Dear Lisa and Sandra:

Thank you so much for the great seminar. I told everyone at Dellridge as well as my colleagues here in Lancaster how informative and well presented it was.

Thanks
E.F.Wasilewski, D.C.

I have been certified as a CDP since this Spring, after attending your course. I want you to know that this certification has come in “handy” many times since then. When I am at care plans, when I am petitioning for certain improvements in the facility, when I am trying to explain to employees what the residents need from us, when I am calling families to contribute to the resident’s needs --- being a Certified Dementia Practitioner gives me credibility! I can tell you that a care plan was “turned around” the moment I told the family that I am a certified dementia practitioner! They may not have thought of me as good for anything but activities as an ACC, but when they heard dementia, and practitioner – they listened! The families are sometime in denial, and they need to here and believe that what we advise and what we will do for the resident is coming from a trained professional. Keep up the good work!Dolores Quinn, ACC, CDP

Good Morning:

Thank you Ms. Stimson for your prompt and generous resolution. I can now access all of the calendars. I am very appreciative of the complimentary access to the other calendars.
This access will enhance my knowledge base. Keep up the good work in providing excellent
resources to recreational therapists. Thank you
Chris Pacovic

Hi Sandra:

I'm nearly finished with the MEPAP 1 and have enjoyed it immensely. Rhonda is a fantastic teacher. Not only is her knowledge of the subject matter concise and informative, her teaching style is relaxed and conducive to adult learning. I wrote to the NCCAP about what a fine job she does. I look forward to taking the MEPAP part II Pamela Gray January 18 2004

Lynn and SandraHi.I haven’t stopped thinking or talking about your workshop since Fri. Family, staff and the exec director all heard from me about it. I am already considering how to do a workshop here at the ofc – Exec Director all for it. Thank you for some thought provoking hours! There have been a number of issues that come up at work; the workshop has given me some ideas on how to frame the presentation. Also: Linda O’Brien at SEED once worked at my organization – way back when – I hope to call her soon. I was so glad for that info. Your Ethics session provided a very enjoyable day. Loved talking with my kids about it, too. Thank you. Please let me know you received this - my e-mail is acting weirdly! Lorraine MianoUnit ManagerIn Home Services Unit at Senior Citizens United Community Services (SCUCS)

Dear Sandy:

The Alzheimer's/Dementia seminar that I attended yesterday was terrific. You certainly gave a wealth of information which will help me on a daily basis. Thanks. Have a great day!

Pam Gray

Hello, I just want to let you know how much I appreciate your information. You gals are awesome!! I am a student at Cal State Long Beach in Therapeutic Recreation and your web site is what help pushed me forward to go after this degree. I e-mailed one of you last year about jobs, etc. and you responded with such enthusiasm.After much hard work and negotiations I have secured a job in the only Alzheimer home that my company owns. Yeah!! I have the position of Program Director. I will have two activity directors reporting to me and have lots of ideas. I have already taken a resident room and turned it into what I named the Eden Room. My son is an artist and with his assistance we created a room for the residents to enjoy. When you walk in the room one wall has a flower garden both painted and three dimensional with a white picket fence with a gate the residents can open and close. One wall is the outside of a house with a door bell and mail box (where we put the residents mail for them to pick up), one wall has a bus stop with a bus sign, bench, along with a telephone booth and phone they can use, the last wall is a laundry room with a washer and a table for folding clothes. This was all done with through the vision of my son and is beautiful and peaceful. It was so much fun to create and watch the residents stop by to see what we were doing. I could go on and on about the different residents who don't normally get involved with the activities, but stopped by regularly to check in with us.I am very excited to get moving with this opportunity and will continue to read your information for ideas and inspiration.Thanks for being here.Linda O. Cantrill

Comments from March 21, 2002"All aspects of the seminar were very interesting, however, working with not only the residents but also the family members to orient or support the family during the transitional period was an important point.""The seminar was well rounded. We heard words of reference from social workers, activity professionals, , pharmacists, etc." Social Worker"I learned that repeatedly referring to a residents by his or her name stimulates or maintain awareness. Also, the introduction of a walking program towards the end of the day would be beneficial." Social Worker"Key points stressed/reinforced that have been said was good to hear someone else say for staff, 1. you are paid to smile and 2. you work as a team, activities can not do the activity alone. Also, that you stressed hydration and activities". D.O.N"I learned the key points of environmental set up, reinforcement of need for increase staffing, getting and utilizing the right staff on the dementia unit." D.O.N"I was pleased with the overall flow of the presenters." Social Worker"These seminar will help me to better understand my residents that I work with every night much better." Nurse Aide"It gave me more insight on the topic of dementia which I will share with other staff in my facility." Social Worker
"It helped me to understand the patients." Nurses Aide"A lot of things I learned and how my approaches will be much better. I know how to handle them, but now I know more." Nurses Aide"I learned a lot of information about the Wanderers Information Sheet and Dementia Behavior Log." Social Worker"I learned how important the Activities Segment of the Seminar is and how it plays a role in the Alzheimer's Unit." RN"I was very pleased with the the handouts, personal stories, humor made the seminar more interesting." Social Worker"I learned new ways to increase a patients through various activities.""I enjoyed the Sensory room, it was soothing, but overall I enjoyed every aspect of the seminar. It was very informative. I learned that at our night activities,,,, instead of serving punch and cookies, we should serve milk and fruit cups."

March 17, 2002Dear Sandy,The in-service at the Lutheran Home of Ocean View was well received. You did a great presentation for the staff on Sensory. I have been shopping for a few throws or quilts for the wall, however have not seen the ones I like as of yet. I did buy a supply of taffys, and ordered a trash can from Housekeeping. It is an exciting venture!
Activity Director

1/7/2002Island Lake Center- Genesis
Beth Kruse Recreation Director Dear Mrs. Stimson;I cannot thank you enough for the kindness and recognition you have shown to me. It was wonderful thing to receive the Full Life Award from my company but to be recognized outside of my "family" was truly an honor.

November 19, 2001 Dear Sandra;Your Sensory In-service on November 1 was a big hit! Thank you for arranging the demonstration of the equipment. All staff who attended were thoroughly impressed. Some made comments of the change in their own emotional status after participating in the program. Staff was also able to see the positive effects on residents who were in the room throughout the program.We are looking forward to implementing the Sensory program as soon as our renovations are completed on the 2nd floor. This venture would not have been possible without the grant you secured for us from the Foundation. We certainly appreciate your efforts on our behalf!Thanks so much for sharing your expertise, policies and recommendations with us. We'll keep you posted on our progress.Gratefully yours,Mary Lou Schnurr, CNHA, NJCALA
Nursing Home Administrator

November 19, 2001 To Sandra:Thank you for the wonderful Sensory Inservice. The staff are very excited about this new program and are anxious to get started. Thank you for your support and generosity. Martha Felix, Director of Recreation
Clara Maass Continuing Care Center
Belleville, NJ

Beach View Care and Rehabilitation Center
Keansburg, NJOctober 16, 2001Dear SandraOn behalf of the staff of Beachview Care and Rehabilitation Center, I would like to take this opportunity to thank both yourself and Lynn Gordon for the excellent program you presented on Alzheimer's and Dementia Care. The overall content and presentation was very well received and will surely enhance the care that we render to our residents that are afflicted with this unfortunate disease process.Please feel free to contact me should you have any needs in the future or if I may be of assistance to you. Wishing you continued success.Sincerely yours,Lowell Fein
Administrator

August 1, 2001Thank YOU, Sandra! You have a great site - and so easy to peruse the products. Ordering was seamless and I like the fact that shipping charges are included. We were looking for great prices b/c we are hosting a corporate conference and the products you had were perfect! We will definitely be back.

Please feel free to use me as a reference for other interested parties
regarding large corporate orders.

Best regards,
Natalie

July 9, 2001Dear Lisa & Sandra,

It was a very nice experience being your student. I enjoyed the class so much. I'm going to miss you both and my classmates. I hope that you, Lisa, had a great vacation. I'm very proud to be a caregiver and part of this industry. I'm not a very sentimental person but the emotions of the last two classes were very strong. Take care and God bless you both. Thanks for your tutoring and good advice.

Sincerely yours,

Luis Zuniga (Your favorite student)

July 2, 2001Oona'o Haynes Director of Recreation Wayne View Care Center
"It gave me more insight about Quality Assurance, Volunteer Resources and better Time Management in a job that is so diversified as an Air Traffic Controller with nerves of steel and a soft heart."

July 2, 2001Christina Raimirez
"The instructors helped each of us and made sure we understood each topic. The instructors encouraged everyone and always provided enough handouts and resources."

July 2, 2001Slavica Vidakovic
"I enjoyed the different topics we covered in class and meeting different people especially Sandra and Lisa."

July 2, 2001Marie Ortiz
"Excellent speakers, Sandra and Lisa. I really enjoyed the 90 hour Advance Management Classes. I really learned what it is to be an activity director. It was a pleasure, Sandra and Lisa. "

July 2, 2001Theresa Saltzman, CTRS
"I truly felt it was a great learning experience. I wouldn't have went for my ADC or other certifications if it wasn't for this class."

July 2, 2001Maria Ulloa
"The 90 hour Basic and 90 hour Advance Classes, I liked the information provided by the speakers and instructors, and the handouts. Lisa and Sandra are wonderful and are great examples of what this course is all about. They are great at encouraging us to be better activity professionals."

July 2, 2001Carol Cohen, Activity Director Holly Manor Center-Genesis
"Both instructors were very professional and well versed in all phases of activity professional procedures. I want to thank both Sandra and Lisa for the opportunity to take this wonderful course. They are both my mentors."

July 2, 2001MJ Paulison
"I thought that this class was a very comprehensive, interesting overview of the activity profession at the management level. I would recommend it to all my peers! Thank you, not only did I learn a lot, but taking this course has improved my job confidence 10-fold!"

July 2, 2001Alana Schlatmann
"I liked everything. It was the most informative and interesting class I've ever attended. I hope you both continue to run the course for many years to come. Thanks for all your encouragement. After so many years of being out of school I wondered if I could handle it. I did, thanks to you both."

July 2, 2001Charline Bruining
"Very informative and great instructors, lots of activity ideas."

July 2, 2001Donna Christiana Van Dyk Assisted Living
"It was very interesting and informative and helpful and fun and pleasant format."

July 2, 2001Marsha Lasko NJ Veterans Home
"The course was very helpful with documentation, MDS and careplanning."

July 2, 2001Lois Lanning
"Great introduction to the job of an activity director for me. It was a great learning environment and everyone was so supportive of me. Thank you for your help."

July 2, 2001Valerie Adams, Activity Director
"Very good instructors and speakers. I am very pleased with all of the support that was given to me."

July 2, 2001Germaine Berry, Activity Director Happy Days Adult Day Care
"Excellent guest speakers, information received will enrich my work performance as an Activity Director. Course instructors Lisa and Sandra as usual presented excellent materials. Both showed they truly care about the course. The speakers were a positive experience."

July 2, 2001Sakinah Borden
"I learned a lot about my self. I learned that there is more to activities than just playing bingo and paperwork."

July 2, 2001Joan Coppage
"I learned a lot in this class about management and how to supervise and how to problem solve."

July 2, 2001Debbie Miller, Activity Director Milford Manor Center
"It was well thought taught, handouts, speakers, everything was very informative. What can I say about the teachers, they encourage, inspire and genuinely interested in your careers. Not only did I learn activities but I have a support system for life. Thank you both."

1-27-01Dear Sandra and Lisa

Thank you very much for a wonderful class. You both were greatThank you. Sonia Taylor

January 26, 2001Dear Lisa and Sandy;I want to thank you for presenting a very informative class. I am very pleased with all that I have learned and how I can apply it to my residents. As you know, this career came out of the blue for me. My mother in law had been a resident at Glendora for two and half years and I had visited everyday. I was able to get to know and love the residents I had the opportunity to volunteer. I had been a stay at home mom and had not worked for 25 years, but when my administrator, Ann Woburn offered me this job, I was thrilled.I started out thinking I would be just doing crafts as I did when I
volunteered to help the activity director, but as we all know, that is not the case. I have used many of the ideas and programs presented in this class. The Wake Up Program I presented twice a day and has been very well received by the Administrator, Activity Director and the staff. When the family members come in they are happy to see their loved ones involved in this program for low functioning.I am developing entire new programs with everything I learned from the class and incorporating them into the resident lives. I am enthused and excited about doing the best job for the residents.For the final exam, I looked in the "notes" that I took in class and found so much information that I was surprised. I plan to type out all the "notes" and include my typed homework and put it into a book to use at the facility.I am eager to start the 90 hour advance management course and to learn even more. Thank you again, for a wonderful experience and for presenting a wealth of information.Best wishes to both of you and continued success with Alternative Solutions.Sincerely;Linda D. Truchan

To: Sandra Stimson, Lisa ReidingerDecember 02, 2000I would like to thank you for helping me obtain a job that will be beneficial for me and my family. Thank you for caring and taking the time to advise me of the different job opportunities. I am anxiously looking forward to beginning work at Kessler Care Center in Cedar Grove NJ. I know that this will be a facility that I will be proud to work for. I would also like to thank you for your instruction. I have learned so much that I can, and do use in doing my daily tasks as an Activity Assistant. Taking the Activity course, has given me the knowledge in depth about working in a health care facility. I have learned numerous and diverse ideas on how to approach and implement activities. I have also learned the importance of everyone's role / job in the health care facility and how significant maintaining a resident's quality of life can be.Once again, thank you both for your leadership.Sincerely and Respectfully,Dorothy M. Gooden

I attended a large class of 40 students. There were two instructors, Special Guest Speakers, Surprise Entertainers and vendors, Resources Galore, Text Books and so many hand outs. They covered everything in our text books and then some. There were group projects that were done along with individuals ones. I never felt at any time that the course was not educational. It was so enjoyable. The material handed out has proven to be beneficial in my position as a Activity Director. I received a thorough education in a field
I truly love. I feel I provide quality activities to my residents. I received many ideas from my fellow class mates in addition to lifetime friends from the class. I would not be a Director today, if it wasn't for the education I received from Alternative Solutions in Long Term Care. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our two instructors, Lisa Reidinger and Sandra Stimson for their dedication and support. Thank You. Debbie MillerSensory® is a registered trademark of ROMPA® Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Alternative
Solutions in Long Term Care is an authorized Sensory representative of FlagHouse Inc.