By SANDI PETERS, The buzz word for facilities that house older adults today is ‘community’. Corporate America has caught on that providing a well-appointed environment is insufficient to foster quality of life. The new trend seems to re-brand themselves as a ‘community’. Let’s look at what that word means. The word ‘communis’ is a combination … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Forgetfulness
FALLING IS A PART OF LIFE: The Perils of Protection
By SANDI PETERS, In 2004 I was working in a nursing home. I had just started and was unsure of the culture. Each morning the routine was for management to meet in what is called a ‘stand up’ where each department reports the work plan for the day and also advises others of any … Continue reading
Medical Clown
Six months ago, my supervisor burst in the middle of my music group at the psychiatric hospital: “We have two clowns visiting, can they come in? –Of course!” Two grinning youthful men popped into the day room; one wearing a monkey suit, the other dressed in short striped pants with suspenders, colorful socks with a … Continue reading
The Coloring Book
“Where could I get a book like this one?”Simone lifts her walker’s seat. She pulls out a square paperback, and start turning the pages: ”Look, I finished it. ” I admire page after page of carefully colored mandalas. I noticed that some seems unfinished. Maybe Simone considered the white of the paper as a color … Continue reading
Lunar New Year
The mother nestled in her favorite spot, The build-in wooden bench by the nurses’ station, For comfort, three thin dining room chair pillows. Two daughters by her side, attentive, serious, Grey roots showing amidst their dyed hair; Above them, my red paper decorations, In front of them, little food containers and paper bags Covering the … Continue reading
THE WREATH
Lydia asked: “I have an announcement to make to the group. My son gave me a wreath. If you look outside there, you can see it.” We all gathered close to the window. The night was falling. Continue reading
UNIVERSAL
From her bedroom door, she yells angrily. I approach. I ask: “What’s happening? -She does not understand English” Whispers a voice behind me. She invites me in, Guides me into the bathroom. Her piercing tone and gestures Tell that something Was transferred from the sink to the toilet (I recognize the word TOALET) And now … Continue reading
LOVE
“With my siblings, we divide the day in three: 7 to 12, 12 to 5 and 5 to the time my mother goes to bed, around 9. This way we can each have one day off. I usually do the middle of the day. My little brother is still working; he does the evening.“ Phil … Continue reading
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
email: Olga to Greg, Dec 4 at 11am Hi Greg, Alma’s birthday is on December 7, right on the day of your weekly community meeting. Would you celebrate her, if she attends? I am working that day. I can coordinate with the team to help and encourage Alma to show up. Conversation with Alma, Dec … Continue reading
OFFERING
“Can it sit by the table? I brought something…” Roger, who just walked in, is pointing at the little black nylon shopping bag hanging from his walker. I move the chair a few feet towards the table. With careful shuffling steps, Roger positions himself in front of the chair and slowly folds his tall frame … Continue reading
Soul2Soul Seniors 