Bringing Joy to a Nursing Home
In my day, senior adults were often placed in ‘Old Age Homes’ and offered little to smile about. I recall visiting Minnie in her tiny, dim room. She had part of her supper on her tray; a cheese sandwich on white bread and an apple she couldn’t peel.
Thankfully, not so today. Senior adults, for the most part, are cared for as they should be. They are the foundation of who we are as a nation and deserve our respect and care.
Recently, a group of preschoolers visited our local nursing home and the results were amazing.
The children were paired with seniors for the day. They would share a meal and then “paint” a picture together.
Together: that is the main point! The children didn’t come simply to visit, sing, hug and leave. They came to share with the residents.
Click here to learn about a Preschool in a Nursing Home.
The meal was kid-friendly; hot dogs and tater tots! Actually, that’s a great meal for any age! The adults and kids got acquainted and learned a bit about each other. Then, it was time for a fun activity; painting a picture together!
Life lessons were taught here.
1. Personal involvement is important at any age. Young and old alike need each other.
2. Everyone has something to give. These little ones gave of their time; they shared unconditional love to strangers.
3. You are never too old to have fun. A “painting” of colored water blown on a paper brought laughter and wonder to both ages.
Proverbs 17:22 (Amplified) reads, “A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing …” This day, children may have done more than the doctor in restoring health to these precious senior adults.
Hugs,
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