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Sometimes, nursing homes develop exceptional programs, but then they try to keep the ideas to themselves. To some degree, this makes sense since nursing homes compete for resident admissions.
However, I believe we all need to work together and share our ideas. This allows us to provide the highest quality of life for nursing home residents everywhere. That’s why I’m always thrilled when you tell me about unique programs at your facilities.
Today, I’m highlighting four more award-winning programs from around the world. As before, I’m including links to each one so you can contact them directly for more information.
Pen Pal Program
Since 2014, two care centers in different parts of the world have enjoyed taking part in a unique pen pal program. These residents live at Resthaven Malvern in Australia and Baan Sudthavas in Thailand.
Through the exchange of letters, photos, and handmade gifts, participants discover shared common interests and values. The program also encourages cultural appreciation and understanding. In addition, residents note it helps maintain the vanishing art of letter writing.
Because of their efforts, the program was a finalist in the 2017 Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards. These awards are presented annually by Ageing Asia.
A Million Hands
Scouting programs in the UK came up with this creative program, and it earned them an award from Programs For The Elderly. As part of a 4-pronged approach to assist scouts in keeping their promise to help other people, the scouts chose to focus on dementia.
Scouts earn badges by completing a variety of tasks. One option involved planning a dementia-friendly event, and you could easily do this at a nursing home. These are a few of the possible activities listed on their site:
- lead an arts & crafts session
- plant a sensory garden
- make memory books
- learn and perform old-time songs
You can learn how to create your own version of this excellent program by visiting the Million Hands website.
ElderServe At Night
We all know people living with dementia who seem to get their days and nights mixed up. As a result, caregivers in the home experience stress and sleepless nights.
The Hebrew Home at Riverdale in New York came up with a unique solution to this problem, and it earned them an award from the Deaconess Associations Foundation. Clients arrive at the nursing home in the evening and stay until the following morning.
Activities provided throughout the night are similar to those provided during a daytime respite program. These include music, crafts, exercise classes, and meals. Personal cares such as showers and grooming are also available.
The program allows caregivers to get a full night’s sleep, so they’re better equipped to handle the responsibilities and challenges of the day. Also, clients living with dementia participate in meaningful and personalized activities to enhance their quality of life.
Entrepreneur In Residence
With communities all across the United States, Brookdale Senior Living won an Argentum Best of the Best Award for their Entrepreneur In Residence program. When an entrepreneur comes up with an idea for a product or service to enrich the lives of seniors, Brookdale invites them to move into one of their communities for a few days.
The entrepreneur takes part in all aspects of senior living, including meals, activities, and sleeping at the facility. This provides an opportunity to better understand the needs and viewpoints of their customers. In addition, they can try a new product and gather feedback from residents.
Entrepreneur In Residence has helped in the development of a variety of products, such as adaptive clothing, virtual reality, smart wearables, and adaptive equipment. The program’s ultimate goal is to design with seniors, not for seniors.
I would love to hear about unique programs you’ve developed at your facilities! Please leave a note in the comment section or drop me an email: NursingHomeVolunteer@gmail.com
Did you get a chance to check out these creative dining ideas?
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