#ActivitiesStrong
Words of Wisdom
‘‘The smallest gesture of kindness can make a resident’s day.’’
– Anonymous‘‘Senior life experiences, offers “knowledge and wisdom” for others, that can help them get through their life challenges. By showing personal interest as we listen to them, it gives them a sense of worth.’’
– Jacqulyn Thorns
Premier Rehab of Las Vegas
‘‘It’s not just a job. This is a life choice that involves a true heart and compassion.’’
– Elizabeth Manor
Elizabethtown, Pa
‘‘Working with veterans living with dementia, patience is crucial. Take the time to breathe and understand that the disease affects everyone differently. If what you are doing is not working, change it up. You can always try it again with someone different as what you do may work one day but not the next.’’
– Duain Cook
New Hampshire Veterans Home
‘‘They may not remember your name, but they will always remember the feeling you gave them when you give generously of your time.’’
– Jamie Hawkins, Maplecrest
‘‘Care for others the way you would like to be cared for.’’
– Olivia Omaya
Deleon Nursing & Rehab
‘‘I deeply believe in getting to know our residents, their personal life story, hobbies, passions, and engage them in a holistic way, compassionate care, gentle touch and constant reassurance.’’
– Anonymous
‘‘I try to live my life in daily moments – I can do anything for a “moment”.’’
– Primrose Retirement Communities
‘‘Never underestimate your residents. They have knowledge, compassion, and skills and you are the person to help bring their strengths front and center..’’
– Bracha Drissman, Jewish Senior Life
‘‘These are people, regardless of their age or ability, they want to learn, they want to grow, they want challenges they can tackle! We have to take calculated risks to bring the biggest amounts of joy into resident lives.’’
– Holly Lauer
‘‘All people just want to be heard. Listen to their stories.’’
– Andra Choate
White Mountain Regional
Medical Center
‘‘We are fortunate in activities to be the light in their day, the shoulder to lean on, the teacher of new worlds, the givers of time and the receivers of lifetimes-full of wisdom. Be present. Be patient. Be compassionate. Be there.’’
– Robin Gill
Lifetime Wellness
‘‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life!’’
– Robin Schiltz
Eventide Senior Living,
Denison, IA
‘‘I have had the honor of working with my elders for the past 35 years. During this time, I began to realize that I was actually working with “Walking History Books”. Many of my clients/residents had been part of history and shared their stories with me.’’
– Charmaine Emond
Immanuel House, Hartford, CT
‘‘Sometimes a smile is all it takes to make someone’s day. And sometimes that smile may be the only smile someone sees that day. So smile, you never know whose day you are making by doing so.’’
– Cheryl W
‘‘Share your knowledge by setting the excample for other staff. Remember, some people learn better by watching.’’
– Shauna Sweetser, Ariel Pointe
‘‘We aren’t perfect and we need to learn to be ok with that. I always tell people: “Just remember, chocolate chip cookies were the product of a mistake too!”’’
– AJ Bowline
‘‘I have learned how important it is to connect with the residents. Each of them have led different lives and as such, have different and unique interests and views. Learning about these helps me to provide meaningful activities for them.’’
– Amy Johnson
Eastport Memorial Nursing Home
‘‘We are essential not just to the people we serve, but also the staff and families we serve!’’
– WellBridge of Novi
‘‘Take today as it comes. It may not go as you planned, but that’s ok. Some of the best days in my career were ones that totally didn’t go according to my calendar and plan of the day.’’
– Lisa Williams
‘‘It’s not about what you do with the residents (and people in general), it’s about how you make them feel! Any interaction, no matter how seemingly small, can be incredibly significant.’’
– Bracha Drissman, Jewish Senior Life
‘‘Your connection, creativity, and care are what help each resident thrive during their time in a nursing facility.’’
– Anonymous
‘‘Never underestimate the power of kindness and a smile (even behind the mask!). I have found that simple gestures of kindness during these difficult times truly makes their day.’’
– Marian Manor
‘‘Do small things with great love.’’
– Mother Teresa
‘‘Tap into the talents of your residents. Assist and empower them to continue to be productive and share their talents and knowledge with each other.’’
– Carla Pepa, Lasell Village
Wisdom Donations
Instead of a monetary donation, we would love for you to consider donating Wisdom about resident engagement, being an activity or life enrichment directory and the passion you have for serving the older adult.
We will use these as part of our #ActivitiesStrong initiative.