NursingHomeVolunteer.com

Enhancing the Lives of Nursing Home Residents One Volunteer at a Time

Diane

Remember Me On Alzheimer’s Day

by Leave a Comment

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. 

World Alzheimer's DayToday, September 21, is designated as World Alzheimer’s Day. This day was established in 1994, and the theme for this year is “Remember Me”. Please take a few extra moments today to cherish the memory of loved ones who lived with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

I hope you’ll also watch this touching video that honors famous people who have lived with Alzheimer’s disease. Many of these people increased our understanding of the disease and helped reduce the stigma associated with a dementia diagnosis.

[Read more…] about Remember Me On Alzheimer’s Day

A Brief History of Nursing Homes

by Leave a Comment

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. 

history of nursing homes

Did you know that today’s nursing homes trace their history back to the days of poor houses in the 18th century? We’ve come a long way! I hope you enjoy reading these highlights in the history of U.S. nursing homes.

Before the 1800s

Families generally took responsibility for the care of elderly relatives who could no longer fend for themselves. Wealthy older people with no family help ended up hiring servants to provide care. But elders with no family and no means of support lived in poor houses (also known as almshouses).

[Read more…] about A Brief History of Nursing Homes

8 Benefits Of Adult Outdoor Playgrounds

by Leave a Comment

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. 

outdoor adult playgrounds

When my son was home on a recent vacation, we went for a walk through a nearby park. Along the way, we stopped to take a little break by a neighborhood playground. It was filled with the laughter and activity of children enjoying a gorgeous summer day. I commented to my son that I wish I could become a child again and play on the playground.

Be careful what you wish for! In the not too distant future I just might be playing on a playground, only this one will be specially designed for adults.

While the United States is slowly embracing the idea, adult playgrounds have existed in China, Japan, and some European countries for many years. Here are several creative concepts from around the world:

[Read more…] about 8 Benefits Of Adult Outdoor Playgrounds

30 Creative Activities For Men

by 2 Comments

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. 

nursing home activities for men

Did you know that over 70% of nursing home residents in the United States are female? So it’s easy to understand why a majority of activities often focus on the interests of women.

I’ve heard from several of you that it’s challenging to find activities that are enjoyable and meaningful for men. That’s why I’m hoping we can all put our heads together and share creative ideas.

Of course, interests may vary depending on factors such as age, occupational background, and the diagnoses of your residents. That’s why our first source for ideas should be the residents themselves.

[Read more…] about 30 Creative Activities For Men

How To Help Residents Experience Gratitude

by Leave a Comment

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. 

nursing home activities to promote gratitude

One day last month, I sat down in front of the TV to watch the evening news. First, I saw the frightening picture of assisted living residents sitting in waist-high water during the flooding in Texas.

This story tugged at my heart because our nursing home had to evacuate several years ago because of the threat of flooding. Thankfully, the flood didn’t reach our part of town, but I still remember how frightening this experience was for residents, staff, and families.

The next news report was a horrific local story about a pregnant woman who was murdered and her baby stolen. It shook me to the core to think that something so evil happened in our typically peaceful city. At that point, I felt so overwhelmed that I had to turn off the TV.

With so many unnerving events happening in our country and our world, it’s easy to feel discouraged. Whether or not we realize it, these events affect our residents, too. That’s why it’s so important to look beyond the darkness and make a point of experiencing gratitude.

[Read more…] about How To Help Residents Experience Gratitude