we create moments that foster emotional bonds, stimulate the senses, and promote overall well-being. From the comforting presence of therapy animals to the vibrant world of visual arts, each experience is designed to enchant and engage. Join us in celebrating the magic that these activities bring to the lives of our elders, ensuring that every day is filled with as much awe and delight as possible.
The Magic of Community and Connection
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Animal Assisted Therapy: Bring joy and comfort through visits from therapy animals, fostering emotional connections and reducing stress.
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Family and Friends Gatherings: Host events that bring together residents with their loved ones, strengthening bonds and creating cherished memories.
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Caregiver Gatherings: Organize gatherings for caregivers to share experiences, support each other, and celebrate their invaluable contributions.
Magic of the Senses
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The Magic of Taste: Delight the senses with tasting sessions featuring a variety of flavors, from nostalgic treats to new culinary experiences.
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Aroma and the Magic of Smell: Use aromatherapy to evoke memories and create a calming atmosphere with scents like lavender, citrus, and pine.
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Music and Auditory Magic: Enrich lives with music therapy, live performances, and familiar tunes that evoke emotions and memories.
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Visual Magic: Enhance environments with vibrant artwork, nature scenes, and visual storytelling to stimulate the mind and uplift the spirit.
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The Magic of Light and Lighting: Create different moods with thoughtful lighting, from soft, warm glows to energizing bright lights.
The Magic of Movement
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Occupational Therapists: Provide personalized support to help residents maintain and improve their physical abilities through engaging activities.
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Dancers and Movement Instructors: Introduce dance and movement sessions to promote physical health, coordination, and joy.
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Yoga and Chi Gong Instructors: Offer gentle yoga and Chi Gong classes to enhance flexibility, balance, and overall well-being.
Keeping the Magic Growing
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Follow-through and Legacy Projects: Ensure lasting impact with projects that continue to engage and inspire residents and leave a meaningful legacy.
"Mark Jenkins made the day worthwhile before we even got to the workshops. His story was beautifully intimate and he told it with such grace. He gave us insight into how to embrace someone in their last years, how to help them enjoy life despite their imminent death, and how to survive afterward without that person."
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- Conference Attendee
