One of the most stressful decisions a family or senior citizen can make is to be placed into a nursing home. This can have adverse effects on the person's quality of life and health. To help improve the quality of life and health for seniors in nursing homes, activities should be done to stimulate them mentally and physically. In Iowa, there are plenty of options for seniors.
Indoor Activities
The Heritage Care Center in Iowa City, Iowa, provides a strong example of the different types of activities that can be provided to nursing home residents. This center offers a fenced courtyard so residents can enjoy some fresh air and sunshine without the risk of wandering away. Spiritual services are also offered for all faiths along with a Bible study group. Maintaining a sense of religious faith and continuing a long-held tradition of attending church can help support seniors and allows them to socialize with people of their same faith. The Heritage Care Center also offers daily homemade muffins, cookies or donuts along with soft serve ice cream. This is a healthy activity because it allows the residents to visit with each other and converse over a fluffy muffin.
Outdoor Activities
The staff at the Heritage Center also performs outside recreational activities. Some of the activities that are offered include bowling, gardening, having a book discussion or enjoying lawn chair night while out in the community. Having activities outside of the nursing home increases residents' quality of life because it helps break the monotony of being in the same place all the time.
Other Activitiy Options
Casa de Paz Healthcare Center located in Sioux City, Iowa, also provides a broad range of activities for its residents. One of the events that it has is musical entertainment. Music always seems to have a way of invigorating the soul. For a senior to listen to music he enjoys is a superb way to help keep up his spirits and enjoy the event with fellow residents.
For the physical health of its residents Casa de Paz offers exercise programs for its residents. Exercise is a key component in overall health. It can make the body feel stronger. This alone can make a large improvement in the quality of life a senior would have in a nursing home.
Another activity that Casa de Paz offers is educational group sessions. These activities are very positive because they allow seniors to socialize while also stimulating the brain. Learning makes the brain work and helps to keep it sharp even in the golden years.
Activitiy Management
The Hiawatha Care Center in Hiawatha, Iowa, offers a good way for residents to manage their activities. The center provides a monthly calendar and newsletter to each resident for all of the activities that are offered, and the families of the resident are mailed copies. This program is very effective because it allows seniors to manage their day. It also allows families to plan ahead to join their family members in activities that they would all enjoy experiencing together. The Hiawatha Care Center encourages its residents to join in these activities, and if they choose not to, the center attempts to provide individual activities that interest the residents and suit their needs. Ideas for new activities are always accepted.
The Importance of Family Participation in Activities
One of the keys to providing a good quality of life for nursing home residents is simply visiting with them. Families of residents have the right to visit their loved ones in a nursing home. According to the National Citizens Coalition for Nursing Home Reform, patients should have a review of all aspects of their lives, including their activities, once a year and within two weeks after they are admitted. This allows the family input on what activities the patients are participating in.
