I propose a new model of dementia care that emphasizes Service to Community as a core objective. As we grow older, we focus less on knowledge acquisition and personal growth, and more on emotional well-being and service to others (family/community). Historically, elders in a community played crucial roles of sharing traditions, passing down knowledge, offering advice and guidance, and leveraging experience and wisdom to navigate new community issues. In modern long-term care communities, there is rarely an opportunity for residents to have roles like this. I suggest that this doesn’t have to be true! If given the opportunity, I believe persons with dementia would be eager to contribute to their communities! In fact, the benefits of community service are not one-sided. Research shows overwhelmingly that doing good for others has strong psychosocial benefits. Some ideas for community service projects (for example) are: making toys/treats for animal shelter dogs; filming a commercial to encourage the community to get vaccinated against COVID; preparing a meal for a local homeless shelter; building a “dementia friendly” initiative with community organizations.
Service to Community
By Evan Shelton|2021-04-13T15:01:34+00:00February 17th, 2021|Categories: Featured Story, Group Activity, Individual Activity, Innovative Activity|Tags: 1 - The activity should have a sense of purpose and capture interest, 3 - Offer choice whenever possible, 5 - Focus on physical skills and what the person CAN do|0 Comments
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