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: Nursing Home
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
Soul2Soul Seniors 