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Time is a valuable gift that fits one and all

December 04, 2011 9:55:58 AM by Administrator Account

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By Joan M. Woods

For most of us, the holidays are times of family and cultural traditions. Each year many look forward to the familiarity of celebrated pastimes such as decorating the Christmas tree or ringing in the New Year. The rituals we become accustomed to become part of who we are. For those living in nursing homes, those traditions are no less important. A big part of what helps an environment feel more like home is not just what it looks like, but what goes on there, and never more so than during the holidays.

    Nursing home activity directors are trained to have a heightened awareness of the various traditions of nursing home residents and offer varied events aimed at making everyone feel at home. Activities personnel look to families to communicate what’s important to their loved one so that they can instill their traditions into the facility’s holiday events. For those unfamiliar with the traditions of a different ethnicity or religion, the activities provide a learning and a bonding experience.
   So what can you expect if your loved one is facing the holidays in a skilled nursing facility for the first time? Most facilities host holiday dinners that bring residents and their families and staff together. Some operators take it a step further. For example, at Grand Islander in Middletown, residents make the Thanksgiving feast. There’s nothing more traditional than preparing a holiday meal, and sharing menus and kitchen duties is a great way to build holiday spirit.
   Westerly Health Center plans a traditional Italian feast of seven fishes for their large population of Italian residents. On the Monday after Thanksgiv-ing, residents at Hopkins Manor help to decorate the Christmas tree while Kent Regency in Warwick engages all the residents in a friendly gingerbread house competition. Taking part in activities such as those help residents to alleviate the isolation often felt during this time of year.
   And what can you do? Trips away from the facility to celebrate Hanukkah, see Christmas lights or simply go home for a visit are worth their weight in gold. Just be sure to know what your loved one prefers and what’s physically possible for them. If you plan to take out a relative or friend out, let the nurses know so they can make any necessary preparations such as getting medications ready to go.
   And remember, you can never visit too much. Even if you don’t have family or friends in a skilled nursing home, don’t let that stop you; volunteers are always welcome.
   One of the best gifts you can give this year is time. Please help those residing in our skilled nursing centers enjoy the holidays. Stop in and spread some cheer.
   Have a wonderful holiday season.

   Joan M. Woods is chair of the Rhode Island Health Care Association (RIHCA), a nonprofit association comprised of about two-thirds of the state’s skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities. She is also executive administrator of the Genesis HealthCare Grand Islander Center in Middletown. She can be reached at (401) 849-7100 or joan.woods@genesishcc.com.

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