DFT Virtual Resource Guide
About: The COA’s Dementia Friendly Topsfield (DFT) Task Force has compiled a guide to free resources for use by dementia care partners. The intention is to promote awareness around the many virtual resources available to care partners so that you can more easily structure your loved one’s daily activities. Please see below for the full resource guide.
Topsfield Council on Aging Virtual Programming
About: All of the Topsfield COA's programs are currently hosted online. Monday through Thursday, a variety of stimulating and engaging activities are available to all who are interested. Friends old and new enjoy gathering online!
How to Join: Simply email coa@topsfield-ma.gov or call (978) 887-6866 to indicate your preferences.
Activities Include:
| Wednesdays at 11:15 AM: | Tai Chi (with Beth) |
| Wednesdays at 5:00 PM | The Supper Club (with Joan) |
About: Chatterpack is a British website that provides lists of free online resources in the following categories:
- Virtual tours and live webcams
- Online learning
- Geography, nature, & history
- Music
- Arts & culture
- Literature online
- Learn a skill or develop a current one
- Miscellaneous & entertainment
- Anxiety, mental health, & loneliness
- Religion resources
Technology Resources for All
FREE Digital Skills Training: Interested in learning how to better operate your device? use the internet? email or text? take and manage photos, etc.? Find your device on the list below, click the link, and Generations onLine will guide you through free, step-by-step training!
Apple Devices
Android Devices
Amazon Fire
Digital Newspaper Tutorial
Our Favorites: Since the list is comprehensive, task force members have shared their favorite sites...
Maggie: Virtual Tours and Live webcams - Houston Zoo Giraffes
Joan: Online Learning - Creative Courses
Kathy: Virtual Tours and Live Webcams - Explore Venice
Kim: Miscellaneous & Entertainment - NASA’ s Complete Media Library
Karen: Miscellaneous & Entertainment - Life Hub Story
Paula: Geography, Nature, & History - Project Noah
About: Rest-Stop-Ranch provides wheelchair accessible gardens for enjoyment and therapeutic benefit, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
- Memory Cafe program once a month, by Zoom
- Support Group for Care-Partners of persons with FTD or Young Onset ALZ, twice a month, by Zoom
- Individual Support (Spiritual Care) for Care-Partners, by appointment
- Volunteer in the garden once a week (Horticultural Therapy)
Contact:
Mary E. MacDonald: Owner & Founding Director, Rest.Stop.Ranch
Mobile: (978) 887-4202
E-mail: mary@marymacmissions.com
Global: marymacmissions.com (Caregiver Wellness)
Local: rest-stop-ranch.org (Accessible Gardens)
Address: 202 Haverhill Road, Topsfield, MA USA
Digital Solutions for People with Dementia
About: There are many digital apps that have been created to help people living with dementia to live more independently for a longer period of time. For example, some apps provide information on the date and time, the weather, and daily reminders for things like medicine/pill schedules. Other apps feature brain games, puzzles, and training. This informative article features a synopsis of 6 apps but is by no means an exhaustive list.
How to Make Your Home More Dementia Friendly
About: This website designed by ageUK offers some very practical advice about home layouts and designs that can make daily life easier for those living with dementia and at the same time highlights some potential hazards that caregivers should take note of. Five areas within the house – hallways and stairs; living room; kitchen; bedroom; and bathroom are explored with potential suggested changes in each area. A “Top Tip” is given at the end of each section. The agency underscores the importance of involving the person with dementia with decisions as much as possible and, citing the comfort of familiarity and routine, stresses that many things can remain the same.
Questions
Ask questions about our Virtual Resource Guide or offer suggestions by completing our short Contact Form.