Bodies in Motion

By Julie E Williamson

Operators looking to attract and keep residents need to be proactive – figuratively and literally. That’s because activities remain one of the top make-it-or-break-it services at most assisted living communities.

Virtually every operator touts an activities program in its list of resident services. But that hardly means all programs are created equal. In fact, it seems the gap between cutting-edge programs and less than stellar ones is becoming more apparent, as today’s active and social residents become more vocal about their interests and demand more for their money.

“Activities are a major attraction for people at any age. Prospective residents and their families members want to see a place where people are having a good time and are engaged” said Tracy Lux, President of Trace Marketing, Inc., Sarasota, FL. “How the [community] is going to keep them involved and active is a major decision maker that cannot be overlooked.”

Still it often is. Lux pointed out that many communities address activities by reverting to a grade school mentality where simplistic crafts, such as paper heart and pumpkin cut outs are the norm.

“I see this as an affront to residents’ dignity,” she said. “These are individuals who, despite their age, are still growing and looking for fun and exciting ways to express themselves.” Budgets are, in great part, to blame, she noted, adding that activities specialists – who can be among the lowest paid staff – are given little training and resources to support solid activities programs.

“These individuals are incredibly important to the success of the facility, but they don’t get the respect or pay they deserve, If the providers want to keep the interest of their residents, that mentality must change.”

SENIOR CLASS

Some assisted living communities appear to be getting the message, however, and are committing themselves to out-of-the box activity planning. Recognizing that seniors never really lose a thirst for knowledge, and that many yearn to stay connected with their community a growing number of operators are offering innovative ways to blend the two.

Some communities are adopting a Scandinavian approach to senior housing, developing communities close to schools so seniors can observe the children, and in many cases, interact with them. “Our country tends to isolate the older population, but its that connection to different generations that can really help them thrive, explains Marion Domers, PhD., a 30 year veteran in geriatric care and former activities director.

Dr Marion, as she is called, said two, “hugely successful” programs she initiated as activities director involved bringing in students to interact directly with the residents, She first brought in kindergarten students, taking time to first introduce and sensitize the children to walkers and wheelchairs in their familiar school setting prior to the meeting the residents. She worked on songs that the children could sing to the residents and that the two groups could work on together. Foreign language-speaking high school students were also brought into the mix to converse with foreign residents.

“The program lasted ten sessions, but it was so successful that the students kept coming back after the sessions were over. The students enjoyed the experience and the residents felt needed and appreciated,” Dr Marion said.

The Village at Penn State also has raised the bar for senior housing. Nestled next to Penn State University, residents are encouraged to stay involved in the community and even become part of the University system by enrolling in courses on campus (some free of charge), attending University-sponsored cultural evens and sporting activities, and volunteering in foster grand parenting and teaching classes.

Lux said intern programs, such as the one offered by The Village at Penn State are a valuable and cost-effective way to boost activity offerings in assisted living.
Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue, a Sunrise Senior Living community in Washington DC, promotes resident learning and group interaction with its book club and lecture series, which covers a range of topics, from Jewish literature to the Korean War.

“Those with poor eyesight receive the book on CD or tape, so no one is excluded if they show an interest,” said Alyssa Caroselli, the community’s activities and volunteer coordinator. “We recognize that residents are very intellectual and still want to learn, regardless of their age [or condition].”

GROWING GRACEFULLY

Tapping into nature is another way to get residents involved. In addition to hosting nature walks, photography outings and bird watching expeditions, some communities are planting the seeds of resident involvement with gardening clubs.

Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue, for example, introduced its gardening club last year--a program that has quickly become a resident favorite. In spring, residents are taken to a local nursery to select herbs, vegetables and flowers, which they then plant in raised beds on the property. When harvested, the fruits of their labor are served up in the kitchen and during social events.

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