Last week, we wrote a blog on an activity for enjoying the great outdoors by picking colourful autumn leaves to sort and classify as a way to activate recall and memory. Today, you can use those same leaves to paint! Now, the Autumn season officially begins tomorrow, but we have seen a number of tree leaves begin to turn already! So if you haven't done so, go out a pick a few of those colourful leaves, some basic paint supplies and begin! What you need Variety of leaves (fe

Combining savoury and sweet, this warm dish is sure to please in the upcoming cool Autumn weather. High in fibre and protein, this recipe, from Allrecipes, works well as a side dish to baked chicken or on its own as a meal! Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash Yields 6 servings Ingredients 3 medium (blank)s acorn squash, halved and seeded 2 tablespoons stick margarine 1 cup chopped onions 3 cups peeled, seeded, and chopped Granny Smith apples ½ cup golden raisins 2 tablespoons light b

There have been a number of social media posts lately of families, couples, and friends going to sunflower fields to take selfies, group photos, or just simply enjoying the beauty of this special flower. So we thought we would search for some fun and easy sunflower crafts to do with our elderly loved ones and those in our care. Adapted from a site we found online, here is a crafty art activity that gets your loved one involved and is easy to do and looks beautiful! Here what

Did you know that You can hear a blue whale's heartbeat from more than 2 miles away?! For Fun Fact Friday, we thought it would be a good day to share a few random facts we found online! It's a great way to start a conversation or even learn a few things along the way! #funfact #friday #funfacts #whales #candy #scotland #unicorn #life #chef #eggs #learning #conversation #coomunication #memory #dementia #seniorcare #ottawa #homecare #caregiver #ottcity #friday #august #bhfyp

This irresistible Middle Eastern egg dish is a great way to introduce a melody of subtle spices and added protein to any time of day! Shakshuka Serves: 2 Ingredients 2 tsp (10 mL) extra virgin olive oil 1 cup (250 mL) chopped onion 1 red bell pepper, diced 2 cups (500 mL) diced plum tomatoes ¼ tsp (1 mL) ground cumin Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste 4 eggs Method Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat; add onion and sauté for 5 minutes or until soft. Add red pep

The human body is a fascinating machine! Each part and every element has a function and purpose. Today's fun facts are about human hands! Not only are they functional to carry, lift, grasp, and move objects, but they are indicators of health! From the sensitive nerves in our fingertips to determining oxygen levels by the "moons" of our fingernails, the human hand plays a vital role in our everyday lives. #hands #nails #hand #fingers #fingernails #life #funfacts #seniorcare

During one of our Fun Facts blogs, we shared a few interesting facts about Owls, so today we thought we would share a cute craft we found online. This craft uses basic household supplies and art materials that can easily be purchased or found anywhere. This paper plate owl craft is also easy to make yourself or with your elderly loved one. What you need: (To make one) 1 paper plate (not shiny) Paint, acrylic or watercolour Markers (optional) Construction/Craft paper Glue Ri

Ever wonder what to do with your Grandma's (or mom's!) old Fine China teacup set!? For many of us, gone are the days of sipping tea on the front porch at 4pm from our finest porcelain. These teacups usually have a sentimental value, so rather than put them out at the next garage sale, why not re-purpose them for the birds! See how you can create a beautiful bird feeder in as easy as 1-2-3 steps! Teacup Bird Feeders What you need "Vintage" teacup and saucer Strong adhesive

Ever heard that humans only use 10% of their brain? Well, in fact, that is a myth! Neurologists say that our brains are always active and that we use all of it on a daily basis, even while sleeping! Our brain's ability to allow us to function in everyday life is dependent upon how we care for it. Check out these fun facts and read our previous blogs on how to keep our brains and bodies healthy as we age. #brain #funfacts #neuroscience #health #brainhealth #science #life #e

Ever wonder what other uses an old salad spinner has? Well, wonder no more! Now you can use it to make a fun and beautiful work of art! Of course, that means you'll have to dry your greens in a different spinner after trying out this painting activity! Spinner Painting Images from cbc.ca What you need: Plastic Salad Spinner (no longer to be used for food) Paints, acrylic or tempera/washable paints, variety of colours Paper plate Scissors Pencil or pen Solid surface, such as

On July 1st, we celebrate Canada's 153rd Birthday! This beautiful land of ours has inspired many generations of people to love happily, freely, and peacefully within its natural beauty and in kindness and unity. To celebrate the day with your elderly loved ones, consider the following activities that are sure to delight and excite for the day! Hand-Print Flag This simple art activity uses paint, card-stock or white printer paper, and a hand-print! What you need: Red paint Wh

An excellent source of Vitamin C, strawberries are a rich source of antioxidants and fibre, benefiting heart health, increasing good cholesterol, and helping to control blood sugar and reduce blood pressure. It's no wonder that Americans eat 3.5 lbs of strawberries each year! #strawberries #strawberry #yummy #food #dessert #fruit #delicious #fruits #desserts #nutrition #healthyfood #seniorcare #healthy #ottawa #homecare #dementiacare #alzheimers #mealassistance #funfacts #fr

What is Tai Chi? Tai Chi is an ancient form of Chinese martial arts practiced worldwide by people of all ages and abilities. It is a slow and gentle exercise perfect for older adults. This low impact activity is a series of breathing techniques and movements that help with flexibility, stability, and muscle strengthening without adding pressure to your bones and joints. How it Works Often lead by an instructor, Tai Chi focuses on purposeful movements built for functionality

Taking care of our "pearly whites" is as necessary as eating healthy and being active! Here are some fun facts to share with your loved ones about these amazing tools we use for cutting, tearing, and grinding our food! #teeth #smile #funfacts #dentalcare #dentalhealth #health #healthyteeth #seniorcare #dementia #alzheimers #ottawahomecare #nursinghome #healthandwellness #seniorhealth #ottawa #friday #june #bhfyp

As we age, we tend to think that dentures are inevitable, but that's simply not always the case! In fact, according to the Ontario Dental Hygienist Association, many seniors are keeping their natural teeth longer. This is due to many seniors maintaining their proper dental hygiene and mouth care. Establishing good habits when it comes to mouth care is as important to those who have their natural teeth, a partial denture, and even for those who have full dentures. The ODHA

Yesterday we shared our blog on the importance of eye health and prevention of eye disease and conditions. We thought today we would share some fun facts about the eye that you may not have known and can share with others! After all, seeing is so important that it takes up more than 50% of the brain's functionality! #eyefacts #funfacts #eyecare #eyes #eyehealth #vision #eye #eyesight #eyewear #seniorcare #dementia #alzheimers #ottawahomecare #nursinghome #ottcity #ottawa #