Orientation for Memory Video Interviewers (2023 to present)
Conducting a Memory Video Interview is an art. . We are interviewing ordinary people, who are in their later years, or have experiences, wisdom and challenges that they want to share. As we explore the Memory Video Interview process, we shall find out why our interviewees are not so ordinary. View sample video, https://youtu.be/uVew8SHQ8eY. Contact me to view “Orientation for Memory Video Interviewers,” ,https://www.sallygelardin.com/contact.
A Rita Abrams Retrospective (2019)
Singer/Songwriter Rita Abrams created the song “Mill Valley” when she was an elementary school teacher in the 60s. It became an international hit. I interviewed Rita and produced a retrospecive video of her musical career. Contact me to view “A Rita Abrams Retrospective” video, https://www.sallygelardin.com/contact.
Intergenerational Storytelling Activities (2020 to present)
Experience all kinds of brain-based activities. Focus on those that most interest you and those with whom you interact. The activities that I create are a launching pad for you to experiment with creating intergenerational, multi-sensory activities yourself, or, to save you time and research, you are welcome to build upon the activities that I created.for grandparents, teachers, activity leaders and others interested in exploring mind-expanding ways to be with children, and with individuals of all ages, stages, abilities, and backgrounds. Contact me to access “Intergenerational Storytelling Activities,” https://www.sallygelardin.com/contact.
Eldercare Engagement & Education
Engagement is the meaningful connections we make and this is not just activities, because activities are something that you do. Engagement is something you experience. It’s not enough to facilitate an activity. What you really want is to see each person’s eyes light up. You’d like to see eyes light up in every member of your group. Even if you are with a person one-on-one, you want to see that person’s eyes light up. That means you have made a meaningful connection.
Working with elders is the most rewarding job of my life, as well as the most challenging.
A writing group, which might include elders with a wide range of abilities:
Perhaps only a few members in the group can write without assistance. How can you facilitate a writing group when only a few members of the group can write? The key is volunteers and family members to help those who cannot express themselves in writing.
Further explanation:
Meaningful communication can be expressed in many ways. You initially see someone who doesn’t move a muscle, is in a wheel chair, and can barely move her head. When you see her eyes light up, it makes your day. It’s incredible.