Seasons are always celebrated in a Nursing home. There are always activities planned around the beginning of a change in seasons. There is always a celebration of new change and excitement for the transition of weather and time of year.
This is especially true with the change from Summer to Fall. There is alot of excitement around with the cooling of temperatures, changing of leaves, and kids returning to school.
Staffing and return to school
The return to school can definitely impact staffing during the transition. Many people attemp to squeeze in one last vacation get away before the kids go back to school. That can definitely leave you limited on the availability of help for both the nursing staff as well as Therapy.
There is also the usual first few days of chaos of dropping off and picking up the kids which can alter schedules until a pattern is developed.
Reliving the past
One of the biggest joys is hearing the residents reminisce of the days of bringing their kids to school. It is amazing to see the pure joy on their faces as you share what is going on with your school age children.
The longer you are working with them it becomes an ongoing conversation as they continue to live vicariously through your stories. They have a tendency to start to act like an additional grandparent. They begin to share in the joy and anxiety of the beginning of school.
This phenomenon can help to further strengthen your relationship with them or even be the key that finally opens them up.
Progression to fall
Along with the transition starts the idea of transitioning into fall and the beginning of holidays. Fall brings cooler weather for easier outdoor activities. Thoughts start to drift toward Halloween and Thanksgiving which brings about a plethora of activities in the nursing home. It brings in more families and fun events like local children trick or treating.
Joy as a motivation
Just remember how much positive thinking and embracing the joy of the seasonal change can help to motivate your resident to perform to their best. Embrace it and foster it. Just remember to have fun yourself also!
