Bethlen Almanac 1997 (Ligonier)
The Bethlen Home
Activity Report For the fruit of the spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Gentleness, and Faith. (Galatians 5:22) The Activity Department has always worked hard at providing quality of care, quality of life in meeting each resident’s spiritual, social and physical needs during their stay here at the Bethlen Home. Activities have become a very vital part of nursing home life in long term care with the new state regulations. Activities are provided seven days a week and are designed to reach all levels of care from our highest functioning resident to our lowest that are unable to leave their rooms or communicate. Residents are encouraged to participate in the many selections available that are held daily along with special events held monthly throughout the year. The Activity Department is responsible in raising funds that support their programs throughout the year. The funds provide entertainment, outings, crafts, etc. for the residents. These funds are raised through two bazaars each year. Through families, community members, church affiliation, the Activity Department has been blessed with receiving donations to help support their department. A large percentage of the funds raised go toward purchasing Christmas gifts for each resident. The Activity Department has participated in the Presents for Patients Program for the last eight years. The program encourages the public to adopt a resident in a long term care facility such as the Bethlen Home for the holidays. Those residents not receiving a donor receive a gift from the Activity Department. The gifts are then distributed several days before Christmas by the Volunteers and Activity Staff. To see the looks on each resident’s face as you give them their gift you will truly know the meaning of Christmas. In November 1997, the Activity Department received a grant from the Ligonier Valley Endowment Fund and Mellon Foundation to purchase handbells. Music has always been a favored activity among the residents and it reaches all levels. Residents enjoy participating in the handbell choir, a rhythm band, singalongs, etc. throughout the year. The residents receive much gratification and self-esteem when they are able to achieve something they enjoy doing. Pet therapy and children can brighten up anyone’s day. Studies have shown that this holds true among the elderly. One of the most enjoyed 45
