Senior Living
2009-05-01 11:45:00
Some nursing homes do things differently
Answer: Many do similar things like having an activities’ program to help residents stay active, socialize and improve quality of life. They may also have things like regular activities such as bingo, arts & crafts and baking. But some nursing homes do things others don’t do, like host a “Gone Fishing” program. About every other week, weather permitting, some nursing homes have had the privilege of taking a number of residents to the lake to do some fishing. Now this may not seem like a big deal, but to nursing home’ residents, this is an activity that is greatly anticipated and talked about for days both before and after. On fishing day the gear is gathered, the kitchen puts together some lunch and off go the residents and the supervisory staff for an afternoon of fun. Once at the lake, some residents quickly get to the task at hand, while others prefer to paint or just observe the activities. It doesn’t take long before the fish start biting and the proud smiles start showing on the residents’ faces. Lots of photos are taken of the prize catches of the day and posted back at the residence by the nurse’s station. Maybe the biggest problem the residence has is keeping the pictures up on the wall because every wants to show off their catches. Fish stories of that day and others from years ago abound, from all of the ones that got away.
The residents of these types of nursing homes are having fun, they’re happy, entertained and full. But what they don’t know is that it is also good for them.
The doctor who heads the therapy department will state that in addition to the fun, socialization and great outdoors, he has ulterior motives for the fishing trips. These benefits include: range of motion exercises, practicing dexterity, fine motor skills, standing and balancing as well as just the joy of being outdoors. Isn’t that just like a therapist to sneak in some exercise when people are trying to have fun?
So the next time you stop by a nursing home on a sunny day and it seems like no one is around, check for the “Gone Fishing” sign and head down to the lake where you will probably find residents and staff laughing, telling stories, and having a good time. Not bad for a day at the office!
