In celebration of Skilled Nursing Care Week, the Bradford Ecumenical home embraced the national theme of “Sharing our Wisdom” by interviewing senior residents and asking them to share their words of wisdom with recent high school graduates who work at the facility.
“The senior generation has survived great trials and tribulations,” said Joleen Schuessler, staff development coordinator, in an employee newsletter. “A generation that has endured the Great Depression, world wars, survived plagues and illnesses, grieved the loss of a loved one and suffered a resume list of tragedies. . . . The residents of the Bradford Ecumenical Home offered words of wisdom, hope and some encouragement to high school students.”
Donning a facemask and gloves, Schuessler visited with residents who reminisced about years past, sharing a wealth of wisdom, tips, life stories and life lessons. A flood of insightful and wisdom packed sentiments from senior residents were then printed on postcards and placed on a display inside of the facility for high school seniors working at the facility to enjoy and learn from.
“We made plans for this project before precautions for COVID-19 became our daily routine. Since then, it has taken on so much more meaning to all of us to get wonderful advice and insight from our seniors on how to handle life’s challenges,” explained Becky Greenberg, director of activities.
Common themes of treating others with kindness, having patience, working hard, thinking positive and having fun can be observed while reading through the residents’ comments.
“You have your whole life ahead of you. Don’t dwell on this little season that seems so hard,” read one card by ‘Helen’, while another by ‘Jeanette’ read ”I couldn’t tell you what I was going to do with my life when I was in high school, but it turned out great. Go to church. Treat people with kindness. That’s what matters. And…ice cream. Ice cream helps on good days and bad days.”
In addition to the aforementioned project, the facility will be holding a plethora of activities during Skilled Nursing Care Week, which runs from May 10-16, including a Mother’s Day parade this Sunday, as well as arts, crafts and trivia activities throughout the week.
“Wednesday, May 13th is National Frog Jumping Day,” explained Greenberg. “Staff will be jumping/racing their frogs down the hallways to the cheers of the residents.”
In addition, May 14 will be Chicken Dance day, where a chicken will be encouraging residents to dance, and on May 15, both residents and staff will enjoy ice cream sundaes.
