Brinton Manor of Glen Mills, PA, knows how to maintain close ties to the community. This forward-thinking facility has teamed with global service organization Kiwanis International, which focuses on humanitarian efforts and strengthening communities worldwide, to found the very first SNF-based “Aktion Club.” Jim DiFelice, administrator of Genesis HealthCare Brinton Manor, oversaw the induction of the newest members May 13.
Frank Werner, president of Kiwanis Club of West Chester, PA, says that residents will be empowered by “tapping into their lifelong skills and talent” on efforts ranging from planning park clean-ups and recycling projects to involvement in youth-based projects such as literacy outreach and tutoring.
Helping residents help
The benefits to residents are numerous. By participating in these projects, they learn leadership skills and rediscover skills learned earlier in life, socially reintegrating themselves into the larger community and once again becoming valued members of society. Moving into a nursing facility has typically meant giving up these things.
Brinton Manor will monitor members’ medication, mobility and cognitive thinking to measure ongoing improvements in these target areas.
Culture change
Regional Director of Activities Ann Richard says that it all comes down to creating opportunities for leadership and improving self-worth, “focusing more on residents’ wants and needs” rather than “the traditional nursing home [model], which is based on the convenience of staff and of the medical care.”
Most Aktion Club members are long-term, high-functioning residents. But Richard says that everyone can benefit from participation –even residents with dementia will have a heightened sense of well-being by being able to stay in touch with their roots.
Director of Nursing Florence Kesler anticipates a “ricochet reaction,” where happier residents equal a happier staff. Stay tuned for an update! n
From the July 01, 2008 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
