Wednesday, October 14, 2009
"Grandparent's Day" Enjoyed By Many at Old Main Village
Jackie Lupkes
Director of Life Enrichment
Old Main Village
Minnesota
"Centennial Celebation" at Royal Palms
August 3rd at Royal was vibrating with excitement as we prepared for a
“Centennial Celebration.”
Not only are we blessed to have Colonel Ed. Stansbury turn 103 on July 18th, but we have Helen McEldowney turning 100 on August 27th and Ruth Hagan 100 on August 31st. We began their celebration with a professional videographer doing a private interview with each one of them. Then we moved to the Birthday Cake in the lobby with the three youngsters having their pictures taken. From there it is off to the Theater for more celebration.
The program began with a special rendition of Happy Birthday being sung by: Dee, Jim, Faye and Daphne. After a brief welcome by Dee the program moved to Jim singing a favorite song chosen by each of the birthday residents. Colonel’s song was God Bless the USA, Helen’s song was How Great Thou Art and Ruth’s song was New York, New York.
Next on the agenda was a close friend of Colonel’s, Dale Kelley sharing his thoughts about the Colonel, and Daphne wishing all 3 residents’ a special birthday.
Helen McEldowney’s daughter Margaret Rose had written her memories of her Mother and Dee shared her article for her.
Ruth Hagan’s niece, Barbara Molter shared memories about Ruth which was written by her daughter, Karen.
The ladies were each presented with a rose corsage and Colonel was presented with a red rose boutonnière. They have begun a Centurion Club w/ Colonel as the President, Ruth as Vice President, and Helen as the Secretary/Treasure. They are now soliciting for more members. We are fortunate to have these 3 individuals all in the Royal building.
The program began with a special rendition of Happy Birthday being sung by: Dee, Jim, Faye and Daphne. After a brief welcome by Dee the program moved to Jim singing a favorite song chosen by each of the birthday residents. Colonel’s song was God Bless the USA, Helen’s song was How Great Thou Art and Ruth’s song was New York, New York.
Next on the agenda was a close friend of Colonel’s, Dale Kelley sharing his thoughts about the Colonel, and Daphne wishing all 3 residents’ a special birthday.
Helen McEldowney’s daughter Margaret Rose had written her memories of her Mother and Dee shared her article for her.
Ruth Hagan’s niece, Barbara Molter shared memories about Ruth which was written by her daughter, Karen.
The ladies were each presented with a rose corsage and Colonel was presented with a red rose boutonnière. They have begun a Centurion Club w/ Colonel as the President, Ruth as Vice President, and Helen as the Secretary/Treasure. They are now soliciting for more members. We are fortunate to have these 3 individuals all in the Royal building.
Dee Ragan
Director of Life Enrichment
Royal Palms
Florida
"Symphony" a HUGE Success at West Hills Village
West Hills Village was asked to host a concert by the Pacific Crest Wind Symphony who had been given a grant to get music out to people who could not get to music. We hosted a pre-concert dinner for our residents and their families and invited the surrounding community to join everyone in the main parking lot afterwards for dessert (gelato, melon ice, and Italian sodas…yum!). During dessert people could enjoy entertainment provided by a local woman who teaches hula-hooping and a variety of vendor booths. Our Multnomah Days King and Queen were crowned just prior to the beginning of the concert and then for over an hour we were overwhelmed by beautiful music. Everyone had a fabulous time!
Holli Wronski
Director of Life Enrichment
West Hills Village
Holli Wronski
Director of Life Enrichment
West Hills Village
Oregon
"Sturgis" Comes to The Village Campus.
The Village Senior Residence and The Village Health Care hosted their 2nd annual Mini-Sturgis in July. The Blue Collar Band – an awesome local band that we had last year – came back to play for us. We had 20+ bikers from 3 different motorcycle clubs, and 600 residents, family members and employees at this year’s event. We served lunch outside on one of the Village Health Care’s wonderful patios. We had some square dancers dance for us and after lunch the bikers started giving rides to anyone who wanted one. We had two bikes with side cars this year and a tri-motorcycle (a bike with 3 tires). Quite a few residents were ready and waiting to take rides and others waited to see if the first people taking rides would survive the ride (which they did J) and other residents just a good time watching everyone. The residents and their families had a great time and this year it was only 90 –some degrees (as compared to the 100+ degree we had last year!). It was a great success and we all are looking forward to next year!
Katie Knudsen
Director of Life Enrichment
Director of Life Enrichment
Village Senior
Montana
"1946 Radio Show" at Terracina Grand
I always like to do a Talent Show every year, and this year we made it into a 1946 Radio Show---what a hit!!! I had one lady who has lived here for over 4 years that it was her favorite show we’ve ever done.
So you can see from the pictures, we re-acted it out just like the old radio shows. This guy I met, Robert, and I co-hosted the show (he worked on cruise ships and such for years, and is now focusing on senior comedy type things)…
The residents and staff had tons of talent to share! LaShonda did a great job bringing in the folks from the memory units (we had 4 ladies do a song with the bell choir, one man sang with Lashonda and another resident did the jig), then we had many other things from the AL and IL folks, like singing, piano playing, knock-knock jokes, and a skit, plus we had commercials and sound effects, just like they used to do!
What a great event-so wanted to share!
Sandy Steinbach
So you can see from the pictures, we re-acted it out just like the old radio shows. This guy I met, Robert, and I co-hosted the show (he worked on cruise ships and such for years, and is now focusing on senior comedy type things)…
The residents and staff had tons of talent to share! LaShonda did a great job bringing in the folks from the memory units (we had 4 ladies do a song with the bell choir, one man sang with Lashonda and another resident did the jig), then we had many other things from the AL and IL folks, like singing, piano playing, knock-knock jokes, and a skit, plus we had commercials and sound effects, just like they used to do!
What a great event-so wanted to share!
Sandy Steinbach
Director of Life Enrichment
Terracina Grand
Florida
Monday, August 3, 2009
Coming Soon...
I am excited to announce two excellent Life Enrichment resources coming your way in August of 2009.
1) Treasures of the Heart Music Program-this multi-sensory music program, designed specifically for The Goodman Group, includes 70+ of your resident's favorite songs! Questions have been designed, at multiple levels, that will provide residents with the opportunity to successfully reminisce favorite memories. Included will be: facilitators manual including directions and suggested adaptations, 13 theme program outlines, 4 Cd's, 1 DVD, and song books. A Conference Call previewing this program will be provided (TBD)
2) Valiant Veterans Activity Resource Guide-In need of new Veteran's Club activity ideas? This resource will share successful Veteran's Club activities and events that have taken place in each of the Goodman Group communities and will include an detail on each activity and/or event.
1) Treasures of the Heart Music Program-this multi-sensory music program, designed specifically for The Goodman Group, includes 70+ of your resident's favorite songs! Questions have been designed, at multiple levels, that will provide residents with the opportunity to successfully reminisce favorite memories. Included will be: facilitators manual including directions and suggested adaptations, 13 theme program outlines, 4 Cd's, 1 DVD, and song books. A Conference Call previewing this program will be provided (TBD)
2) Valiant Veterans Activity Resource Guide-In need of new Veteran's Club activity ideas? This resource will share successful Veteran's Club activities and events that have taken place in each of the Goodman Group communities and will include an detail on each activity and/or event.
National Assisted Living Week: September 13th-19th
National Assisted Living Week is right around the corner!
Let the planning begin...
Theme: Traditions of the Heart
Date: September 13th-19th 2009
Activity Theme Ideas Include:
* Traditional Fun and Games
* Musical Traditions
* Tradition of Working with Your Hands
* Recording History and Tradition
* A Generation of Traditional Classics
* Culinary Traditions
For a complete planning guide, and for more information on the theme ideas listed above go to:
www.ncal.org
Let the planning begin...
Theme: Traditions of the Heart
Date: September 13th-19th 2009
Activity Theme Ideas Include:
* Traditional Fun and Games
* Musical Traditions
* Tradition of Working with Your Hands
* Recording History and Tradition
* A Generation of Traditional Classics
* Culinary Traditions
For a complete planning guide, and for more information on the theme ideas listed above go to:
www.ncal.org
More Than Just a Game!
Life Enrichment: It’s more than Just a Game!
Katie Westberg, C.T.R.S.
Director of Life Enrichment
The Goodman Group
When you walk into The Commons on Marice in Eagan, MN on a Sunday afternoon you will find an Ice Cream Parlor filled with 30 residents enjoying Bingo. It’s not unusual to see grandchildren sitting alongside of their grandparent, gently coaching them to victory, or to witness a volunteer patiently repeating the numbers that were recently called. Although Bingo has long been a favorite activity amongst residents in senior living facilities, the great news is “activities” now means so much more. Activity programs now offer a variety of life enriching experiences that focus on providing the individual with opportunities to experience success in all they choose to do.
Common activities offered include choices such as, Stretch and Flex, News and Views, Book Club, Craft Corner, Watercolor Expressions, Aromatherapy, Sudoku Challenge, a variety of outings, and much more. Activities are developed according to the unique needs, interests, and abilities of those residents who reside in each individual community. Although structure and routine are very important to residents, activities should change with them. It is the responsibility of the Life Enrichment Director to continually evaluate the effectiveness of the activities offered.
Trends in Life Enrichment are also quickly changing. Feed back on satisfaction surveys now shows us that individuals who live in senior living facilities do not rate their satisfaction on “opportunities to have fun,” that seems to be a given. Instead individuals are asking themselves, Do Life Enrichment programs offer residents with activities that provide a sense of purpose, as well as an opportunity to give back to the local community? And, do activities allow the residents to learn new skills? In an article put out by the American Association of Retired Persons in April of 2008 one individual summarized, “people want to form communities irrespective of distance, they want to be connected.”
Life Enrichment programs are quickly adapting to this exciting culture change by developing and implementing new and creative programs. Presently, you may find residents volunteering their time by reading to children of a local day care, assembling Viles of Life for the American Red Cross, participating in Veteran’s Club activities such as adopting a soldier who is currently serving in our military, as well as overseeing a food drive during the holiday season. Residents are learning new skills such as, playing the Nintendo Wii, email and browsing the internet, as well as learning Yoga and even sign language.
Although the day when Bingo is no longer a part of the activity schedule is far from near, senior living facilities can proudly say they offer much more. Moving into senior living, although never easy, should not make the individual feel limited but rather, that there are limitless activities and experiences offered. It is truly…more than just a game!
Katie Westberg, C.T.R.S.
Director of Life Enrichment
The Goodman Group
When you walk into The Commons on Marice in Eagan, MN on a Sunday afternoon you will find an Ice Cream Parlor filled with 30 residents enjoying Bingo. It’s not unusual to see grandchildren sitting alongside of their grandparent, gently coaching them to victory, or to witness a volunteer patiently repeating the numbers that were recently called. Although Bingo has long been a favorite activity amongst residents in senior living facilities, the great news is “activities” now means so much more. Activity programs now offer a variety of life enriching experiences that focus on providing the individual with opportunities to experience success in all they choose to do.
Common activities offered include choices such as, Stretch and Flex, News and Views, Book Club, Craft Corner, Watercolor Expressions, Aromatherapy, Sudoku Challenge, a variety of outings, and much more. Activities are developed according to the unique needs, interests, and abilities of those residents who reside in each individual community. Although structure and routine are very important to residents, activities should change with them. It is the responsibility of the Life Enrichment Director to continually evaluate the effectiveness of the activities offered.
Trends in Life Enrichment are also quickly changing. Feed back on satisfaction surveys now shows us that individuals who live in senior living facilities do not rate their satisfaction on “opportunities to have fun,” that seems to be a given. Instead individuals are asking themselves, Do Life Enrichment programs offer residents with activities that provide a sense of purpose, as well as an opportunity to give back to the local community? And, do activities allow the residents to learn new skills? In an article put out by the American Association of Retired Persons in April of 2008 one individual summarized, “people want to form communities irrespective of distance, they want to be connected.”
Life Enrichment programs are quickly adapting to this exciting culture change by developing and implementing new and creative programs. Presently, you may find residents volunteering their time by reading to children of a local day care, assembling Viles of Life for the American Red Cross, participating in Veteran’s Club activities such as adopting a soldier who is currently serving in our military, as well as overseeing a food drive during the holiday season. Residents are learning new skills such as, playing the Nintendo Wii, email and browsing the internet, as well as learning Yoga and even sign language.
Although the day when Bingo is no longer a part of the activity schedule is far from near, senior living facilities can proudly say they offer much more. Moving into senior living, although never easy, should not make the individual feel limited but rather, that there are limitless activities and experiences offered. It is truly…more than just a game!
Intergenerational Activity Idea
Kool-Aid Play Dough
Description: Easy to make play dough, great idea for an intergenerational activity!
Materials: ~1 Medium frying pan ~1 Cup flour~1/4 Cup salt~2 Tablespoons cream of tartar~1 Envelope Kool-Aid unsweetened soft drink mix, any flavor~1 Cup water ~1 Tablespoon cooking oil
Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a medium frying pan.Cook on medium heat 3 to 5 minutes or until mixture forms a ball in pan, stirring occasionally.Cool slightly.Place on floured surface; knead for 1 minute and you are ready to shape and mold.Storage: Store in a zipper-style plastic bag or in plastic containers. Color Chart: For red play dough - use Cherry or Strawberry Flavor For yellow play dough - use Lemonade Flavor (2 envelopes)For green play dough - use Lemon-Lime Flavor For orange play dough - use Orange Flavor For blue play dough - use Blue Moon Berry FlavorFor purple play dough - use Grape Flavor Try some of your favorite flavors to make some electrifying colors that are out of this world!
Description: Easy to make play dough, great idea for an intergenerational activity!
Materials: ~1 Medium frying pan ~1 Cup flour~1/4 Cup salt~2 Tablespoons cream of tartar~1 Envelope Kool-Aid unsweetened soft drink mix, any flavor~1 Cup water ~1 Tablespoon cooking oil
Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a medium frying pan.Cook on medium heat 3 to 5 minutes or until mixture forms a ball in pan, stirring occasionally.Cool slightly.Place on floured surface; knead for 1 minute and you are ready to shape and mold.Storage: Store in a zipper-style plastic bag or in plastic containers. Color Chart: For red play dough - use Cherry or Strawberry Flavor For yellow play dough - use Lemonade Flavor (2 envelopes)For green play dough - use Lemon-Lime Flavor For orange play dough - use Orange Flavor For blue play dough - use Blue Moon Berry FlavorFor purple play dough - use Grape Flavor Try some of your favorite flavors to make some electrifying colors that are out of this world!
Featured August Activity
Jigsaw Contest
Description: At the Jigsaw Championship on August 17, 1986, Donna Klett (age 14) won the American Publishing National Jigsaw Puzzle Championship in Athens, Ohio. She put together a 500 piece puzzle in 1 hour 49 minutes and 28 seconds.
Materials: ~As many jigsaw puzzles as you can find, each box should have 500 pieces~Timer~Sign-up sheet~Tables & chairs~Prizes or certificates~Decorations for activity area to fit the theme~Invitations, optional~Beverages
Instructions: Have a jigsaw championship for the residents! Decide if you want to make this event an in house only contest or if you want to compete against another facility in your area. Invite staff, family members and volunteers to join in. Mail out invitations, if desired. Tell your residents about this event, have them sign-up to participate. Allow them plenty of time to practice. On the day of the event set up the tables & chairs. Have plenty of chairs on the edge for others to sit in & cheer them on. Decorate the room with Jigsaw pieces, banners, etc. Have someone be in charge of telling everyone when to start & begin the timer. Award prizes &/or certificates to the winners. Take pictures of the winners to place in your local paper and your monthly newsletter.
Description: At the Jigsaw Championship on August 17, 1986, Donna Klett (age 14) won the American Publishing National Jigsaw Puzzle Championship in Athens, Ohio. She put together a 500 piece puzzle in 1 hour 49 minutes and 28 seconds.
Materials: ~As many jigsaw puzzles as you can find, each box should have 500 pieces~Timer~Sign-up sheet~Tables & chairs~Prizes or certificates~Decorations for activity area to fit the theme~Invitations, optional~Beverages
Instructions: Have a jigsaw championship for the residents! Decide if you want to make this event an in house only contest or if you want to compete against another facility in your area. Invite staff, family members and volunteers to join in. Mail out invitations, if desired. Tell your residents about this event, have them sign-up to participate. Allow them plenty of time to practice. On the day of the event set up the tables & chairs. Have plenty of chairs on the edge for others to sit in & cheer them on. Decorate the room with Jigsaw pieces, banners, etc. Have someone be in charge of telling everyone when to start & begin the timer. Award prizes &/or certificates to the winners. Take pictures of the winners to place in your local paper and your monthly newsletter.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Mark Your Calendars-National Volunteer Week is April 19th-25th!
Well, it's that time of year again...when we start thinking about how we can recognize those individuals who volunteer their time on our communities.
If you need any assistance planning or brainstorming your National Volunteer Recognition Event please let me know, I am more than happy to support you. We, at The Goodman Group, continue to appreicate all of the time and energy you put into coordinating volunteers in your community, and we look forward to the continued focus on further developing these programs and opportunities in 2009.
National Volunteer Week is April 19th-25th 2009
If you need any assistance planning or brainstorming your National Volunteer Recognition Event please let me know, I am more than happy to support you. We, at The Goodman Group, continue to appreicate all of the time and energy you put into coordinating volunteers in your community, and we look forward to the continued focus on further developing these programs and opportunities in 2009.
The Residence at Timber Pines "ROCKS" its way into the NEW YEAR!
The Residence at Timber Pines in Spring Hill, Florida hosted a Rock-a-thon in January of 2009 to raise money for Alzheimer's Disease. The team rocked continuously all night long raising a total of $3,000! The event kicked off with a day filled with local speakers and educators from the Spring Hill community. Way to go Spring Hill team! If you would like more information on hosting a Rock-a-thon in your community please contact: Cheryl Fazio, Activity Director.
Regal Palms is Ready for the New Year!
For the New Year, we had a party in the afternoon on New Year's Eve. We had entertainment with Dori, a resident favorite. She gets everyone singing and doing the conga! Dining Services provided a wonder assortment of munchies. (Coconut fried shrimp, quiche, cheese and crackers, cranberry & white chocolate scones, brownies and pizza bites!) We had N/A champagne spritzers to toast with, too.
2009 Resolutions...After speaking with our Executive Director, we are going to do a few subtle changes in Memory Care. Since our folks are changing, I need to take that into consideration, and change with them from a programming point of view. I will be working hard on that. I know our folks don't get into a change in their routine, so I thought I would target the activities that some of our folks were able to do, and there are folks that still can, and make a smaller group of the folks who need a little more attention. I can take care of the smaller group instead of having to eliminate a program that used to be fun for some or that is still fun for others, the small group setting will still enable them to function without the help of other residents, and everyone can enjoy it better. I sat with three ladies this morning during Bingo. Two of these ladies were able to play just fine on their own in the past, and one lady is new...we had a ball. One of the ladies used to be assisted by another resident who I felt was frustrated when she had to help. So hopefully we have solved that problem. I am going to be more available to the residents on a small group way or more one on ones. So I guess one of my targets is more hands on.
Tammy Dunlap (Life Enrichment Director)
Regal Palms
Largo, FL
2009 Resolutions...After speaking with our Executive Director, we are going to do a few subtle changes in Memory Care. Since our folks are changing, I need to take that into consideration, and change with them from a programming point of view. I will be working hard on that. I know our folks don't get into a change in their routine, so I thought I would target the activities that some of our folks were able to do, and there are folks that still can, and make a smaller group of the folks who need a little more attention. I can take care of the smaller group instead of having to eliminate a program that used to be fun for some or that is still fun for others, the small group setting will still enable them to function without the help of other residents, and everyone can enjoy it better. I sat with three ladies this morning during Bingo. Two of these ladies were able to play just fine on their own in the past, and one lady is new...we had a ball. One of the ladies used to be assisted by another resident who I felt was frustrated when she had to help. So hopefully we have solved that problem. I am going to be more available to the residents on a small group way or more one on ones. So I guess one of my targets is more hands on.
Tammy Dunlap (Life Enrichment Director)
Regal Palms
Largo, FL
2009 Arrives...FLORIDA Style!
Terracina Grand in Naples, FL rings in the New Year and the Activity team sets a New Year's resolution...
For New Year's, we kicked it off Florida style with a special Happy Hour poolside from 4-5. The weather was perfect; we had a beautiful 78 degree day. Joseph, our chef created some wonderful appetizers for us including Oysters Rockefeller, Calzones, and fresh tropical fruit. Following Happy Hour, we had a special Surf and Turf dinner, followed by our New Year's party with one of our favorite entertainers and a Champaign toast. A great time were had by all. A group of about 20 of our party animals stayed up to watch the ball drop and had a small gathering on the 4th floor, where they could also see fireworks coming from the beach downtown Naples.
One of our main goals each year is for our department to continue to get to know our residents. Forming special bonds with each person is so important. Our building is just about full, so we want to help retain our residents through our programs and activities. We will continue to provide that special spark for people to find friends and new things to enjoy through activities and relationships.
One thing we can improve on, based on our resident survey, was providing the opportunity to grow as a person. We are going to focus on providing new programs in this area; more specifically, speakers, outings to new places, and more educational opportunities.
Sandy Steinbach (Activity Director)
The Inn on Westport Rings in the New Year!
For New Years we had a cocktail hour before the Dietary Department served Oyster Stew. We had Hot Buttered Rum or Peppermint Patties (hot chocolate/peppermint schnapps, whipped cream & peppermint sticks) we also had non-alcoholic versions available. We had a count down to "midnight somewhere" at 3:00.
Cherilyn Dystrka (Activity Director)
Inn on Westport, South Dakota
Antique Car Show Rolls into Westchester Gardens!
Westchester Gardens in Tampa, FL hosted an Antique Car Show in the Fall of 2008. Residents and families enjoyed the show sponsored by a local car club and were treated to grilled hot dogs and all the trimmings. The event also attracted approximately 200 visitors from the community. For more information please contact: Ann Padavoni (Activity Director).
Victorian Tea at Old Main Village
In November of 2008 Old Main Village in Mankato, MN hosted a Victorian Tea. This tea kicked off the holiday season! 80 individuals attended including, residents, and guests from the local community. For more information on this event please contact, Jackie Lupkes (Life Enrichment Director).
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