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Several times over the years, I’ve featured articles about senior living communities that won awards for developing innovative programs to benefit their residents and staff. With all the chaos brought on by the pandemic, I wondered if anyone had time to honor organizations with awards in 2020.
After a bit of research, I’m happy to tell you that many senior living communities continue to develop new and exciting programs, and they’re being honored for their efforts. Today I’m sharing 3 of my favorites. I’ll also include a link to each organization, so you can contact them directly if you would like more information.
Meals On The Go
Glen Oaks Senior Living in New London, Minnesota, came up with a creative way to help assure a smooth transition when residents return home from their rehab unit. For their efforts, Glen Oaks received an award from Care Providers of Minnesota.
Partnering with a local catering service, Glen Oaks provides five frozen meals for each former resident. A department head delivers the meals within the first three days after discharge.
The visit offers an opportunity for staff to do a wellness check and assure the resident continues to thrive at home. If they note problems, staff assist the resident in arranging additional services.
Hydroponic Farming
Commonwealth Senior Living, with headquarters in Charlottesville, Virginia, received an Argentum Best of the Best Award. Partnering with Babylon Micro-Farms, they developed an in-house hydroponic farming system that grows over 45 varieties of herbs, greens, and even edible flowers.
The system provides a variety of benefits:
- Residents of all abilities can take part in growing their own food.
- The LED lights and watering system result in plants growing 2-3 times faster than they would outdoors.
- Staff note increased consumption of greens by the residents, boosting their nutrition.
- The plants are herbicide and pesticide-free.
- Reduced shipping results in a lower carbon footprint.
- The program is cost effective.
Be Someone For Someone
Feros Care in Australia tackles the problem of loneliness so common among our elders. As a result, they won an award from Future of Ageing Australia. A few features of their program include:
- More the Merrier: Encourages people to include someone who might be lonely in their holiday plans. Options could be setting up and helping decorate their Christmas tree, or inviting them over for a holiday meal.
- Notes of Friendship: Collects encouraging cards and notes, then distributes them to elders and others who might be lonely.
- Virtual Social Centre: Provides technology and training so people can take part in online programs such as book clubs, exercise classes, or cooking lessons.
- Madagascar Project: Promotes an increased sense of self-worth and connectedness by inviting elders to create items for underprivileged children. This might include dolls, toys, school bags, pencil cases, or blankets.
Has your organization won an award for innovative services in elder care? Please let me know, and I would love to feature your program in a future article!
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