A Special Connection to the Elderly
From as young as I can remember I have had a connection to the elderly. Since I was a little girl, my mother has worked in the healthcare field and she was always dedicated to her patients. Many summers, if we weren't pet sitting one of her patient's toy poodle, we were taking care of another's bird. So I grew up with a special consideration for this population.
My very first job, at fifteen was to conduct activities in a very small private assisted living facility for $22 a week for 2 hours, 3 days a week. I feel so old saying that! A few years later I went to college initially majoring in nursing, but received a degree in Gerontology. I soon started my family and never really got "settled" in the field.
I had many battles figuring out where I fit in within this field, but the more I get settled and dedicate this service to God, the more He reassures me that this is where He wants me to be. While currently working in both the Social Services Department as well as Life Enrichment, He has poured into me new passions, creativity and affirmation. I'm still not completely sure where I will end up within this field but I'm just going to try to do my best with this season of my life.
What a Wonderful Merge!
Children, God and the Elderly= Children's nursing home ministry! Studies show that socializing with youth improves the elderly's health. Because our children's ministry at my home church is in the building phase, this is such a good foundational activity to build bonds not only with one another but with others in the community. The children can learn so much wisdom, respect and just a broader scope of life from this age group. Most importantly, they learn and appreciate pace. Similarly, the elderly gain rejuvenation and life as they learn about, interact with, and nurture the new generation.
This is also a great way for our children's ministry (ages 4-10) to share their knowledge of God's love for them as they learn that God's love is present from children all the way to old age.
Activities we have done with the elderly:
- Performed a Christmas play
- Celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday by having an elder read Dr. Seuss books to the children
- Performed an Easter musical
Activities we hope to do in the future with the elderly:
- Sing-a-longs
- Movie night (The secrets of Johnathan Sperry)
- Arts and crafts
Our day of Ministry, Bonding and Fun!
We started off on Saturday morning around 9:30am with our first nursing home. Taelani, our group's oldest child suggested to the group to dress up and "look presentable for the seniors." Which was a great suggestion, since they were all smiles when they saw how adorable the kids were in their dress up clothes. After our Easter musical, the facility had cookies for us and the children went around and introduced themselves with hugs.We then took the kids to the park to feed the ducks, have a picnic and play. After they were through, we went to the church to watch Veggie Tales and rest. Then soon after, it was time for our second trip to another nursing home. The kids were so excited to sing their Easter songs! When we finished with one unit and while we were on our way to the next, they were singing through the halls:) The seniors were so happy to see them, even one resident said, "This is so nice. We don't get to see children often." It even blessed the staff! We were so proud of their behavior and the love and affection they showed to the elderly that when everything was over and they asked to go out for pizza, we just couldn't resist:)
It's going to be exciting to see how these relationships are going to grow and I will be sure to keep you updated!
What ideas do you have for an inter generational activity/event?
