I WAS GLANCING AT THE NEWSPAPER and happened to read the obituaries. I recognized the name of a deceased man and read his obituary. It listed his date of birth, employment, and family history. What struck me were the family comments, thanking his medical staff at the nursing home, with a special thanks to Betty Crocker, Director of Enrichment at Rosary Care Center. Betty's team includes Sherry Lusher and Anne Zoltz, both Enrichment Assistants.
Enrichment is an integral part of a resident’s health. Ohio law states that Enrichment activities are part of the total wellness program for residents. It is not just something added on to do. It is state law, recognized as a necessary part of a resident’s health. Having access to social activities helps nursing- home residents build relationships and community, which in turn fosters a sense of belonging and wellbeing. These activities can reduce loneliness and cognitive decline as well as assist seniors in maintaining a higher level of physical activity and better sleep.
I was so thrilled to see that Enrichment was singled out by the family who knew their dad improved when he took part in a road trip, art activity, or live music performance. Enrichment is not fluff. Anyone who has been in rehab or in a long-term-care facility has likely experienced firsthand how activities can take our minds off our troubles. They provide a little vacation from the world of doctor appointments, physical and occupational therapy, and our rooms. Enrichment activities really offer us a little escape to mingle with others, bake a great dessert, visit some pets that take us back home to our own pets, and perhaps watch a streamed movie with fresh popcorn.
Enrichment offers social activities like brief trips, animal visits, picnics, etc. and so many things that people experienced before they became ill. Medical research has shown that being socially active, getting out and doing activities that people did before when they lived in their own homes, helps stimulate the immune system.
I talk to lots of people with chronic diseases, and they know how to handle their injections, pills, rest, and mobility needs. They all know how to address and nurture their physical bodies, but some seem to neglect their social and creative needs. Why do we sometimes concentrate only on the physical self?
Betty sees the vital importance of enrichment as her team filling the last days of the residents’ lives with joy, laughter, and fulfilled wishes. Anne adds, “We offer them activities that keep themengaged,aware,andmindful,and keeptheirspiritspositiveandmotivated.” The Enrichment team knows how to make accommodations for residents’ needs and knows their limitations, anxieties, and talents, which helps them fit activities to each resident’s physical challenges, interests, and fears.
A psychologist told me that, “When people have lost control in one part of their life, the physical, for example, it can beveryhealthyandgratifyingforthem to get involved in another aspect of life, likeahobby,wheretheyhavesometype of control.” Hobbies can offer persons with health challenges stimulation, success,andasenseofaccomplishment.
Sitting in our favorite chair in our room or watching TV might be what we’re used to doing, but there are so many advantages to getting out of that chair and stretching ourselves—not giving in to “social inertia” where a body at rest tends to stay at rest.
It seems that people with health challenges know all about their medications, and the injections, along with diet plans, walkers, crutches, and infections. But I’d bet an instant lottery ticket that knowledge of one or two activities a week or month can be energizing and could help us all!
Sister Karen Zielinski is the Director of Canticle Studio. Canticle Studio is a part of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, OH’s overall advancement effort and has a mission of being a creative center where artists generate works, products, and services in harmony with the mission of the Sisters St. Francis. She can be reached at kzielins@sistersosf.org or 419-824-3543. ✲
