Activity calendars. They suggest that a long-term-care community is providing life enrichment opportunities that meet the needs of the residents. But they never tell the whole story.
For example, perhaps ten percent, at best, of the residents will attend a bus outing or field trip. What’s occuring with the other 90%?
Recently, I roved the hallways and dining rooms with my Emilou puppet to see what opportunities awaited. What I found were several lonely, unengaged, low-functioning elders who were hungry for a personal touch, though many were unable to voice it.
One exception was “Leo” who caught my attention as he sat in his wheelchair watching the staff whisk by, back and forth, me included. He had suddenly begun waving his arms, mimicking the comings and goings of those who appeared too busy to notice him otherwise.
“Why won’t somebody come my way?” he asked as I moved toward him.
“Well, why don’t you come along with me?” I invited. “I know just what you’re talking about. And I have a song I’d like to sing just for you.”
Immediately he scooted himself along, following me to the piano.
“You’re running here, running there, you’re just running everywhere, when all I’ve got is time,” I sang as he nodded his head.
I then sang several more songs, inserting his name for a personal touch.
“Thank you, thank you,” he beamed.
That was just the beginning. I later found myself giving personal concerts and/or hugs to those who lay on their beds, those who sat alone at tables, those who appeared unresponsive; yet whose slightest nod, half-smile, or hand-squeeze affirmed their personhood and level of awareness.
Some had already retreated into their own world of activities. One gentleman was busy “tending to his cattle” as he lay in his bed.
Another gentleman thought he had just received a delectable treat as the charge nurse handed him a dietary shake.
“I’m sittin’ good,” he declared as I lowered my body to look into his eyes and shake his hand. “You and I will have to go load up a mule,” he added with a delighted grin.
Kareen King is a Registered Drama Therapist and founder of The Golden Experience, offering keynotes, concerts, and workshops to enrich lives in long-term care. For booking information, contact her at kking@thegoldenexperience.com.
Kareen King is a Registered Drama Therapist and founder of The Golden Experience™, offering keynotes, concerts, and workshops to enrich lives in long-term care. For booking information, contact her at kking@thegoldenexperience.com or visit www.thegoldenexperience.com. You may also signup for our newsletter and receive a free download.
