Hello all! I would like to open this blog with the actual idea that inspired me to start St. Louis Readers...and that was this simple concept: not leaving seniors to stagnate in silence. When I would go and visit my Aunt G. she would be sitting in her room in silence. With limited physical ability, her eyes only seeing shadows and blurs, the use of hearing aids was practically her only real connection with the outside world. With no external stimuli she surely would have nothing to occupy her mind or to stimulate her brain. I brought in a small portable stereo and my sister brought in some cd's from the Golden Age of Music. Upon leaving her room we would put in a cd, and hit play and repeat. This also seemed to "extend" our visits in her perception. I notified the staff of the idea and then my sister posted a sign, "Please turn on the music".
Music certainly has to be better than silence... right? Check out the website www.artsforhealing.org/seniors for additional details on how and why this type of "therapy" is massively beneficial for seniors.
Hi! What an interesting idea to unite activity leaders to share insights .I believe life enrichment activities are built throughout a lifetime to be enjoyed in our leisure. Music is a universal language and brings people together in all age and ethnic groups!
I would like to make a comment about Len's July 24th discussion of music. Take this a step further by giving choices to the resident or family member. Check to see if they have a preference for listing to the TV, radio, or a tape/cd. Also ask what music they would like. If they request a tape/cd ask, for example, if they want Tony Bennett or Frank Sinatra. If they select radio, ask if they want KMOX/The Voice of St. Louis or WIL/Country.
Speaking of choices, let's talk mealtime. Every time I stayed with Aunt G. for lunch a glass of cranberry juice was always setting on the table. I wished the "lunch ladies" would have asked her if she wanted apple juice or cranberry juice. After all I do not drink the same thing for lunch every day. If a resident is capable of making choices, don't take away that bit of independence. We know it is true and how often have we heard "variety is the spice of life."
Hello ,all i have been reading your posts and they are all good .just because our family and others family members start getting older doesnt mean they are any less human.they deserve to be treated with respect .give them choices if they are still capable of making a choice ,I am new at being an activities director at a residential home for aging and ill people. but since june when i started the job the family and friends of our residents are continually thanking me for the difference that i am making in the lives of those folks ..taking them out to see the flowers trees, talking to them in normal ways letting them talk about whats on their minds no matter what it is .brushing their hair ,doing their nails ,taking their pictures . having picnics ,birthday parties ,movie time ,music time , playing games like bingo ,name that tune,spelling bees ,shopping trips,. they are people no matter what and they have something to give of their self if we are willing to take time with them and understand this is who they are now . we have church and bible studies ,and male and female enjoy this kind of stuff ,, be kind to people especially the older generation one day we will be exactly where they are ,, God Bless all you care givers that read this and i hope i have said something that will be of help to all of you linda g,
Hello all! I would like to open this blog with the actual idea that inspired me to start St. Louis Readers...and that was this simple concept: not leaving seniors to stagnate in silence.
ReplyDeleteWhen I would go and visit my Aunt G. she would be sitting in her room in silence. With limited physical ability, her eyes only seeing shadows and blurs, the use of hearing aids was practically her only real connection with the outside world. With no external stimuli she surely would have nothing to occupy her mind or to stimulate her brain. I brought in a small portable stereo and my sister brought in some cd's from the Golden Age of Music. Upon leaving her room we would put in a cd, and hit play and repeat. This also seemed to "extend" our visits in her perception. I notified the staff of the idea and then my sister posted a sign, "Please turn on the music".
Music certainly has to be better than silence... right? Check out the website www.artsforhealing.org/seniors for additional details on how and why this type of "therapy" is massively beneficial for seniors.
Silence is golden but not in your golden years!
Hi!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting idea to unite activity leaders to share insights .I believe life enrichment activities are built throughout a lifetime to be enjoyed in our leisure. Music is a universal language and brings people together in all age and ethnic groups!
I would like to make a comment about Len's July 24th discussion of music. Take this a step further by giving choices to the resident or family member. Check to see if they have a preference for listing to the TV, radio, or a tape/cd. Also ask what music they would like. If they request a tape/cd ask, for example, if they want Tony Bennett or Frank Sinatra. If they select radio, ask if they want KMOX/The Voice of St. Louis or WIL/Country.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of choices, let's talk mealtime. Every time I stayed with Aunt G. for lunch a glass of cranberry juice was always setting on the table.
I wished the "lunch ladies" would have asked her if she wanted apple juice or cranberry juice. After all I do not drink the same thing for lunch every day. If a resident is capable of making choices, don't take away that bit of independence. We know it is true and how often have we heard "variety is the spice of life."
Hello ,all i have been reading your posts and they are all good .just because our family and others family members start getting older doesnt mean they are any less human.they deserve to be treated with respect .give them choices if they are still capable of making a choice ,I am new at being an activities director at a residential home for aging and ill people.
ReplyDeletebut since june when i started the job the family and friends of our residents are continually thanking me for the difference that i am making in the lives of those folks ..taking them out to see the flowers trees, talking to them in normal ways letting them talk about whats on their minds no matter what it is .brushing their hair ,doing their nails ,taking their pictures .
having picnics ,birthday parties ,movie time ,music time , playing games like bingo ,name that tune,spelling bees ,shopping trips,. they are people no matter what and they have something to give of their self if we are willing to take time with them and understand this is who they are now . we have church and bible studies ,and male and female enjoy this kind of stuff ,, be kind to people especially the older generation one day we will be exactly where they are ,, God Bless all you care givers
that read this and i hope i have said something that will be of help to all of you
linda g,
Thanks For Sharing, Linda G
ReplyDelete