Hummingbird Herald Summer 2023 Edition

The mission of the Hummingbird Memory Cafe is to provide a relaxing place for people with dementia and their carers to gather, celebrate humanity, and make connections with others in similar situations

W H A T ' S I N S I D E

01 03 04 10 17 back cover

Share your ideas about living better with dementia and how we might find joy in our JOurneYs.

Explore ways that we can all stay safe and enjoy our summer activities in "Helpful Tips for Summer Safety."

Cafe Foundations provides insight into the who, when, where, why and how of the origins of the Hummingbird Memory Cafe.

Cafe Creativity: The HeART of living Better With Dementia provides a variety of ways we can create with others or in our own solitude.

"Pause Every Day: Mindfulness Bingo" provides suggestions for intentionally taking time out to care for yourself.

Review multiple resources for living well with dementia and finding joy in our JOurneYs.

The Hummingbird Herald would love to have more regular columnists to share their ideas about living better with dementia, brain healthy recipes, stories and the like.

Please contact The Hummingbird Herald with your comments and feedback, as well as your ideas about regular columns that you would like to write and/or read.

CONTACT US

Phone/Text: 505-787-6322

Email: hummingbirdmemorycafe@gmail.com

Website: www.hummingbirdmemorycafe.com

CONNECT WITH US

@hummingbirdmemorycafe

Disclaimer: The Hummingbird Herald is published with the intent to share resources that may be able to support us in living better with dementia and finding joy in our JOurneYs. It is not meant to replace professional medical advice and counseling. Readers are encouraged to seek their own advice as deemed necessary. The author disclaims any liability arising from application of information in this publication.

EXPLORE THE JOYS OF Recharge. Relax. Reconnect.

Welcome to the Summer 2023 edition of the "Hummingbird Herald" where we celebrate the transition to a new season and continue to embrace the possibilities of detragedizing and reimagining dementia.

This season's magazine reminds us of the origins of our cafe including the selection of a hummingbird as our cafe logo. Thank you to John Lemmer, Jr. MD (https://www.instagram.com/jlemmer) for sharing his beautiful photographs of hummingbirds with our cafe family.

This season's magazine also provides many opportunities to explore the cafe format and engage in experiences that celebrate the creativity that exists within all of us while allowing ourselves to recharge, relax and reconnect with ourselves and others. Gratitude is extended to Flo Trujillo, cafe family member and President of Northwest New Mexico Arts Council (https://nwnmac.org/) for allowing the use of her doodle created during one of our online cafes. Updated resources are also available on the back cover.

If you would like to share your experiences and how you are finding joy in your JOurneY with dementia, please reach out to the cafe (hummingbirdmemorycafe@gmail.com)Whether it's through links, essays, poetry, drawings or any other form of creative expression, your contributions to the café conversations are appreciated.

As always, let the café know if there is anything else we can do to support your JOurneY.

May your summer be filled with opportunities to find the beauty in your day and even the briefest moments of joy in your JOurney.

Sending love, peace and joy,

Nicolette McDermott-Ketchum Facilitator, Hummingbird Memory Cafe

We are grateful to individuals and organizations who engage with the cafe and stay in touch via in person contact as well as social media, email and phone calls. We are also grateful to those individuals, businesses and organizations who have made in-kind donations and share their knowledge and skills to support the activities of the café.

Thank you to everyone involved with the cafe family. Everyone who engages with the cafe brings something special--your ideas, your sense of humor, your stories and more. We are all so lucky to have each other, especially as the world around us is going through so many changes. If you are interested in learning more about the cafe, please contact the café.

SUMMER SAFETY

Amidst the joys of summer, it's important to prioritize safety to ensure a memorable and incident-free summer. From sun protection and hydration to water safety and outdoor activity precautions, the suggestions below may allow you to make the most of your summer while keeping risks at bay.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when spending time outdoors or participating in physical activities. Avoid excessive consumption of sugary and alcoholic beverages as they can contribute to dehydration.

Apply sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) before going outside, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or excessive sweating. Wear protective clothing such as hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable fabrics to shield your skin from harmful UV rays

Seek shade during the hottest parts of the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you don't have access to shade, use an umbrella or wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from direct sunlight. Use fans or air conditioning to keep your living space cool.

Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing that allows your body to breathe and helps regulate your temperature Light-colored clothing can also help reflect sunlight and keep you cooler

If you're engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, jogging, or sports, try to schedule them during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Pace yourself and take regular breaks in the shade to prevent overheating.

The temperature inside a car can rise rapidly, even with the windows cracked Never leave children, pets, or vulnerable individuals alone in a parked vehicle, as it can lead to heatstroke or even death.

If you're swimming or participating in water activities, make sure you have appropriate swimming skills and use life jackets when necessary. Always supervise children around water and be cautious of strong currents or unfamiliar swimming areas.

Keep an eye on weather forecasts and heat advisories in your area If there are extreme heat warnings, take necessary precautions and limit your outdoor activities.

Check in on elderly family members, friends, or neighbors who may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Offer assistance and ensure they have access to a cool environment.

Educate yourself about the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke If you or someone else experiences dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or fainting, seek medical attention immediately.

As a reminder, these are general tips, and it's important to consider individual factors such as health conditions, medications, and specific circumstances.

CAFE FOUNDATIONS

THE HUMMINGBIRD MEMORY CAFE STORY

1997 FIRST MEMORY CAFE OPENS IN THE NETHERLANDS

2000 UK OPENS FIRST MEMORY CAFE

2008 FIRST US MEMORY CAFE OPENS IN SANTA FE, NM

FEB 2020 HUMMINGBIRD MEMORY CAFE GATHERS IN PERSON

APRIL 2020 CAFE PIVOTS TO ONLINE GATHERINGS & IN HOME CREATIVITY KITS

2022 ONLINE GATHERINGS AND KIT DELIVERIES CONTINUE

2023 CAFE POSSIBILITIES TO BE EXPLORED

September 2019

Planning for the Hummingbird Memory Cafe begins with gatherings of various community members who have a personal and/or professional connection to dementia. Community members recognize that those of us living with dementia and our carers could benefit from the social connection that is provided at a memory cafe. No memory cafes are operating in Northwest New Mexico at this time. Logistics of the café are determined.

January 2020

Volunteers attend training with Dr. Jytte Lokvig, the founder of memory cafes in the United States, to discuss appropriate communication when interacting with someone with dementia, as well as examples of creative engagement.

February 2020

The Hummingbird Memory Café opens to in-person gatherings at the Bonnie Dallas Senior Center Annex in Farmington, New Mexico.

Spring 2020-Present

COVID-19 responses include transitioning to online cafes and home delivery of creativity kits.

a place to relax, have fun, and meet others an opportunity for carers to renew their relationship

with the person in their life who has dementia community where it is located and whom the cafe serves

a unique experience apart from the normal routines unique in character, based on the interests and style of the welcoming and accessible for all free of charge

a time to leave dementia at the door and just enjoy ourselves coordinated by community advocates and/or volunteers with experience or training in working with individuals with cognitive changes

a potential first step toward a dementia-friendly community

The café is not a workshop, seminar, or lecture on dementia. The café is not a respite program. The café is not just another party or happy hour. The café is not a day care program.

V A L U E S O F T H E C A F E

Inclusive. Venues and activities are accessible to all regardless of abilities. There is no cost to those who attend.  Organization of the café addresses the needs of the participants and our community. Creativity. A variety of activities are provided to allow participants to express themselves and communicate what words can't. Fellowship. Participants are able to make connections with others in similar situations.

Dignity. The Memory Café is free of the stigma associated with dementia.

Normalcy. Individuals with dementia and their carers come together and enjoy themselves in a purely social gathering.

Loving Kindness. The volunteers of the Memory Café empathize with our participants and provide genuine care and commitment to engaging with them.

Multiple cafes will be established catering to the needs of the individual participants and their carers. Memory cafes will support the growth of our community as an inclusive living space, including the designation as dementia friendly.

elementsofacafegathering

the arts, laughter and social connection

Each cafe event is different from the next cafe depending on who is attending the cafe and what we are sharing together. We share stories and reflect on common themes while interjecting the arts and socialization into our conversations. Cafe participants share ideas about what they would like to see at cafes, and events are updated accordingly to engage around these interests. We focus on the process of creating together and stress less concern about final products.

Due to 2020 COVID-19 gathering restrictions, we adapted our events to the virtual format. We have been able to maintain (and even expand) our social connections while creating together in the digital world.

Nicolette McDermott-Ketchum Hummingbird Memory Cafe

WHY IS THE CAFE LOGO A HUMMINGBIRD?

The hummingbird is associated with positivity throughout multiple cultures and traditions. We can learn so much from the wisdom of hummingbirds.

LOOKFORBEAUTYINLIFE

Hummingbirdslookforflowersthatarebrightlycoloredasa sourceofnutrition.

BEFLEXIBLE

Hummingbirdsareabletoflyinalldirectionsandchange directionsasneededveryquickly.Theyfloatfreeoftimeand symbolizethepowerofthespirittoriseabovedifficultiesand challenges.

APPRECIATELIFE'SWONDERS

Hummingbirdsareknownforgettingupclosetonewthings. Whiletheyareusuallylookingtomakesuretheyaresafeandif thereisafoodsource,wecanadaptthespiritofbeingcurious aboutnewthingsaswell.

SMALLTHINGSCANBRINGJOY&HAPPINESS

Hummingbirdsdrinknectarfromflowers.Wherecanwefind thesweetnessinourlives?

EXPECTLOVE&JOY

Hummingbirdslookforbrightlycoloredflowersexpectingthat theywillfindsweetnectar.

RESOURCES:

mybackyardlife.com/#growMeSearch=hummingbirds https://worldbirds.com/hummingbird-symbolism-meaning/

Whatsymbolrepresentsstrengthandpositivityinyourlife?

hummingbird photos by John Lemmer, Jr. MD

The Gift of You: A Hummingbird Speaks

Nicolette McDermott-Ketchum

You are special. One of a kind. There is no one else like you. We are grateful that you are here.

Be just you. Share your gifts, talents and love with others. Let no one hold you back. Not even yourself.

Embrace the moment. Be joyful. Fly free.

Your beauty radiates amongst all of us. Keep shining!

Where have you seen hummingbirds in your community and on your travels? Share your photos of these beautiful birds with the Hummingbird Herald. We can all benefit from seeing the energy, beauty and other positive attributes that hummingbirds represent!

These photos were taken at the Conservatory of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada in April 2022.

NICOLETTE MCDERMOTT-KETCHUM

photos by Nicolette McDermott-Ketchum

ENGAGE WITH OTHERS

Converse with others about what Summer means to you.

Create a collage about what Summer means to you. Sing your favorite songs about Summer. Enjoy your favorite beverage and a snack in a setting that allows you to experience the joy of Summer. Engage in movement that is safe and enjoyable for you. Create a creativity kit by adapting the suggestions included in this month's cafe magazine to the interests and abilities of the user(s).

SAMPLE THE CAFE'S SUMMER PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY

"Summer Nights" sung by John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John

"Summer Breeze" sung by Seals and Crofts

"Walking on Sunshine" sung by Katrina and the Waves

"Colors of My Heart" sung by Sharon Burch

"De Colores" sung by Joan Baez

"Ain't We Got Fun" sung by Doris Day and others

"The Glow Worm" sung by the Mills Brothers

"Good Morning Sunshine" sung by Oliver

"You Are the Sunshine of My Life" sung by Stevie Wonder

"Here Comes the Sun" sung by the Beatles

EnjoythemultipleHummingbirdMemoryCafe Spotifyplaylistscuratedaroundthemesandcafe participants'requests.(Loginmayberequired.)

LIKE&SUBSCRIBETOTHECAFECHANNEL

Visithttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTJhje09d_Rx9ILTSLQvmhQ/ toexploreoriginalcafevideosaswellasmusicandeducationalvideos aboutlivingbetterwithdementiaandfindingjoyinourJOurneYs.

CREATIVITY KIT

CONTINUE BUILDING YOUR PERSONALIZE FOR THE CREATOR

Explore the stories & pictures of a variety of reading materials. Magazine pages can be used for collaging or creating puzzles. Ask friends and family for magazines they are finished reading. Check out local discount stores for inexpensive magazines as well.

Include something that reminds you to take time to relax such as a decorative napkin or a special cup. Local discount stores have inexpensive items like napkins and other household items that may provide inspiration for creating special moments in your home.

Enhance the dementia JOurneY within the comfort of your own home and throughout your community by including a variety of resources in your personalized creativity kit.

For a wealth of transformative ideas, explore the resource list located on the back cover of this magazine. This curated compilation encompasses invaluable contact information, connecting you with organizations and initiatives dedicated to reimagining dementia and fostering innovative approaches while empowering people living with dementia and their carers.

Board and card games can play a significant role in enhancing the lives of individuals with dementia. Consider cognitive abilities, interests, and preferences when selecting games and adapt or modify how the game is played to suit the specific needs and abilities of the players. Consider games with clear rules, simple instructions, and manageable time frames.

WatermelonWater

Enjoy this refreshing treat on a warm summer day!

Ingredients

3 cups peeled, seeded watermelon, diced 1/2 cup sugar or sweetener of choice (optional) Lime wedges, for garnish

Puree the diced watermelon with 4 cups cold water in blender. Blend until smooth, and then pour into a pitcher--any ground seeds should remain in the bottom. Add 6 cups cold water and sweeten with sugar or sweetener of choice, if needed. Garnish with lime wedges. Enjoy!

*Reminder: Follow proper safety measures and use kitchen tools correctly, handle all ingredients with care and practice good hygiene throughout the preparation process.

Let's Create Together

How can we create across generations?

SING, DANCE

PLAY

MEDITATE

ENJOY QUIET TIME

PRAY

TRY SOMETHING NEW

EXPLORE NATURE

COLOR, DRAW, PAINT, WRITE

EXERCISE

SPEND TIME WITH PETS

SHARE STORIES

Create with household items:

Doodling

Creating artistic doodles is a fun and creative way to express yourself through simple drawings. All the artist needs are basic tools like pens, pencils, markers, and paper or any drawing surface. Doodles can also be created digitally on a tablet or computer.

Inspiration can be found in many places including nature, objects, or our own imagination. Start with simple shapes as a foundation and then fill them in with patterns, lines, and designs.

Embrace imperfections and enjoy the process without worrying about mistakes. Practice regularly to improve your skills and develop your own unique style.

The beauty of artistic doodles lies in their simplicity and personal touch. There are no right or wrong ways to create doodles, so feel free to let your imagination run wild and have fun exploring the world of doodling! Adapt to your situation, keeping in mind the artist's interests and abilities.

Original doodles created by Flo Trujillo (left) and Nicolette McDermott-Ketchum (right) utilizing marker on paper and colored pencil on matboard, respectively.

POETIC PAUSES

Hummingbirds Everywhere

Nicolette McDermott-Ketchum

Flit and fly without a care. Hummingbirds, hummingbirds everywhere. Making the world a beautiful place to be. How I hope to be able to see Hummingbirds, hummingbirds everywhere.

WRITE YOUR OWN SUMMER POEM

WHAT BEAUTY ARE YOU SEEING THIS SUMMER?

While there are no rules about writing poems, consider the following format if you need a starting point for creating your own poem. (See example above.)

Describe the beauty you see.

Name the beauty you see.

How does this beauty make our world better?

What is your hope about this beauty?

Name the beauty you see.

CAFE CONUNDRUMS: MATCH THE SHAPES

D r a w a l i n e f r o m a s h a p e o u t s i d e t h e b o x t o t h e m a t c h i n g s h a p e o u t l i n e i n s i d e t h e b o x . S e e e x a m p l e .

N o t e : S h a p e s c o u l d a l s o b e t o r n o r c u t o u t a n d p l a c e d d i r e c t l y o n t h e o u t l i n e s i n s i d e t h e b o x .

MandalaMeditation

Mandalascanprovideamomentofcalmandfocusaswecolor theconcentricshapesofthedesign.Coloringmandalascanbe aformofmeditationandpromotestressrelief.

R E S O U R C E S

"Boosters for Joy: A Guide on Ways to Connect" by

AARP

"Children's Reading List: Books About Dementia" by

Hummingbird Memory Cafe

"Cooking Our Way: A Cookbook by and for People Living with Dementia" by Dementia Action

Alliance

Dementia Possibilities

Generations United Google Arts and Culture

Hummingbird Memory Café

Museum of Modern Art, NYC: Meet Me at MOMA

"Navigating the Dementia Journey" by Dementia Friendly Nevada

"

Parent's Guide: Helping Children and Teens Understand Alzheimer's Disease" by Alzheimer's Association

"Pathways to Well-Being with Dementia" Manual by Dementia Action Alliance

Reimagining Dementia: A Creative Coalition for Justice

"The Alzheimer’s Creativity Project 2" by Jytte Lokvig

Time Slips

"Valuing the advocacy of people with dementia: moving dementia out of the shadows" by Dementia Alliance International