"As a caregiver for my husband with Alzheimer's who has always enjoyed creative pursuits, I had been searching for activities that would stimulate that part of his brain. He had been struggling with the loss of his artistic abilities. After meeting with 'Ms. Erika' regularly for the past several months, he has started to appreciate the beauty in colors and shapes from everyday surroundings. Erika always has a new project to help him practice being engaged in the present moment. Which is a lesson we all can benefit from!"
Client Testimonial
“Erika is a wonderful volunteer. She comes up with great ideas for the residents such as chair dancing, TimeSlips storytelling, arts & crafts and her hat collection. We always look forward to the days Erika will be here. She is full of enthusiasm and fun."
Program Manager / Memory Care
“Erika is brilliant and creative in her work process. She has a gift for ensuring her staff and volunteers are more than adequately prepared / trained in interaction skills and planning process needed to ensure residents were meaningfully engaged in activity that was purposeful and matched individual interests ... The programs she developed were fun for residents and staff alike. Her skill at training staff and volunteers created an environment of job comfort that supported motivation and desire to promote resident engagement and participation in planned programs, special events and individual interests ... I hope that I have the opportunity to collaborate with Erika in the future as she is a joy to work with while being an inspiration to better execute the tasks at hand.”
Elaine Dempsey, MS, CTRS
Consultant and CEO, Geriatric Healthcare Consultants, LLC
“Erika introduced as well as pioneered many new programs at Chaparral House over the years, including a number of programs that specifically work with people with Dementia of all types, to help them to lead the richest and fullest lives as well as fit into their present milieu and living situation ... Because of her caring spirit, seemingly endless patience, general good humor and upbeat moods Erika is able to work with everyone, even people who others might find difficult and disagreeable ... If you have the opportunity to have Erika be a part of your life or work I would recommend that you jump at the chance. It will be one of the best decisions you will ever make!”
Rev. Dr. Charles S. Cole, MPA, ThD
CFO/COO, Chaparral House
“Ms. Erika Shaver-Nelson sets a very high standard for Activity Professionals. She is dedicated and passionate about Elder Care. [She] demonstrates advanced and highly specialized skills in both organizing and managing others as well as developing deeply personal highly creative and engaging person-centered interventions for all residents, in all domains of psychosocial wellbeing, especially those with Dementia ... In my long career as a nursing home administrator, I have never had the honor of working with a more professional more skilled more talented or more caring Activity Professional.”
KJ Page, RN-BC, LNHA
Administrator, Chaparral House
