Nursing Home News -- February 2009

VOLUNTEER TRAINING SESSION

“Moving from the old TLC (tender, loving, care) to the new TLC (talking, listening, compassion)”

 

Tuesday, February 17^th at 6:30 pm at Barr Systems/Friends Across the Ages Office (http://www.acrosstheages.org/directions.asp).

 

Board Member and Park Meadows Coordinator, Vi Asmuth, Ph.D., will be sharing her expertise in volunteering and interpersonal communications to shed light on ways to improve the relationship with your nursing home residents.   New and experienced volunteers are welcome, and pizza will be served.   This will be a wonderful time to meet your fellow Friends Across the Ages supporters and learn how you can continue to make a difference.

 

Please RSVP to info@acrosstheages.org if you plan on attending.

 

SPRING 2009 ONE-ON-ONE VISITATION SCHEDULE

This spring, as in the past, we have different groups of volunteers who will be meeting on a weekly basis.  The initial commitment for one-to-one volunteers is 12 weekly visits of one hour each.  During this time you will meet different residents and eventually settle with one or two who will be your “Friend Across the Ages.”  If you are interested in joining any of these groups, please contact us at info@acrosstheages.org for more information.

v     Sundays, 1:30 pm: One-to-One Visits.  Coordinators: Steve and Allison Blay.  Location: Parklands.  Volunteers meet for about 15 minutes at the beginning for community building and sharing before fanning out to visit their various individual residents.

v     Mondays, 7-8:30 pm: Volunteer Sharing and One-to-One Visits.  Coordinator: Jean Lansford.  Location: Signature Health Care.  Volunteers meet for about 15 minutes at the beginning for community building and sharing before fanning out to visit their various individual residents.

v     Tuesdays, 10:30-12noon: One-to-One Visits and “Coffee Club.” Coordinator: Dianne Walsh.  Location: Palm Garden.  This group begins each week with individual visits with residents.  Then volunteers and some residents meet for the last half hour or so for coffee, sweets and sharing.

v     Thursdays, 1:30 pm: Volunteer Sharing and One-to-One Visits.  Coordinator: Vi Asmuth.  Location: Park Meadows.  Volunteers meet for about 15 minutes at the beginning for community building and sharing before fanning out to visit their various individual residents.

NURSING HOME UPCOMING EVENTS

Thursday, February 5^th and Thursday, February 19th, 3:30 pm – “Storytellers Society” at Parklands- These group gatherings are a wonderful way to share, reminisce and truly get to know the residents at Parklands Nursing and Rehab.

Thursday, February 12^th, 2:30 pm- Reaction Reading at Park Meadows – Lead by board member Vi Asmuth, Ph.D. residents are invited to participate in choral reading of poetry.  The group reacts with active participation, knowledge, opinions, feelings, and imagination.  Vi did a study monitoring the results of this small group program in nursing homes in the Fort Myers/Cape Coral area. One facility liked the program so much that she continued leading groups there for five years.  If you find this concept interesting, you are welcome to come out to participate.  This event is usually held on the second Friday of each month.

Thursday, February 12^th, 3:30 pm, Steve’s Casino at Parklands – A monthly event at Parklands Nursing and Rehab – By popular demand, Steve comes the second Thursday of each month to deal blackjack for the residents (who play for prizes).  He can always use some extra dealers, so let us know if you’d like to come join the fun!

Tuesday, February 17^th, 6:30 pm, Volunteer Training Session at Barr Systems- Please read the top of this newsletter for more information.

Thursday, February 26^th at 2:30 pm- Birthday Celebration at Parklands- Help us wish a happy birthday to all residents of Parklands Nursing and Rehab with birthdays in February. Meet us in the dining room where we will have singing and cake. Volunteers are needed to help gather the residents together, serve the cake, sing, clean up, etc.  Do you play an instrument or have some other talent?  We are always looking for new entertainment for the party – let us know! 

MORE INFORMATION

Please check above to find out the nursing home at which an event will be held.  Directions to all the nursing homes can be found at:

http://www.acrosstheages.org/directions.asp

All events are open to everyone (children are welcome at most events, please inquire).  Please contact us and let us know what events you will be attending so our coordinators can be on the lookout for you.   Please call 381-1117 or e-mail us at info@acrosstheages.org for more information.