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During the past two years, it feels like we’ve focused so hard on battling COVID we haven’t had the time or energy to develop a lot of new and creative programs for our residents.
I’m hopeful things will settle down in the new year, and we can get back to some semblance of normal life. That’s why today I’m sharing a hodgepodge of innovative programs I discovered while researching ideas for my blog. I hope you’ll try at least one of them in 2022!
Safe Banking For Seniors
Residents increasingly enter our senior living communities armed with their own computers. And scammers lurk behind those screens, eager to defraud our elders.
The American Bankers Association developed an innovative educational program to help fight the financial scamming of seniors. Their free 60-minute presentation is available both virtually and in person and is taught by a banking professional.
I believe this would be an excellent program to offer your residents, especially those in assisted or independent living. For more information and to locate a program near you, contact the ABA via their website.
Grandparent Dating
Do the residents of your senior living communities ever get to go on dates? Most of you will probably say no.
Recognizing the need for companionship at any age, the Hebrew Home at Riverdale created their G-Dating (Grandparent Dating) service. Residents apply by filling out a form answering questions about their interests.
A team of social workers plays matchmaker and determines who they feel would be best suited for one another. After agreeing on a date and time to meet, staff help with hair, makeup, and outfits, depending on the wishes of each resident.
The couple meets at a special table in the facility cafe to share food and conversation. Residents decide if they would like to see each other again, or they can request another match.
Celebrate Kindness
As part of their Random Acts of Kindness Week activities, residents at Atria Assisted Living in Elizabethtown, Kentucky chose a novel way to brighten the day of strangers. They stood at an intersection holding encouraging signs displaying messages such as “You Are Stronger Than You Think”, “You Are Amazing”, and “You Matter”.
Besides providing a fun surprise for drivers, the event brightened the day for the residents as the passersby smiled and waved in response to the signs.
Honor Flight
Most of you have probably heard of this amazing program that became a reality in 2005. However, I’m not sure we’ve provided this opportunity to as many residents of senior living communities as possible.
For those of you who don’t know, the Honor Flight program honors veterans by providing an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, DC, to visit the war memorials. You can find all the details on the Honor Flight Network website. If you’ve helped residents go on an Honor Flight, I would love to hear your story!
For even more program ideas, please check out the Best Practices tag on my blog.
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