CHITCHAT’s are 20-30 minute scripted visits researched and produced by our Wise N Witty Team. Whether it is presented one on one, groups or over the phone it is a great way to have a light hearted conversation with a friend or loved one. Designed specially to accommodate those with dementia or difficulty verbalizing responses but still includes them in the conversation.
The effects of this simple 20 minute CHITCHAT will stimulate the mind and body not only for that moment but the effects can last well beyond the conversation. All parts of the brain are stimulated based on sections covered in each topic. Incorporating all of the senses and using common memories allows the person to complete their own thoughts, without pressure of verbalizing or being corrected.
Structure:
Greeting
Topic
History
Geography and Multiculturalism
Puzzles & Fun
Picture It
Meditation/Guided Relaxation
Departure
Why this structure?
Greeting – Creating a consistent greeting relaxes the participant immediately as it becomes familiar.
Topic – Weekly Topic to start the thoughts flowing with all content based on topic designed to be relevant as well to the time of year in Canada.
History/Trivia– Facts from the very distant past to more current events and common knowledge engages Episodic Recollection via Hippocampal Pattern Completion. Majority of content is Canadian based.
Geography and Multiculturalism – Geography is a topic covered even in elementary school and a familiar topic that opens up the world to the participant. Simple facts about different locations, facts, holidays, traditions and culture engage thought about other cultures and regions of the world.
Puzzles and Fun – A unique approach to puzzles that allows participation simply through listening. Stimulates executive functions of the brain.
Picture It – A chance to visualize, recall and reflect in your mind. Photos are added to aid in visualizing and add an opportunity for the presenter to offer a reflection on a past memory of their own and encourage the person to draw from their own memory.
Meditation/ Guided Relaxation – Closing out the interaction with a guided relaxation which helps the subconscious allow the participant to relax and become calm while implementing positive affirmations of health, happiness and safety to leave a feeling of contentment and worthiness.
Departure – consistent departure routine creates a familiar pattern to end the visit on a positive note.
Personal Reflection – Throughout the CHITCHAT there are opportunities to reflect based on the weekly topic. The reminiscence therapy helps self-esteem and is proven to calm, reduce agitation and stimulate
Benefits for:
Recreation Providers – A simple scientifically researched 20-30 minute program that is simple to implement. With little time available and extremely limited budgets to create new programs and find volunteers this is an inexpensive program that can provide one on one visits or can be offered to a group of individuals who normally can’t participate in programming. Great for times during medical isolation or to present over a PA system, one on one or hallway/doorway gatherings.
Each book offers 30, 20-30 minute visits.
Retirement Residents or Long Term Care Residents – enjoyment of not only a visit but all 7 areas of the brain are stimulated (whether they are capable of verbally communicating or not) allowing them to become mentally exercised leaving them feeling calm and relaxed with effects lasting days.
Homecare Provider – A valuable tool to provide quality companionship. Whether the person is able to verbalize responses or not the topics are generic without being childish. A great engaging way to spend 20-30 min
Families and Friends – The news can be depressing and reading from novels can be difficult for some to follow done sections at a time, try some refreshing cheerful CHITCHATs. This can be done in person or over the phone.
