Culture Change is Spreading
The neighborhoods of Sunnyside and Sunset Drive made fresh squeezed lemonade. Employee, Carol Miller, brought fresh lemons from Arizona. Some residents squeezed the lemons, which promotes strengthening. The residents who were not able to squeeze the lemons rolled the lemons in preparation to be squeezed, which promotes balance and range of motion. All residents involved in the event were able to smell the lemons and taste the lemonade. Some residents even chose to eat the lemons. This is a wonderful example of an activity that provides stimulation for all residents regardless of their cognitive or physical abilities.
Culture change is spreading! I can feel it and see it.
A dinner was held in the neighborhoods of Sunnyside and Sunset Drive and residents have been treated to neck and shoulder massages by the staff.
In the neighborhood of First North, residents, families and some staff shared a meal together. Scalloped potatoes, bread, deviled eggs and broken glass dessert. The menu was planned and prepared by the residents. One resident said several times to different people that the meal made it feel just like home. We have had some residents who used to stay in their rooms, who now with gentle encouragement, are eager to participate. Some only by observation, but the enjoyment is just as much.
Two staff came in on their day off to volunteer with a special event on First North. Staff all over the building are showing off pictures of events that residents are doing. Banana splits on the weekend. Up North and Apple Lane have been busy with cooking projects and a potting project with seedlings. An intergenerational event on Sunset Drive was a huge success with the children tossing a ball with the residents. The children were learning the residents’ names and cheering them on when they caught the ball. Second South had a baking group and made chocolate bars. Up North and Apple Lane have decorated their tables in themes with the residents making the choices.
A resident celebrated her 99th birthday with a party in the sun porch on Up North. When the residents arrived she said, “Welcome to my house”.
The neighborhoods of Sunnyside and Sunset Drive have commented to staff that they like the new shower curtain and that it did make the tub room look nicer. Staff report that the residents enjoy eating the fresh bread. A resident commented on how nice it was to visit with family in one of the newly furnished Family Rooms instead of their own room.
A resident commented that since coming here, she was wondering what her “purpose” is for being at St. John’s. After learning about culture change, she now thinks that maybe her purpose is to encourage residents to get involved. And speak on behalf of residents about what they need to create home.
Everywhere you go at St. John’s, Culture Change is Spreading.