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Summer 1997 Vol. 11 No.4Continuance is a quarterly newsletter funded by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. It is a collaborative project of the 23 Higher Education Cooperation Act partners in Illinois Contents
Front PageStudents Are Changing the Image of Nursing HomesNursing homes are experiencing a change of image. Educators and students all over the state are recognizing older adults in nursing homes as great resources for all levels of education. for example, a principal, Jerry Montague, believes that nursing homes are learning resource centers for his students. Barbara Kurth, a 7th-grade teacher says, "Students are surrounded by human drama. On every side are loneliness, love, struggle, joy, death, dignity, injustice, and concern. There are people with wisdom students can draw on and pains they can ease. There are more than a dozen health-related careers to observe and experience." One student commented after an oral history activity, "I learn more about history at the nursing home than an oral history activity." College students marvel at elder experiences--so relevant to world or work. This issue of Continuance looks at some of the amazing programs and interactions between young and old in nursing homes and in residences of homebound elders. One of the key skills learned by students is communication. consider the challenges when communicating with someone who is hearing or visually impaired. Consider the experience with problem solving when learning to function in a different environment. And the experience doesn't end when leaving the nursing home, rather, the students discuss it and write about it. The letters on page five ably demonstrate the creativity of fifth-graders. University Intergenerational linkages between seniors and youth are natural alliances. For example, when a local human service agency wanted to find out how it could best provide services to a group of elderly in the community, this agency decided to conduct a "needs assessment" survey in order to quantify the problems experienced by this particular group of seniors. Instead of revealing the true needs of the elderly, however, this survey revealed that he elderly wanted to become active players in the community and were eager to become re-connected once again. In interpreting the results of this survey, therefore, the human services agency listed "companionship" as the primary "deficiency" among seniors and set up a program which linked the elderly to neighborhood kids via the telephone. Thus, even though still thought of as having (To Pg. 2) Page TwoSix Generations Comment by Cathy DeMetrio, Founder, Children's Center Intergenerational Program, Barat CollegeFlorence Nightingale believed that music, art and the involvement of young people were vital to providing a quality of life for older adults. I was proud that we were able to follow the philosophy of Florence Nightingale in a six-generation group including students from Barat College, The Children's Center, parents, administrators, and elders of two generations. The following are the impressions of those involved: Brain Verisario, student: "In the beginning, I didn't think it would do any good for either group. But the first time we got together, you could see happiness from the seniors and how the kids were just fascinated to be with them." Mari Davila, student, "If we focus on children when they're young, in the future they are going to see senior citizens and elderly as role models and as mentors." Karen Sullivan, parent, "I have seen the impact of the intergenerational program in my own son, and in the other children as well, giving them a sense of themselves and also a sensitivity to others that are not their own age." Lisa Martin, parent, "This gives my son Daniel an opportunity to spend time with some people who are like a grandparent figure in his life. Lorrin, administrator, "The spark of the children brought something out of the older residents that was quite remarkable." Cheryl Krupa, staff, "Intergenerational programs are a way of linking the past to the present. We as a staff see a difference in our residents after the children have come. All of the sudden the residents have a reason to lift their arms, to move their feet, to clap their hands. They may not do it in morning exercise, but they do it with the kids. The start out kind of so-so and by the time the kids go home they are sitting up straighter, they look brighter, they are happier." Madeline DeMetrio, senior, "Involvement with seniors helps the children to give. The will always remember what they did for older people." Carol Harding, senior, "When the children come to visit we enjoy each other. They see that not all old people are mad and sad and fickle. Older people need the liveliness from the young. We don't want to live in a world divided up in little boxes with our own age and kind. We need children to feel alive." Elders (from Pg. 1)deficiencies, the seniors were unintentionally utilized as resources in the community which could be used to fill a gap in the lives of latch key children--thus the beginning of "Grandma Please." Once we allow the possibilities of senior citizens to be defined entirely by their perceived lack of economic mobility and their increasing need for social and medical services, the older members of the community tend to be seen only as a continuing drain on an already strained economy. In other words, the elderly are now often seen solely as recipients of services and social security checks. As a result of this myopic vision, we continue to rob ourselves of their true power to contribute to a more vibrant community. Responsible community organizations can help to free these marginalized elderly residents from this community isolation by initiating projects that properly employ the unique talents and skills of senior citizens. Just imagine what would happen if we all started to think creatively of the elders in our community, not in terms of their needs and deficiencies, but in terms of what specific contributions they are able to make to the community as a whole. From Building Communities from the Inside Out: A Path Toward Finding and Mobilizing A Community's Assets Page ThreeWhat the Experience Means to Young and Old by Karen Foster, Champaign Co. Nursing Home & Child Care CenterWhen a person comes to live ;in a nursing home the last thing she/he expects to see are children around their nursing home. Our program started nearly seven years ago as a benefit for our employees. On-site child care was relatively new. The children mingled with the residents on a small scale with just daily walks through the nursing home. Gradually, we added more activities together such as music, luncheons, art, and whatever else came to mind. During the course of conversations many residents would comment to me about how much they enjoy seeing the children at the nursing home. One woman in particular told me every time she said to me that she could not have children and these children being so close meant so much to her. They filled a void in her life. Another resident, a man, had had a stroke and was wheelchair-bound. He visited daily with the children and watched them play. Only upon his death did I learn that he never married and these children were like his own to him. The children are learning to accept persons with disabilities. e children are learning to accept persons with disabilities. They shake hands with the residents and enjoy taking cards or stickers to them. On St. Patrick's Day, we distributed stickers to everyone who needed "green!" The children are not fearful and show good manners. All aspects of having children in the nursing home have been positive. The children, residents, and staff benefit from the experience. r, Eureka, Illinois Lawn Health Center, Eureka, Illinois "Reading Anticipates Ideals of New Friends Blossoming from Older Wisdom." This is the theme for Rainbow Club, a Maple Lawn Health Center learning adventure for 5th through 8th graders and nursing home residents. Since 1992, Maple Lawn Health Center, Eureka, Illinois, and Eureka Middle School have been pairing students who need to strengthen their reading skills with residents willing to share their time, hearts, and listening ears. The students arrive by bus once a week and stay for 20 minutes to read to their special friend. The reading improvement seen is only one of the colors of this rainbow. The exuberance seen on the children's faces as they enter the door each week is surpassed only by the sparkle in the resident's eyes as they greet their reader. For many pairs, the friendship formed becomes very special. The elder adults find meaning and purpose in helping a student improve their reading skills and thus perform better in school. As the older partner learns about current youth trends, they make connections to their own past childhoods and share the richness of an age blessed with values and strengths. With the encouragement and love a resident gives, the student experiences increased self worth and new hope and excitement in learning. The "Rainbow" connection is made with the vibrant color of the caring and sharing between generations. A Win/Win Partnership by Nancy Boughman, Covenant Village, Northbrook, IllinoisWhat do you get when you mix 35 energetic four year olds with seniors? Enough smiles and hugs to brighten anyone's day. The residents of Covenant Village of Northbrook can tell you all about the fun they have when children from the Gale School in Chicago some for a visit. Every Spring the residents collect books and school supplies for the students who come from homes where there is little money. The goal the first year was to give each child in preschool/first grade one book to take home. That year and every year since, an average of 120 books plus a variety of school supplies and cash for field trips have been delivered to the school. In turn, the children pay a visit to Covenant Village to personally deliver their hand-made thank you cards, meet and sing for the residents, and enjoy a picnic lunch. Page FourPreparation for a Nursing Home Visit by Ann Ring, Winchester House Library, LibertyvilleA library program with the theme, "One of My Favorite Things" proved to be a rewarding program for general nursing home patients and Alzheimer's and related dementia residents. Each child brought a favorite toy or book showed it to the group and said something about it, like, why it was special. Children were instructed to have two things to say about their toy and also two things to say about themselves. The children then visited the residents individually and showed them their toy. This provided an immediate and easy conversation for the children and resident. Children, parents, and residents participated and were enthusiastic in their praise of the sessions. "Lets do it again," they said. Prior to the visit parents has a session with a library volunteer from the nursing home who told them what to expect and were given a chance to express any concerns. They were told not to be alarmed by screams, usually the way an older person seeks attention or perhaps just a learned habit. Crying doesn't always mean that a resident is sad, there can be tears of joy. Residents are well cared for but sometimes have short memories so are not always patient. Children need some of the same advice but not as much as the parents do. Fear or concern shown by the parents is what frequently frightens a child. Simply say thank you and smile when complimented by a resident. A resident may wish to take the child's hand and hold it for a minute. Oh, the feel of that soft, but firm young skin! Residents need little advance preparation other than what the theme of the program will be, where the children are from, and how old they will be. Residents enjoy the anticipation of a program almost as much as the program itself. Alzheimer's patients need only introductory remarks at the time of the program. Dementia Has not Deterred Young Children by Karen Foster, Champaign Co. Nursing Home and Child Care Center, Urbana, IllinoisOur nursing home has a separate Alzheimer's unit for fifteen residents, both men and woman. For the last seven years our day care center has been located in the nursing home and the four-year old children have participated in a weekly activity with the residents. The residents vary with their level of dementia and as time goes by, it changes. The children and residents are often able to work on a task together. Sometimes the resident needs to help the child and vice versa. In the process of helping each other conversations take place. Often the resident just enjoys watching instead of taking an active part in the activity. In my experience at the nursing home, dementia has not played an critical part in the relationships between the children and residents. Interaction occurs regardless of the dementia. Our activities are planned with staff, so that everyone will benefit from them. When a resident acts inappropriately, we try to explain it to the children in a manner they will understand. Through communicating with nursing home staff we learn of any residents who would benefit from being with the children. Many residents who are unable or choose not to communicate with adults because of their dementia will perk up and begin smiling and talking to the children. It is an interesting phenomenon to watch. The children do not know the difference between persons with dementia and those who do not. The experience is part of learning about the aging process. Page FiveAlzheimer's by Lauren Fleming, Grade 5, Sauganash SchoolA very nice lady, Jean came to our school. I was her favorite person out of our whole table. I made a card for her, she had tears in her eyes. I really don't know if she remembers me or if she's thinking of me right now. One thing that I know is that Alzheimer's is a very bad, and sad disease. She told me next time she would see me, she would give me a card as big as all the windows in the world, maybe her heart is filled with love as high as all the windows in the world to give, but no one to give it to. I will always remember the women with a lot of love to give, "Jean." Making Valentine Cards by Suzanna Gracanin, Sauganash SchoolOne day in winter, the Alzheimer's Center came to Sauganash. They divided it into groups. I had to help my friend very much. My partner is getting the first stage of this disease. It's very sad because as he gets older this disease gets worse. I really hope they find a cure because these people don't deserve to suffer. At the end he gave me a hug, and I wished this man feels better, because he has a very good heart. I think this helped the Alzheimer's because every now and then you need someone to cheer you up a lot, and we cheered them up a lot. I hope that when he sees that card, he will always think of me, his good friend. Beautiful Flowers by Antonio Ranos, Sauganash SchoolOne day we walked to the Alzheimer's Center and we made flowers with them. It was in May and there were all different colors, like some were red and yellow and purple and orange and we planted them at the Alzheimer's Center and they looked really beautiful and we also got to take some to school and sometimes we get to take some home. I think it helped them to get out more often. I also think that they needed to have a lot more fun then they already do and I think they has a lot of fun that day. I hope we could plant flowers in '97. A poem of flowers and friends. Roses are red, Violets are blue, when I think of flowers, I think of them to. Page SixThank YouDolores Cross, President of Chicago State University, has been named President of the General Electric Company Foundation, Fairfield, Ct., and will assume that position on Octobe5r 1. The GE Fund provides funding in support of education. Dr. Cross has been an outstanding leader and advocate for service, volunteerism, and intergenerational programs in Illinois. When she came to Chicago State University in 1990, she happened to meet some of the older community residents. They mentioned that they would love to have access to some of the facilities. Dr. Cross mentioned the possibility of volunteering. Preso, the Community Residents Program was born. Community residents support Chicago State in many ways such as helping students, volunteering for special events, mentoring, and recently have been involved in a program that promotes good health for both seniors and students. Good luck Dr. Cross. We will miss you! Older Adult Institute Wins National Awarder Adult Institute Wins National Awards 1997 Older Adult Committee Exemplary Model Program Award. Association for Continuing Higher Education's 1997 Older Adult Committee Exemplary Model Program Award. Margret Hamilton of Wheaton, the institute's manager since 1988, will accept the award this October during ACHE's annual meeting in Pennsylvania. The Older Adult Institute was created for those seeking the challenge and intellectual stimulation of an academic setting. Big Hearts for Young HeroesThe Foster Grandparents at La Rabida received the Big Hearts for Young Heroes award. According to Judi Blackmore, Coordinator of Volunteer Services at La Rabida, "We are fortunate t have six dedicated foster grandparents. The children whose lives they touch are better for having known and been loved by them." Ken Bernat from the Chicago Dept. on Aging and coordinator of Foster Grandparents received the award from Deloris Jordon during the June 17th awards luncheon. La Rabida is a children's hospital and research center for children who face the challenges of chronic illness, and disability. La Rabida focuses on preventive care and family education, ensuring successful long-term management. The Foster Grandparent Program, a national program funded by the Corp. for National Service and the IL. Dept. on Aging, helps low income seniors remain physically and mentally active through participation in community service. Every Day of the week for four hours, foster grandparents help children achieve independent living through improved physical, mental, emotional, and social development. Ken Bernat; "The grandparents deserve to be recognized for the things they do for thousands of kids in Chicago, We commend La Rabida for encouraging them." Page SevenPeople in the NewsWelcomeOn May 1, 1997, Joseph Cipfl became the Executive Director of the Illinois Community College Board. He was President of Belleville Area College from 1988-1997, and in that position provided leadership to the college, the community, and other community colleges throughout the state. Cipfl has a record of responding to the challenges of education with creative ventures. Even before older adults were fashionable on campus, Dr. Cipfl encouraged faculty and staff to involve them. Through the Belleville Area College Programs for Older Persons, Cipfl fashioned an intergenerational model for community college education and volunteerism that was unique in the country. Cipfl believes that citizenship and values are instrumental in creating strong communities and successful educational programs. He said: "I look forward with great anticipation to the new challenges before me. I enter the Executive Director's post with insight into the capabilities for our community colleges and with great hopes for the future of our system. Mansion Meeting on Volunteerism and YouthThe Mansion Meeting on Volunteerism and Youth was hosted by the Governor and First Lady at the Illinois Executive Mansion on June 12. The meeting was a follow-up to the President's Summit on America's Future, convened by the five living U.S. Presidents in Philadelphia in April. The Governor and Mrs. Edgar attended the National Summit along with approximately 200 other Illinoisans. The goal of America's Promise and the Mansion meeting is to promote partnerships and action in neighborhoods, communities and throughout the state. The results of the Mansion Meeting will be the basis for a statewide action plan being developed by the Illinois Commission on Community Service. This plan will give the state, communities and neighborhoods a united blueprint for the five areas of America's Promise. Mrs. Edgar thanked those attending, "Together we will make Illinois a happier, healthier, and safer home for our children." (See back page for information about the Illinois Commission for Community Service.) Page EightLove Knows No Bounds by Jill J. Tolane Knows No Bounds by Jill J. TolanePeople wouldn't dream of combining a retirement center and children's center. Yet Maple Lawn Homes and Noah's Ark in Eureka did it. Those who enter our doors are humbled by experiencing positive interaction between children and senior citizens as the very young connect with the elderly residents. It is easy to see that love has no bounds. Activities for Nursing Homes*Arts and Crafts--such as play-doh, clay, collage, watercolor, chalk, tissue paper flowers, seasonal murals and picture frames. *Drama--performrama--performances/participation activities, including puppetry, original plays, pantomime and acting out favorite stories and Dance--from sing-along tapes to wheelchair square dancing. *Games and Toys--a long list of possibilities including bingo, checkers, chess, dominoes, boxed games, balloon volleyball, legos and tinker toys. *Literacy Activities--such as literacy Activities--such as reading aloud, writing letters or cards, creating stories or poetry, recording oral histories and interviewing out of the kitchen. *Holiday Activities--for every season, from a Halloween costume parade to coloring Easter eggs. Selection of activities will depend on the capability of the nursing home residents and the age of children. From "Community" Manual, Distributed by BiFolkal Prod. 1-800-568-5357.lection of activities will depend on the capability of the nursing home residents and the age of children. From "Community" Manual, Distributed by BiFolkal Prod. 1-800-568-5357. many residents will be involved and if they need to be the same residents each time. nursing home staff and parents. 2.) Nursing home staff need to know in advance the number and ages of children participating and who will supervise them while in the home, and when, how long, and how often students plan to come to the home. Staff also needs to know how many residents will be involved and if they need to be the same residents each time. 3.) I find it helpful to write up a brief report after each session with notes of things to change or add in the future. 4.) Bi) BiFolkal kits are helpful as a basis for discussion and planning of activities. It is not always necessary to use the kit at the program but they help with preparation of the students.5.) It is appropriate to furnish residents with some small gift for their student, this is frequently omitted by nursing home staff. 6.) Choose a topic or program that will be of interest to young and old, both groups should learn something by the experience and leave with a sense of satisfaction and real pleasure. 7.) Bingo is a favorite of most seniors when played in pairs. Children with their good eyesight, can help residents place chips on the numbers. Edited by Neil Henderson and Maura D. Vespeir, Westport, CT., Bergin and Garvey, 1995, 251 pgs. A guide to Community: An Intergenerational Friendship Program between Young People and Nursing Home Residents, by Yvonne Mersereau and Mary Glover, Distributed by BiFolkal Productions, Inc. (Bifolkal has other videotapes and printed materials on nursing home topics, 800-568-5357.) A Nursing Home and Its Organizational Climate: An Ethnography, by Bonnie Caslin Foremen, Auburn House, Westpoint, CT., 1996, 160 pgs. Quality of Life in Long Term Care, by Dorothy Coons and Nancy Mace, New York: Haworth Press, 1996, 187 pgs. "Where to Get Ideas (Hints for talking with impaired persons and hints for the hard of hearing), by Michael Haberhost, 318 Heritage Dr., Canal Fulton, OH 44614.ervice an learning experiences for all ages. Funded by the American Association of Retired Persons, Kellogg Foundation, and the Johnson Foundation. For single or multiple copies, contact Jane Angelis, 618-453-1186 or FAX 618-453-4295. Page NineStrengthening the Social Compact: An Intergenerational StrategyBy Eric Kingson, Jack Cornman, & Judy Leavitt, Report of a Wingspread conference, "2000 and Beyond: Building an Action Plan for the Intergenerational Movement," Generations United, 202-662-4291. Videos For Someone With Alzheimer's by Terra Nova FilmsVideo Respite (tm) is a series of videos designed to actively engage memory-impaired persons in dialogue, conversation, singing, and simple exercises. Recent research has demonstrated the value of Video Respite (tm) programs for persons who have moderate to advanced impairment in memory. After watching a Video Respite (tm) tape, the residents engaged in less wondering and complaining, asked fewer repetitive questions and were less withdrawn and agitated. Movement, Music and Memories. Sharing stories and songs from childhood, Cathy encourages viewers in some simple movements along with some favorite songs of the past. Remembering When. This video visit engages viewers in memories of when they were growing up. Songs and memories of school days and routines such as the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance begin this reminiscence. Sharing Favorite Things. Joyce talks about a variety of familiar things such as babies, vegetable gardens, and animals. She introduces the viewer to a one-year old baby who is having a birthday. Ladies. . . Let's Chat. Designed particularly for use with women. Diane chats about topics such as preparing meals, dressing up with ha>Ladies. . . Let's Chat. Designed particularly for use with women. Diane chats about topics such as preparing meals, dressing up with hats, courtship days, and children. memories related to topics such as love, music lessons, family gatherings and childhood friends. Lunch break with Tony. In a program oriented toward men, Tony visits with the viewer during his work break. He discusses work days, work companions, first cars and first loves, family and the tools in his toolbox. Becky recalls and prepares for a fourth of July celebration. One of her party decorations--the American Flag--helps jog memories of patriotism and songs like "It's A Grand Old Flag" and "Yankee Doodle". Even Becky's cat joins in on the patriotic visit. Contact: Terra Nova Films, 9848 S. Winchester Ave., Chicago, IL 60643, 773-881-8491 or 1-800-779-8491, FAX: 773-881-3368, E-Mail tnf@terranova.org Page TenGrandparents Raising GrandchildrenThe Parent Place by Dina Koebler, St. John's Hospital,
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