Senior care facilities house a significant portion of our nation’s older adults, and they offer far more than shelter and meals. These communities aim to provide belonging, support, relationships, and purpose. Long-term care should prioritize creating an uplifting, meaningful environment for residents. While staff and professional caregivers deliver vital services and enrichment, many exceptional experiences come from volunteers and local community members. As noted in Stories of Care, “Every day, long-term care residents, caregivers, family members, and community members are doing extraordinary things.”
One inspiring example is Dream Flights, a nonprofit that honors veterans by giving them the chance to fly again in Boeing Stearman biplanes—the same type of aircraft many of these veterans flew during their service. These flights help veterans reconnect with their younger selves and bring joy and meaningful memories to their lives.
In Lilburn, Atlanta, residents of a local long-term care facility received free tickets to the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s winter display. This outing was the first for many residents in nearly two years after pandemic restrictions, allowing them to enjoy the lights and feel the holiday spirit thanks to a generous community member.
In Nashville, a group of teenagers organized a music ensemble to entertain seniors. Featuring violins, cellos, and other instruments, the youth perform a mix of contemporary and older tunes so residents can listen, recognize familiar songs, and reminisce.
In Maryland, local firefighters “adopted” 70 residents at a skilled nursing facility. They delivered warm blankets and brought smiles by visiting residents’ windows with the firetruck ladder, creating memorable moments and brief, joyful interactions.
In western New York, the owner of a floral design company launched a program to brighten long-term care facilities. By collecting donations and spending extra time arranging flowers, she decorates common areas in ten local facilities. As she says, “I really like to give back to the community. I like to bring sunshine to those that need it.”
These stories represent only a fraction of what caregivers, community volunteers, and local organizations do to enrich the lives of residents and patients in care facilities. Other special events include a Mardi Gras parade, a local animal shelter sending painted paw-print valentines from shelter animals, a dog show, a volunteer-created winter wonderland, and many additional creative activities that lift spirits.
Witnessing these above-and-beyond efforts highlights the compassion present in communities across the country, especially significant amid ongoing challenges and the pandemic’s lingering effects. Volunteers and community members create moments of meaning, purpose, and joy for seniors every day. Long-term care facilities welcome new ideas and volunteers; if you’re interested in helping, reach out to your local senior home to learn how you can contribute.
Sources: Provider Magazine — Stories of Care
https://www.providermagazine.com/Topics/Stories-of-Care/Pages/Stories-of-Care-March-16-2022.aspx
https://www.providermagazine.com/Topics/Stories-of-Care/Pages/Stories-of-Care-March-1-2022.aspx
https://www.providermagazine.com/Topics/Stories-of-Care/Pages/Stories-of-Care-Feb-15-2022.aspx
https://www.providermagazine.com/Topics/Stories-of-Care/Pages/Stories-of-Care-Jan-25-2022.aspx
https://www.providermagazine.com/Topics/Stories-of-Care/Pages/Stories-of-Care-Jan-11-2022.aspx