The arrival of spring changes dining habits as well. Instead of the heavy winter meals, we grill outdoors and include picnic items including potato salad, baked beans and great vegetable salads. With the arrival of spring comes the desire to be outdoors, to take a walk, get our hands dirty in the earth, spend time with the neighbors or simply linger outdoors during the evening hours. As we become aware of environmental impact more people are turning to the trends of their grandparents and drying clothing on outdoor clothes lines, growing their own vegetables and enjoying the companionship of neighbors.
As I revel in the joys of spring I pause to think about those living in nursing communities across the nation. How are we incorporating their traditions of spring into their day-to-day life? Have we talked with our residents or their families to learn what was important to them during this time of year? What did spring mean for them? Have we empowered those who enjoy gardening to plant flowers or vegetables? What would stop the residents from planting a large community garden?
I worked with a home in FL that had a garden that any farmer would be proud of. They planted and tended green beans, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, peas, cucumbers and much more. The old belief that elders are unable to participate in extensive gardening is a myth. That home had a 102 year old resident who gathered greens from the garden several times a week. She would bring them into the dining room and she and several other residents would clean them as they talked, laughed, shared memories and had a ball. The home would use the produce the resident grew and incorporate it into meals and snacks.
Are we changing menus to reflect spring traditions? When was the last time our residents were out for a drive to witness the arrival of spring in all its glory? Has community life moved outdoors? Is the patio furniture out and are they spending time in the fresh air? Are we empowering and encouraging residents to do the spring chores and activities they have always enjoyed? Have we opened the windows to allow the spring smells to fill the home? Are there bird houses and bird baths out for those who enjoy bird watching? When was the last time the residents went outside for a back yard cook-out (no…, not sitting in the dining room and eating what was cooked outside and brought in to them!)?
Life History Assessments help us to understand the traditions our residents hold dear. We believe that we have fulfilled the needs of our residents by having them sit in a 2pm activity while the staff cut out paper flowers and hang them on the wall. That is not meeting the quality of life for many of our residents who desire more involvement. However, how can we know if not for thorough Life History Assessments and relationships?
We are Our Life History
To be complete emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually,
our life histories must be acknowledged, celebrated and
incorporated in our day-to-day life.
What seasonal traditions are important to you? Will you be willing to live with just the memory of those traditions as you age? Memories brought to life are powerful. When we survive on memories alone, it can lead to depression and sadness. Let’s make this spring the one that identifies, respects and incorporates the traditions of our residents into the life of the community.
--Teresa McCann, Senior Consultant/Director of Development
