Do Nursing Home Residents Have Hobbies?

Do Nursing Home Residents Have Hobbies?

Nursing home residents who had a hobby before they arrived at  the nursing home still desire to enjoy the thrill of their hobby. For example, If they were coin collectors, they would enjoy having someone who still collects coins to bring in a collection and talk with them about it.

I recently visited Maplewood Hobby Shop in Maplewood NJ and saw people participating in lively action games. I chatted with the manager, Rick about hobbies and immediately reflected on the fact  that nursing home residents had hobbies before they came to the facilities that may have included historical wargames, etc

We would love to have volunteers work with a group of residents who would enjoy a few hours of active gaming. It is just a germ of an idea now but hope it spreads and becomes contagious. I hope to share  more on this possibility later for a large group event.

Meanwhile please view this short video interview I had with Rick about the importance of having a hobby. I am convinced that nurturing residents passions and interests can make a huge difference in the quality of life for that nursing home  resident. Wouldn’t you want the same for yourself?

If you are currently in a group or club that shares a hobby interest please keep that excitement going for members who can no longer be in your midst by finding a way to share with them in the nursing home.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hobbies, Interactive Events, Purpose , ,

Home Depot-Newark’s Donation Brings A Touch of Beauty to Nursing Home

Home Depot of Newark, NJ touched the heart strings of everyone from the volunteers of Adopt A Nursing Home Patient to the patients and staff of Alaris Health on 40th Street in Irvington, New Jersey. Mike Butler was our hero as he insured that the items on our wish list ready for distribution.

A few dedicated volunteers gathered on a hot Sunday afternoon to assist the residents in transferring and separating plants that would be part an attempt to add floral life to the outside sitting area. 

The awesome thing is that some of the residents were planting experts so we learned from each other and just became helping hands.

We sang songs, told stories and enjoyed each other. We then transferred the newly transplanted flowers outside to the sitting area. This area was bare. 

But the transformation has begun with images too many to show.

And there is still much more to do.But thanks to Home Depot in Newark and some dedicated volunteers and board members the beauty is growing.  YOU CAN HELP by sharing your resources and expertise. Contact us at adoptanursinghomepatient@gmail.com.

Interactive Events, Picture Highlights, Purpose, Social Interaction, Volunteers , ,

Bloom Where You Are Planted

Excited and preparing for upcoming group event at local nursing home called “Bloom Where You are Planted”. Volunteers Dawn Hillman and Patrina Hillman plus others will work with residents to spark their creativity through storytelling, painting demo and coloring session. The coloring page was done by Raymond Horner Jr. and will be a blank of the image here. The visible crack in the cement speaks volumes to anyone not just those in nursing homes. The interactive story that will be narrated and acted out will , hopefully be not only entertaining but encouraging We also will distribute gift packages of socks, lotion, combs and other things we often take for granted but welcomed by residents.I am so grateful for our volunteers like Mattie Hollins Diane Allen Barbara Bennett PLUS MORE and more are needed for upcoming events and one to one adoptions.
 

Interactive Events, Social Interaction

Help I’m Lonely and I Need Hope

Pen and Ink by Ray Horner
Let’s Keep Each Other Company

There are times when all of us crave time to be alone for reflection and that good old “me” time. Yet too much alone time can lead to depression and other issues. But if you are a nursing home resident dealing with health issues a lack of social interaction and support can accelerate the reality of physical limitation..

An article in Mcknight’s Long Term Care publication highlights the impact of social isolation and lack of family support on aging residents.  They highlight the profound impact of socialization on the six dimensions of health  defined as emotional, physical,vocational,spiritual, intellectual,and social. Is it any wonder why activities are a critical component of the holistic care of a nursing home resident?

Our mission at Adopt A Nursing Home Patient challenges us to enhance the level of activities by infusing attention on the interests and passions of the individual resident. Hence, the suggestions made by the article to have book clubs, for example is targeted to the residents who love reading and discussing their books. Hence, our challenge is to locate volunteers who can not only lead a book club but have a similar passion for books.

We are convinced that attention to those six dimensions of health can really improve the quality of life for the nursing home resident. It can really give HOPE to the Lonely.

Please take a few minutes to read the Mcknight article and offer suggestions and comments.

Depression, Purpose, Social Interaction, Volunteers , , ,

Our First Fund-Raiser Was A Hit!

On November 18, 2017 we had our first fund-raising shopping trip. Penn Dutch shopping and food was only surpassed by the true fellowship of all who attended. Although it was a messy rainy day the sunshine inside the bus was bright.

We played several games onboard and so many people walked away with awesome gifts donated for the enjoyment on the trip.

Check out just a few of the happy winners.

 

Purpose