Diane

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When I was a young girl, my grandpa spent some time in a local nursing home. Back then, nursing homes were a lot like hospitals.

As I try to picture the nursing home in my mind, I can see white walls and lots of gray metal fixtures. I also recall the subtle scent of Pine-Sol disinfectant.

There seemed to be nothing interesting to do when we visited Grandpa at the nursing home. Sadly, I quickly became bored and wanted to go home.

Fast forward to the Eden Alternative

Many years later, I worked as a nurse at a nursing home that embraces the Eden Alternative philosophy. This place was alive with the energy that comes from dogs, cats, fish, rabbits, as well as kids from the childcare center.

[Read more…] about 25 Kid-Friendly Nursing Home Activities

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 links. Thank you for your support.

Recently I was stunned to read about a survey summarized on Alzheimers.net. According to the report, over 40% of people surveyed believe it’s pointless to stay in contact with someone living in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

This is so wrong and so sad. Yet, I can understand why someone might feel this way.

For one thing, it often makes us uncomfortable to see a friend or family member who no longer resembles the person we once knew. We feel crushed when they no longer remember who we are. Unusual behaviors or sounds might be troubling to us. And, finally, the thought of what might come next can be unsettling.

But, here’s the thing. This isn’t about us. It’s about a precious person who still lives within that sometimes tattered body who still needs to know that they are loved.

[Read more…] about 50 Ideas For Meaningful Visits