This post may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) when you make a purchase by clicking on my link.
I love sharing innovative programs nursing homes create to enhance the lives of their residents. Today we’ll look at four programs from healthcare communities around the world. As before, I’ll include links for each organization so you can contact them for more information.
Men-Only Evening
While this program is based out of a hospital, I see it as an excellent event to host at a senior living community. You may wish to offer it for spouses of your residents, or it would make a terrific community education program.
Willow Day Hospital in Ireland sponsors a men-only evening for men who care for a loved one. Facilitated by members of the nursing and psychology staff, the event offers support and education to meet the unique needs of male caregivers.
Each evening includes a presentation by a male caregiver who shares his personal story. Facilitators also encourage participants to talk about issues they may not feel comfortable discussing in other settings.
For more information, please email regina.lafferty@hse.ie
All Work and More Play
Many nursing homes plan fun activities for their staff during National Nursing Home Week in May. But what about the rest of the year? Cullman Health & Rehab Center in Alabama took this question to heart by creating All Work and More Play.
The nursing home invites staff, residents, and families to submit ideas for fun staff activities to enjoy throughout the year. All departments work together to plan and host the activities. A few favorites include:
- staff bingo
- dress up days
- scavenger hunts
- trunk or treat at Halloween
- special meals
- water fights
Staff report a multitude of benefits from All Work and More Play. These include:
- Decreased staff turnover
- Fewer call-ins
- Improved teamwork
- Increased staff morale
- Residents enjoy watching staff having fun
- Families see caregivers enjoying their jobs
Bee Buddies
At Oak Hammock, a retirement community in Florida, residents can take part in over 40 special interest groups. One of the most unique groups is Bee Buddies for residents interested in beekeeping.
With guidance from experts at the University of Florida, participants tend the hives and harvest honey. They offer the honey for sale to the community.
Other special interest groups include woodworking, computers, bridge, art, and genealogy. If a resident can’t find a group that’s of interest to them, the retirement community encourages them to start their own!
Best Week
The Whiddon Group in Australia ensures each resident enjoys a week of activities tailored just for them at least twice a year. The staff works hard to get to know the resident’s background and what matters the most to them. Then, in conjunction with the resident, their family, and community groups, they strive to create special experiences.
Best Week might mean renewing an old hobby, meeting a personal goal, or checking something off their bucket list. Some experiences are surprisingly simple while others are more unique. A few past Best Week activities include:
- riding in a Mustang convertible
- visiting the local library
- going fishing
- enjoying a visit from a miniature horse
- receiving a subscription to a favorite magazine or newspaper
- riding in a motorcycle sidecar
Do you have an innovative program in your senior living community that you would like to share with my readers? Please leave a note in the comment section, and I’ll be happy to contact you for more information.
Leave a Reply