KJW Seasonal Programs For Elders And Their Therapeutic and Clinical Benefits

All programs and activities are chosen keeping in mind that the focus is on selecting, planning and delivering inclusive, meaningful and fun programs oriented to the interests and needs (clinical purposeful interventions) of the actual population that we are serving.

Psychosocial treatments, including certain forms of psychoterapy ('talk' therapy) are helpful in providing support, education and guidance for a better quality of life. These interventions can lead to increased mood stability, fewer hositalizations, motor coordination, spirituality and more.

Psychoeducational Programs: involves teaching people about their health condition and treatments, and how to recognize signs so that early interventions can be sought and ways to self-help and nature a better quality of life can be implemented and tested.

Programs that promote self-esteem:

A brochure about me, The Positive Thinkers Club, Community Service Day, Just The Way You Are (positive descriptions from their peers), Smile Contest, Be An Angel Day,

Write your Life Story: Do you appreciate the choices you have made? What events most affected you? Events you will never forget?

Programs that acknowledge diversity; ethnicity, culture, language, economic circumstances:

Intergenerational programs, a religious holiday make it an afternoon social, for example a (faith-based program)-Hanukkah Social, not only for the Jewish community but for all the community.

Everyone is invited and perhaps a local Jewish elementary school to come a tell the story of the holiday, share greeting cards or poetry, enjoy the typical food served in the holiday, etc. International Food Tasting Day. Going Around The World; a day dedicated to a particular country or culture.)

Programs that facilitate person-centered approach for creative self-expression.

Person-centered approach is when the betterment and wellness of the person is a goal, therefore, the person is included as the plan of care is develop. A person is accepted and prized. A person is empathetically heard. There is a greater freedom in all relations. The focus is in the process of getting it done but not in the final product.

Creative Writing - Autobiography, Poetry Reading and Writing, Arts and Crafts, Collage of The Happiest Moments of My Life, Community Service Work, Neighbor-to-Neighbor Committee, Book Club For The Better, Bench of Dreams, Watercolors, Ladies Night-Out, etc.

Creative and expressive arts programs are focused not on the final product but in the process of getting it done.

Seasonal programs:

Make January PEACE MONTH and begin with a Peace Jam Breakfast

March - National Professional Social Work Month (host a networking lunch - invite Social Workers and other social agencies in your community. During the event circulate flyers advertising volunteer opportunities.)

April 8 - Buddha's Birthday - Make it a cultural event to learn more about Buddhism - Plan an outing to a Buddhist Temple.

Humor Week - Humor is a serious business in healthcare - Invite a professional to speak about the healing power of laughter. ERT can help you organize and start a HAPPY ZONE CLUB in your community. Please contact us for more information.

Elders Month - (identify elders and their contributions to the community and to the world, if possible obtain videos of elders that have made a difference for the better.) Invite elders in your community to submit their ideas in writing for a project to nurture your community. Encourrage family members, volunteers and staff members to work with elders on their proposals.

Be An Angel Day - Make lunch bags and with the elders visit local shelters and distribute meals, can food and more.

Independence Day - If possible find copies of the declaration of independence of other countries and their history and prompt discussion and conversations about its history and vision.

Write with the elders the DECLARATION OF INTERDEPENDENCY of all human beings, nature and animals in our dear Planet Earth.

Romance Novels Week - read novels, play videos of romantic novels - ask elders for their suggestions.

Great Scientist Biographies - ask the elders at your community to research and be the speakers on topics related to nature conservancy, the universe, health, nutrition, the stars, etc. Help them with handouts, search for video biographies of great scientists at the library. Listen to your elders and facilitate their suggestions.

National Grandparents Day - Bench of Dreams for elders encorraging the elders at your community to nurture their DREAMS FOR A BETTER WORLD for everyone. ERT can help you facilitate the Bench of Dreams ceremony, please call us for more information.

Going Around The World - (invite Mariachis, Flamenco Dancers, Koto Players from Japan, Balalaika and Dharma from Russia, and more...)

Greater Composers - Music Appreciation Sessions - Invite members of your community to perform playing a music instrument during casual social hours.

4th Sunday of October - United Nations Day. Theme: UNITY

Health Awareness' Week - Invite local health care professional to speak about dental health, foot care, active living, better nutrition, alternative medicine, color therapy, etc.

Childrens Book Week - Invite family members and local elementary schools - Intergenerational and family programs.

Imagination Celebration Open House - Intergenerational and community outreach program. Invite members of the community to exhibit a project of their imagination.

Veterans Day - Theme: What I am willing to give my life to?

Evaluate your programs, listen to everyones opinion. Be adaptive--make modifications and adjustments wherever necessary. Flexibility is very important.

Vision a community that is part of a constant and never ending learning process for the betterment of each everyone - people and nature.

Kathy J. Ward
Co Founder of WEL, World Elder Land™
Therapeutic Recreation Consultant
National Assisted Living Administrator Certified
Board Member, Activities, Adaptation and Aging Journal
Ambassador of Happiness For Elders
Alzheimer's Association Speakers Bureau
Cell: (240) 393-5456
Connection@KathyJWard.com
www.KathyJWard.com/blog
www.elderrecreationtherapy.com
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