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

What You Need To Know About Aphasia

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aphasia

While working or volunteering at the nursing home, you’ve probably met at least one resident with aphasia. The National Aphasia Association defines aphasia as “an impairment of language, affecting the production or comprehension of speech and the ability to read or write.”

I decided to talk briefly about this condition today because sometimes people feel uncomfortable when trying to communicate with a person who has aphasia. We don’t know how to respond when someone doesn’t understand us, or when we can’t understand them.

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Why Is This Resident In Isolation?

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illustration of a purple germ

A reader recently asked if I could talk about what’s happening when a resident at the nursing home requires isolation. This reader is a volunteer. She described coming to the nursing home and seeing people entering a resident’s room wearing yellow disposable gowns, gloves, and paper masks. The staff tells volunteers that they can’t go into the resident’s room.

There are many reasons a resident may require isolation. Usually, it’s done to help prevent the spread of a contagious disease. Sometimes, because of HIPAA regulations, staff can’t tell you the specific reason the resident needs to be in isolation.

A nursing home will only isolate a resident when they deem it to be necessary. That’s because isolation can be emotionally stressful for a person. However, it’s sometimes necessary to protect others, especially nursing home residents who may be medically fragile.

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Let’s Celebrate National Ferris Wheel Day on February 14

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Multi-colored ferris wheel against a clear blue sky

I’m guessing most of you are busy planning lots of fun Valentine’s Day-themed activities for next month. But what about the residents who, for one reason or another, don’t look forward to red hearts and love songs?

There’s another holiday we can celebrate on February 14 that these residents are sure to enjoy. It’s National Ferris Wheel Day! After all, who hasn’t ridden on a Ferris wheel at some time in their life?

Ferris Wheel Day honors George Ferris, who built the first Ferris wheel for the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1893. He was born on February 14, 1859.

Check out these activities you can offer in addition to your Valentine’s Day celebration:

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7 Solitary Activities To Offer When Residents Are Ill

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Illustration of ill person in bed with thermometer in their mouth

Recently, a reader contacted me with a question about a situation that’s all too common at this time of year. Because of an outbreak of influenza in her nursing home, group activities were being limited. Also, any residents with symptoms of illness had to stay in their rooms. She wanted suggestions for solitary activities she could offer to her residents.

There are several other situations, too, where solitary activities may be needed. For example, a resident might feel fine and want to remain active, but they require isolation precautions for a contagious infection.

Or you might have an outbreak of scabies on your unit, and the residents must live under quarantine until they complete treatment. (Icky, yes, but it happens!) Furthermore, a resident might need to spend a lot of time in their room for their own protection while undergoing treatment for cancer or another illness.

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What’s Ahead In The New Year

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Illustration of a red clock with the number "2020" in the center.

Happy 2020! I hope your new year is off to a good start.

Today I’m letting you know what I’ve been up to during these first days of the year. I’ve been going over my blog with a fine-toothed comb and developing a plan for 2020.

This includes reviewing my blog statistics, re-reading your comments and emails, and doing a lot of thinking. I hope a few changes in my blog will help me serve you, my readers, even better in 2020.

On that note, I’ll summarize what you can expect in each of my main blog categories during the coming year. I’ll also share the most popular blog post from each category during 2019.

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