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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.
Fundraising
(Most popular post: 10 Tips To Save Money On Craft Supplies)
Here’s one of the most common questions readers ask. What can we do to raise money so we can afford the activities and supplies we want to provide for our residents?
I understand. You come up with all sorts of creative ideas, but there never seems to be enough money to pay for everything. That’s why, over the past 2 1/2 years, I’ve featured over 100 fundraising ideas on my blog.
But here’s the thing—I’m running out of ideas. As a result, I decided to take a break from writing a monthly fundraising article.
Never fear, you can still find all of my posts from the past in my fundraising archives. Scroll through, and I know you’ll find lots of ideas to help you pay for those awesome activities.
If you have fundraising suggestions I haven’t yet featured on my blog, please let me know. I’ll be happy to share them with my readers! You can contact me at NursingHomeVolunteer@gmail.com.
Activities
(Most popular post: How To Spice Up Bingo In The Nursing Home)
When I started my blog in June 2017, my focus was on nursing home volunteers. I wanted to provide encouragement and education for others who share my passion for volunteering.
As time passed, however, I discovered something interesting. Lots of other people associated with nursing homes were also reading my blog. The readers included family members, CNAs, students, and social workers—to name just a few. I think this is fabulous because we all work together to enhance the lives of our nursing home residents.
Recently, after polling my newsletter subscribers, I found that volunteers continue to make up the largest segment of my readers. However, another group is following close behind—activities professionals. That’s why I plan to increase my activity-related articles to at least 3 per month over the coming year.
Here’s how you can help. If you’re an activity professional, I would love to see you share your expertise. Whenever you see an activity-related post, please add your suggestions and advice in the comment section.
Did You Know?
(Most popular post: What Is A Nursing Home Resident Council?)
This educational category features many topics related to senior living communities, aging, and anything else I believe you’ll find useful in your role.
Recently, I asked for input as to other topics my readers would like to see addressed on my blog. Several of you offered brilliant suggestions for the “Did You Know?” category. As a result, I’ve been working hard on these new topics. Please watch for them within the next few weeks!
In The News
(Most popular post: 4 Innovative Dining Ideas From Australia)
Every month, I search the web looking for news that I believe will interest people associated with senior living communities. Topics include research findings, best practices, and unique programs.
Recently, a reader commented that a lot of these posts focus on dementia. She suggested that I broaden the scope to include more information related to other conditions faced by nursing home residents.
She’s right, of course. Dementia care particularly interests me, in part because my dad lived with dementia for several years. Also, I’ve spent many of my years as a nurse and volunteer working with residents of memory care units.
However, I want to address the varied interests of my broad range of readers. So, this year I plan to make a point of focusing on other conditions besides dementia.
Interviews
(Most popular post: Building Friendships Through Alzheimer’s Buddies)
One of my goals for 2019 was to feature a monthly interview with someone who uniquely serves nursing home residents. Well, I didn’t exactly reach that goal.
Over the past 12 months, I featured interviews with five incredible people who enhance the lives of residents in senior living communities. However, I found that setting up interviews is more challenging than I expected.
Many of you don’t like to be in the spotlight. You’re shy about agreeing to an interview. But, here’s the thing. I believe it’s crucial to tell your stories. By generously sharing our unique thoughts and experiences, we can truly make a difference in the lives of residents both here and around the world.
So, if you receive an email from me asking for an interview, will you please be brave and say yes?
Volunteer Tips
(Most popular post: How To Welcome New Residents)
I’ll continue to share tips to help make your time at the nursing home more enjoyable and valuable. However, since the roles of my readers have expanded far beyond nursing home volunteers, I’m now trying to write more general posts in this category.
Opportunities
(Most popular post: Do You Really Need Your Entire Liver?)
I know that my readers have big hearts. So I came up with this category for two purposes. First, I want to share opportunities for you to expand your horizons and take on new roles at the nursing home. I also want to highlight opportunities for you to reach out and touch the lives of people beyond the nursing home.
I’m not planning any significant changes in this category in 2020. If you know of any new opportunities that I should include, I would love to hear about them!
I have a few other new features in the works, too, but it’s a bit early to share the details. Please stay tuned, as I believe you’ll find these features both helpful and encouraging.
As we move into 2020, thank you again for reading my blog, leaving comments, and sending me emails with your honest feedback. Most of all, thank you for making a positive difference in the lives of the residents whom you serve!
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