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Long-Term Care Facilities

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davetucker
Member

Joined:	Sat Jul 7th, 2007
Location:	Brunswick, Georgia
Posts:	2

Posted: Tue Dec 8th, 2009 07:54 pm

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I am a hospice chaplain who also cares for non-hospice patients who are residents in local nursing homes. One thing I have done successfully for several years is to provide a music program once per week for those most separated from the others: the closed unit where patients with Alzhiemers reside. The other nursing home residents were treated differently in that they were provided regular games, classes and music programs, but the Alzheimers unit was virtually ignored. I began to take my guitar in and sing songs that might trigger neurological recall in the brain cells still functioning. I made song books for them with the words in big letters so those who were able could read along as they sing. many remember the lyrics and melody enough to sing with me, others try to read. We have had remarkable results with documented cases of patients once unable to speak, not only singing but continuig to speak from them on for days to their families. I have an article coming on in June in the Healing Spirit journal on this subject. I recommend music, either live, or recorded that might help gender recall in those most have given up on doing such a thing. Music is a powerful medium.

David E. Tucker, DMin. BCC

Hospice Chaplaincy Care Coordinator, Heartland Hospice Brunswick, Georgia.

pulpitt
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Joined:	Mon Oct 19th, 2009
Location:
Posts:	1

Posted: Mon Oct 19th, 2009 04:42 pm

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Hello all!

I'm looking for some possible ideas to help better minister to and with persons in Long-Term Care Facilities. More specifically, to the elderly and also those who by the happenstances of life have placed them far too young in a "wheel chair" physically speaking even though at the same time not necessarily mentally, emotionally and/or certainly not spiritually. I do realize that there are vastly different needs and probably can't do both on one "Topic"board. Still, figured I should start somewhere.

Ideas for discussion?

What kind of studies can be done? Besides "Bible Studies", what are you all doing to meet the needs of persons you minister to and with - each and every day?

For me, one individual that touched my life and the lives of many in at least one of our facilities was "Esther". 90+ in years. Still, she had that youthful enthusiasm for life that was infectious. When she would take you by the hand to greet you and your mind was 3 doors down, she'd almost pull you into her chair with her "vice-grip" clasp on your hand - just to make a connection with you! It was just a tad longer than would normally seem/feel comfortable. She GAVE way more than I ever gave her, and SHE GAVE IT TO EVERYONE! What she gave was respect, intention, and human VALUE to those "Butterfly Moments" of interaction. So brief, but at the same time so SO powerful!

Just some thoughts... what are yours?

Last edited on Mon Oct 19th, 2009 04:45 pm by pulpitt

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