by 11 people |
The elderly that live in nursing homes need your help. This lens is on how you can help.
You are running to cure breast cancer, heart disease, diabetes and you run and run to try to live this longer life but think about this, have you ever thought what in the jeebers are you going to do once you get there?
That is why this lens is so important to me. Out of all the health care worker shortages, such as in hospitals, nursing homes have the biggest most wide spread shortages there are. We are lacking everything from CNA's to Nurses and even Gerontologists. We need help in many forms! Not just volunteering but in donations and we need more people working in the industry as well. Below are some ways to volunteer but I am not asking you to stop there, I am asking you to speak out about medicare and donate to your local nursing homes as well.OH!!!And please,if you get the chance to,please veiw my sons lens,his URL is www.squidoo.com/spacekid.thanks!
This just in. The elderly women voting for president.
Who are they supporting and why?
Yep! You guessed it. Hillary Clinton is getting huge support from our pre-radification born women. Apparantly women who were born before the 19th amendmant in 1920 are travleing hundreds of miles to see Senetor Clinton. Some of them even rushing her to hurry up and make office before they leave this world. One woman was quoted as saying after Hillary told her to wait until her re-election "Well, I just got a new pacemaker. It's good for another 7 years."
See the whole story here: www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21984074
See the whole story here: www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21984074
So? What can I do?
I have absolutly nothing in common with old people!
Are you sure about that? You may surprise yourself. In any case you don't need to relate in all ways. There are several things that you can do to pitch in. Below I have listed those ways and I will tell you how to do it to. This is not going to take all of your time. You can spend as much time on it as you wish but be careful making commitments that you know you cannot keep.
- Befriending your senior citizen:
-Ask questions about their interests
-Tell them about your interests
-Teach them something new(remember to be patient,the learning process slows with age but they are very capable of learning)
-Learn something new from them
-Learn something new with them
-Bring them a plant and check in often to help take care of it
-Play a game with them: Eldersong.com has good games. The conversation cards are really good.
-Take them outside on the porch with a cold beverage if it is hot
-Send "thinking of you" cards to them at least once a week
-Make them a quilt or crotchet a blanket for them and if you can't, use your talents to give them something else like singing or painting or use your sense of humor.
-Ask them if there is anything you can do to make them more comfortable
-HUG THEM AND TELL THEM THAT YOU LOVE THEM EVERY TIME YOU SEE THEM!(words of wisdom from The people of the "Quality of Life Elder Care" lens. Thank you. ;) See their link at the bottom of the page)
-Last but not least, go home knowing that YOU made a difference today. - Discussions:
-Other things you can do are to talk to them about scams. Especially if they are on the internet. Tell them to never purchase anything over the phone or on the internet. Let them know that there are bad people out there who prey on them because they know how nice and trusting they are. Make sure they know not to give a credit card number over the phone or on the internet either.
- Offer to read them the news paper and then have a discussion about current events. - Volunteering for events:
-Nursing Homes have activity programs for their residents. Every few months or so they will throw some sort of event like a party , Ho-Down or a community garage sale. This is really where they will need your help and they only do it every once in a while so if you want to help but you do not have a whole lot of extra time then this may be for you. Things you may be asked to do are:
-Serve Food and Drinks
-Run an ice cream stand
-Help set up
-Call out bingo
and others.
Also, you may be able to bring your children to some of these events. This could be a family affair showing your children how to help out there community and it has been said that interaction with children helps to stimulate the brains of older adults and in some cases may even slow down the Alzheimer's process. The possibilities are endless. - Your knowledge and talents:
Everybody has a talent no matter who they are. Use it to entertain. I am not talking about just singing and dancing. You can contribute in this way by using your knowledge as well. If you are a student and you find that you are particularly good at a subject that you feel is interesting then share that with the residents. I know of one volunteer that took international studies in college and she would come and speak on that subject. It was a very good way to exercise their brain which is very healthy for them.
*NEW* Great idea to help the elderly!
I have this great idea on how you can help the elderly in nursing homes and have fun at the same time and I will tell you about how I got it.
I went to this wonderful school to become a Certified Nursing Assistant at a nursing home called River Garden Hebrew Home! These people are so fantastic! You are really trained to go that extra mile and learn how to be a superb C.N.A.
One of the many things that I was taught about care is that you must pay attention to detail. It's the little things that can promote quality of life in your residents and one of those things are accessories. River Garden pays very close attention to the way these residents look and one of the things that are stressed is to make sure that they are wearing accessories with their outfits to give a complete look. Now of course they have a choice and if they do not like them then they do not have to wear them but most of them do. You can tell that they feel very good about themselves when they are dressed the way they like.
Beading is a wonderful hobby that is easy to do in your spare time. Making necklaces and donating them to nursing homes would be a tremendous help for boosting their self esteem. They would be so thrilled by this to. So if you like this idea and are planning to do this or have thought of something else creative, drop me an e-mail and I will put your idea on this site. Happy Beading! :)
-Carmen
I went to this wonderful school to become a Certified Nursing Assistant at a nursing home called River Garden Hebrew Home! These people are so fantastic! You are really trained to go that extra mile and learn how to be a superb C.N.A.
One of the many things that I was taught about care is that you must pay attention to detail. It's the little things that can promote quality of life in your residents and one of those things are accessories. River Garden pays very close attention to the way these residents look and one of the things that are stressed is to make sure that they are wearing accessories with their outfits to give a complete look. Now of course they have a choice and if they do not like them then they do not have to wear them but most of them do. You can tell that they feel very good about themselves when they are dressed the way they like.
Beading is a wonderful hobby that is easy to do in your spare time. Making necklaces and donating them to nursing homes would be a tremendous help for boosting their self esteem. They would be so thrilled by this to. So if you like this idea and are planning to do this or have thought of something else creative, drop me an e-mail and I will put your idea on this site. Happy Beading! :)
-Carmen
Myths about elderly people.
These are some things that people often think of when they think of the elderly. These are not true, in fact once you get involved, you will be very surprised at what you may see and learn.
- -They do not like to have fun
-They are not attractive
-Most of them are in nursing homes
-They all use canes and walkers and a scooter ex...
-They urinate all over themselves
-They will not accept change
-They are all cranky
-They are all forgetful
-They can no longer learn anything
-Medicare pays for all their needs
Whats the big deal? How can they benefit from me? How do I do this?
When a person is admitted into a nursing home, they experience many losses. Not only is their independence, freedom, and family gone, they also feel a loss of control of their lives, dignity, and the interruption in daily routines can be emotionally tormenting. They also feel extreme boredom. Family, for a lot of them, never come to visit. Most of them would be very accepting of you and would be glad and appreciative of the time you spend with them. So to get started you can find a nursing home near you and talk to the Activities Director and ask them if there is anyone in particular that could use the companionship. Also ask for ways that you can volunteer. I think that you will have to fill out an application and they may do a background check on you. In any case, it is worth it because doing this is very rewarding, relaxing and fun.
Now that you have found your new companion....
Burn a cd for them from Itunes or napster. They may like the suggestions below but also you will want to ask them what there favorite songs are. Boy what a surprise it will be when you present a cd with all there favorite songs on there that they can listen too anytime they want. Listen and sing along with them too. You may have to bring your own cd player. A lot of times they do not own one.
- -"You'll never know" by Frank Sinatra
-"Swinging on a star" by Bing Crosby
-"It might as well be spring" by Dick Haynes
-"Buttons and Bows" by Gene Autry
-"Thats all" by Mel Torme
Things to Talk about
Famous Events
1918-WW1 Ends1920-Women get right to vote
1922-First woman Senator W. H. Felton of Georgia
1923-Construction begins on the Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York
1926-First talking picture show "Don Juan" is released.
1929-"The Great Depression"
1932-Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected President
1932-Amelia Earhart-first woman to fly across the Atlantic
1933- Hitler rises to power
1936-The first artificial heart
1937-THe first animated feature film is released by Disney-"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"
1938- "War of the Worlds"
1939-WWII begins in europe
1941- Pearl Harbor is attacked
1942-The rationing of food begins with sugar
1944- "D-Day" the invasion of Normandy
1945- THe Atomic Bomb is used against Hiroshima, Japan
1945-Roosevelt Dies
1947-Jackie Robinson is the first black baseball player in the major leagues by joining the Brooklyn Dodgers
1947-Howdy Doody broadcasts on NBC
1948-The Cold War begins
1948-Religous Education in public schools is declared a violation of the 1st ammendment by the sup
1950-The Korean War
1950-Color T.V.
1954-Elvis Signs up with Sun Records
1955-The Polio Vaccine
1955-Comic Books, Blue Jeans and Rock and Roll
Famous Elderly Women
Katherine Hepburn- 100???Estee Lauder- 97
Betty Ford-89
Zsa Zsa Gabor-88
Lauran Bacall-83
Barbra Bush-82
Queen Elizabeth-81
Nancy Reagan-80
Gloria Vanderbelt-80
Shirley Temple-79
Famous elderly men
Art Linkletter-94Kevin McCarthy-93
Kirk Dougles-90
Oral Roberts-89
Mike Wallace-88
Billy Graham-88
Andy Rooney-88
Micky Rooney-86
Henry Heimlich-87 (The Heimlich Maneuver)
Game Suggestions. I like the conversation cards.
- Eldersong
- eldersong, activity director, activity coordinator, dementia activities, activity professional, nursing home activities, geriatric activities, activities, activities for elderly, recreation
- Games for seniors
- SENIORSTORE.COM has games for seniors, games for the elderly, large piece puzzles, large print puzzles, jigsaw puzzles with large pieces, low vision games, large print cards, low vision cards, trivia books, puzzle books for seniors, activity books for seniors.
Suggested Movies
Cocoon
Amazon Price: $9.98 (as of 12/20/2009) 
Cocoon - The Return
Amazon Price: $9.98 (as of 12/20/2009)
The Notebook (New Line Platinum Series)
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/20/2009)
It's a Wonderful Life (60th Anniversary Edition)
Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 12/20/2009)
The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition)
Amazon Price: $11.49 (as of 12/20/2009)
Don't be shy! Let me know what you think.
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- TerriLorah TerriLorah Sep 4, 2008 @ 5:53 pm
- This is a very interesting lens full of great ideas. I work in long term care and some of your thoughts on elderly are to the point. I enjoyed reading this.
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Reply
- Aug 27, 2008 @ 1:50 am
- So interesting and informative lens, thanks! FIVE STAR By me.
If you have some time, Please take a review to my student loans blog
lens.
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Reply
- Aug 14, 2008 @ 3:01 am
- Your lens is beautiful. It is so informative and good message to everyone. I like it.
Checkout my nursing home blog
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Reply
- the-secret the-secret Mar 24, 2008 @ 3:44 pm
- Hi,
I love your lens. Great ideas for the elderly! My grandmother will soon be celebrating her 100th birthday. She lives in a very nice nursing home in the same town as my mom, who will soon be 82 and lives in her own home. My mom teases that not much has changed over the years, she still doesn't want to go live with her mom. :)
Caregiver Carrie
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Reply
- SonjaHelga SonjaHelga Feb 17, 2008 @ 6:47 am
- I visit the seniors twice a week in a home with my Therapy Dog, Nikki. There is never any worry about what to talk about. Just always ask them about their life, their family, their pets...and the conversation flows!
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Links
- Adopting Bee ... conversations with an Elder Spiritual Spelunker, a book by Kelsey Collins and Bee Landis
- a book byKelsey Collins and Bee LandisFOREWARD%uFFFD
photo by Forrest BabcockWhen I learned nine years ago that Bee Landis was alive and well, and living at the Sierra Country Club, an assisted living complex, in Bishop, California, I was stunned and delighted, and I couldn%uFFFDt wait to drive the forty - Children in the Nursing Home
- Check out this story of a mother trying to regain some sanity by taking her children to a nursing home and then find out about something AMAZING that happens during their visits!
- My Church...St. Augistine Road Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida
- Let me tell you how cool this Church is. If you come by yourself, lots of people are gonna ask who you are. THey talk to you they ask you to sit with them. You will never feel alone here. I am telling you this is the friendliest church in Jacksonville, Florida. I love the Lord and if you do to, come visit. Ask where Carmen is and you can sit with me! :)
Just when you thought the elderly were'nt cool!
No, we don't expect the vast majority of elderly folks kickin' it in a retirement home to honestly show any interest in video games (right?), but apparently, the Wii's at least making some minor strides in getting the geriatric set up and active with virtual sports. While we assume those suffering from lingering hip injuries are apt to join the (admittedly quiet) cheerleading section, a group of athletic 70-somethings from Sedgebrook retirement community are "hooked on Wii Sports," with bowling being the unanimous favorite. The response has been so positive that the locale is actually cranking up a 20-person tournament for an undisclosed reward, and while the residents have often commented about how "realistic" the Wiimote was in tossing the ball, the community actually has a fan for folks to dry their hands off before rolling a strike -- which is probably a smart move considering the potentially fatal injuries that could occur from slippage. Still, an isolated incident of fun-lovin' grandparents getting their game on isn't apt to convince us that the next big gaming market is in retirees, and honestly, how many elderly folks rushed out to snag a Wii for the grandchild, and ended up keeping it for themselves?[Via DailyTech, thanks Randall B]
I wonder what Dr. William H. Thomas would think about this one?
Researchers Test Robotic Dog As Companion for Nursing Home Residents
What's Next? The Stepford Pets?
http://www.MyFloridaPharmacy.com
April 27, 2006
Hollywood has made two films about the men of Stepford, who replaced their wives with robots.
Sound far fetched? Recent research may be enough to make the family dog a little nervous, because geriatricians are trying to find out whether a robot dog can provide just as much company to the elderly as a real pooch.
"Some people believe nursing home residents can get attached to this mechanic animal, and wouldn't it be wonderful not to have the fuss and muss of a living dog," said William A. Banks, M.D., professor of geriatric medicine at Saint Louis University.
Banks and his wife Marian Banks, who is a nurse and adjunct instructor in geriatrics at Saint Louis University, are comparing how residents interact with both the robotic dog and their real dog, Sparky.
Marian Banks is visiting nursing homes around the St. Louis area for animal-assisted therapy sessions with Sparky. The same nursing home residents who see Sparky also spend time with the Japanese robotic pet, Aibo.
"You could say that Saint Louis University is pioneering the use of mechanical dogs in nursing homes," says John Morley, M.D., director of the division of geriatric medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and the medical director of NHC Healthcare Maryland Heights, a study site.
"This little robotic dog could turn out to be a great companion for elderly people who have difficulty taking a real dog for walks or who can't have a pet where they live."
What's Next? The Stepford Pets?
http://www.MyFloridaPharmacy.com
April 27, 2006
Hollywood has made two films about the men of Stepford, who replaced their wives with robots.
Sound far fetched? Recent research may be enough to make the family dog a little nervous, because geriatricians are trying to find out whether a robot dog can provide just as much company to the elderly as a real pooch.
"Some people believe nursing home residents can get attached to this mechanic animal, and wouldn't it be wonderful not to have the fuss and muss of a living dog," said William A. Banks, M.D., professor of geriatric medicine at Saint Louis University.
Banks and his wife Marian Banks, who is a nurse and adjunct instructor in geriatrics at Saint Louis University, are comparing how residents interact with both the robotic dog and their real dog, Sparky.
Marian Banks is visiting nursing homes around the St. Louis area for animal-assisted therapy sessions with Sparky. The same nursing home residents who see Sparky also spend time with the Japanese robotic pet, Aibo.
"You could say that Saint Louis University is pioneering the use of mechanical dogs in nursing homes," says John Morley, M.D., director of the division of geriatric medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and the medical director of NHC Healthcare Maryland Heights, a study site.
"This little robotic dog could turn out to be a great companion for elderly people who have difficulty taking a real dog for walks or who can't have a pet where they live."
Did you know?
- In China, elderly people over 60 are given Long Noodles on their birthday in order to symbolize a long life. In addition these noodles can not be cut, otherwise, it symbolizes something else.
-Japan celebrate their elderly on September 15. The Holiday is called "Keiro no Hi" meaning, "Respect for the aged day." Sometimes they are given handmade gifts made by children on this day.
-Carmen Jones
-Japan celebrate their elderly on September 15. The Holiday is called "Keiro no Hi" meaning, "Respect for the aged day." Sometimes they are given handmade gifts made by children on this day.
-Carmen Jones
"Nursing Home Volunteers" Honorable Mention
Drumroll.......
COOL PEOPLE CARE!!!! I really like this lens because it tells you how to make a difference in just minuets a day. Life can be hard and hectic but with ideas from this lens and their web page you really can make a difference and have your busy life style too. What a great org!
- Cool People Care
- NHV gives this lens 5 stars!!!!
- Vintage jewelry for sale to help the dogs of the elderly
- Chic2vintage! She sells Vintage jewelry (Which is hot right now!)to help pay for the vet bills of the elderlys pets when they can not afford it. What a great idea!
- Loving Paws And Kisses - Dogs Go Visiting The Elderly
- Nursing Home Volunteers thinks SonjaHelga is Awesome!!!
We love people and animals like you!
Nursing Home Volunteers Personal Stories from our readers.
Let me post yours on this site. Click on the contact me section and send me an e-mail.
"My mother and father were moved into a home, located next to our apt.complex. I walk over there with my dogs every other day. My mother to this day is wondering why the Lord has not taken her, dad went last year.
Sometimes they just want someone to listen to them, pet the dogs. They need someone to care, since they feel they are put away and out of the way. They have a lot of history with some wonderful stories. When mom passes aways I will continue to visit. They have become part of my family now. I have found many in need of comfort do not get a glimmer in their eyes until they see a pet, which always brings back those precious memories.
I have your lens bookmarked. God Bless. Joe"
--Joseph G.
"We commend you Joseph for already making an obligation to continue to make a difference in the lives of the elderly. You have given great advice. The residents of that home are so lucky to have been blessed by you. Continue the good work."
-Carmen
Owner of NHV
Sometimes they just want someone to listen to them, pet the dogs. They need someone to care, since they feel they are put away and out of the way. They have a lot of history with some wonderful stories. When mom passes aways I will continue to visit. They have become part of my family now. I have found many in need of comfort do not get a glimmer in their eyes until they see a pet, which always brings back those precious memories.
I have your lens bookmarked. God Bless. Joe"
--Joseph G.
"We commend you Joseph for already making an obligation to continue to make a difference in the lives of the elderly. You have given great advice. The residents of that home are so lucky to have been blessed by you. Continue the good work."
-Carmen
Owner of NHV
by Carmen1
I DID IT. I passed CNA school!
This lens is all about taking care of and loving and respecting our elderly.
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