Make a Move with Mandy

04/09/2022

10/24/2021

mandykdall7 hours ago12 minComplicated Grief and the Healing Roller Coaster10/23/21 written by Mandy Kuykendall What do you do with the emotions that you feel? Do you bottle them up? Stuff them down? Word...22 views0 commentsPost not marked as liked

01/25/2021

You don't have to be in a crisis to start therapy.
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Image via Self-Care Spotlight

09/22/2020

I am a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and am the Activities Director of our Senior Care Unit for Baptist Health-Fort Smith. This is a geriatric behavioral health unit. I am also a trainer for the Crisis Prevention Institute in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention and train our staff throughout the hospital on how to interact with patients when they are experiencing a crisis. At Senior Care I provide therapeutic activities to improve physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual functioning in order to provide improved quality of life. This includes a variety of activities such as, but not limited to, playing guitar and encouraging patients to sing along with songs and hymns, arts & crafts, movement/chair fitness, games, trivia, and reminiscing/memory exercises. Some of the benefits they receive include reduced depression, agitation & anxiety, recovery of basic motor functioning, increased social skills/self-esteem and improved motivation to pursue a healthy leisure lifestyle post discharge. I work with patients over the age of 55 that are experiencing a decline in their mental health. Some of our patients include those with a variety of dementia types, including Alzheimer's Disease. I have seen firsthand how the effects of recreation can bring a smile to their face, help them forget about their worries, exit seeking behavior or why they are agitated and help them focus in the current moment. We meet them where they are and encourage participation. We tap into those parts of the brain that are not overtaken from the disease and learn about their true personalities. It's a wonderful thing to uncover!

Any donation is much appreciated to help with Alzheimer’s research and treatment.

I am Walking to End Alzheimer's. Donate today and help me reach my goal.

08/11/2020

Local daycares list and “essential” workers grant for childcare assistance

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06/20/2020

P.S. If you'd like us to email you a free supportive, uplifting quote each day to help you through your struggles, visit https://www.thedepressionproject.com/supportive-encouraging-daily-quotes ❤ 🙂