Therapeutic recreation
interventions such as reality orientation, education programs,
and reminiscing activities can promote and maintain learning and
memory in older adults.
Learning is a life long process.
An ELDER EDUCATION program can be a highly successful program
at your nursing home.
The Elder Ed program may include:
A Speaker's Forum- with
guest speakers conducting discussions, talks, and demonstrations
on a variety of topics
A Films Series- with educational
films/videos and group leader to facilitate discussions after
the film
An Educational Excursion Program-
to provide residents opportunities to learn various recreational
skills, historical information, community resources, etc.
Leisure Skills Demonstration
Series- provides residents opportunities to observe and
learn about a variety of leisure skills. Invite local hobbyists
and craftsmen to present.
Here are some actual program topics
that have been presented in a long-term care facility in West
Virginia:
Speakers' Forum:
- "Starting Plants for your
Outdoor Garden"- by an extension agent
- "Wellness Over Sixty"-
by a wellness counselor
- "Deeds and Wills"-
by a local lawyer
- "Speech Therapy" -
by a speech therapist
- "New Social Security Laws"
by a social security worker
- "Reflections of Life Among
the Hill People"- by a historian
- "Small Town Journalism"
- by a news reporter
Adult Basic Education classes can
also be scheduled as part of your Elder Ed program to provide
residents an opportunity to obtain a GED
Be sure to plan your programs well
in advance and distribute a brochure listing all upcoming programs.
Provide each attending resident
a certificate of attendance or participation.
Links to Web Sites related to Aging:
|
