Engage & Enrich - Valley VNA's Life Enrichment Program

What is Life Enrichment? At Valley VNA, it means providing opportunities for our residents and clients to participate in activities that have meaning to them - activities they have may have enjoyed throughout their lives as well as new activities based on their physical and cognitive abilities.  Valley VNA's goal is to keep seniors engaged through activities, programs and individual interactions that will enrich and give purpose to their lives … and also provide some fun!

For our residents, a monthly calendar of activities is offered that includes everything from weekly Bingo and church services to the annual resident talent fair and Spring Fling dance. Residents are able to be as social as they wish to be.  Tailgate parties are held for Packer football games along with regularly scheduled music and entertainment activities. Food is always a popular component of programming where residents socialize among themselves and with the staff while enjoying special treats such as the Ice Cream and Pie Socials and monthly birthday parties. To meet resident's spiritual needs, there are a variety of religious services, Bible study and Rosary service offered on a regular basis.

Other regularly scheduled activities include:

• Movies, sporting events, and television programs are regularly held in the Keller Community Room and shown on the Big Screen.
• Outings are scheduled throughout the year and include trips to see the Neenah Community Band in the park, Timber Rattlers baseball games, Out to Lunch concerts at Shattuck Park, Christmas Lights Tour in Menominee Park in Oshkosh and more.

For our residents with dementia we offer programs and activities specific to their abilities. These include both large group activities and small group and individualized outcome-based therapeutic interventions of care. The goal is to utilize leisure experiences to build or maintain an individual's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Regularly scheduled activities include:

• Daily one-on-one visits with each resident.  This is a time where staff can get to know the resident and reminisce, play a game, or simply talk about the weather outside. 
• Small group activities include those that have 2-5 individuals participating in leisure activities such as hand massages, manicures, tea time, bean bag throw, etc. Residents can also participate in the Alzheimer's Association's Memories in the Making© program.
• Regular exercise is a priority to ensure individuals are exercising their bodies along with their minds.  Whether it's using Thera Strips for resistance or daily trivia for reminiscing, exercise is done daily.
• Sensory Stimulation and it's affects on people with Dementia has been proven to be calming.  Valley VNA's staff is trained to use sensory stimulation resources to benefit our residents.  
• Music is very important and there are many opportunities to engage in music.  Located on each court is a piano or music player that is regularly played to the tune of the individual's interest.
• Dogs make weekly visits to our residents. In addition there is a bird aviary located in Emerald Court. Residents can watch these busy, colorful birds as they nest, lay eggs, hatch and grow.  
• Fun and games are always a part of the daily schedule and include Bingo, Wii games, various card games, craft projects, and many more. 

For our In-Home Care clients the goal is to offer activities that are individualized for each client. Client's interests and expectations are talked about at the time of assessment. A plan of activities is then put together based on the assessment and a "kit" with ideas and supplies is put together and taken to the client's home. Caregivers work with the Life Enrichment Coordinator regarding the progress of activities and make any changes, adjustments and introduce new activities as needed. Regular outings to church, movies, lunch/dinner and visits to friends are also an integral part of the program. In addition, all In-Home Care clients are invited to participate in activities and programs held at Valley VNA. Valley VNA's In-Home Care also has a Life Enrichment Library where caregivers can check out items to use during their visits.  The library has items such as:

• Books and Magazines with varying subjects
• Exercise videos, instructions and equipment
• Puzzles and games
• Craft Kits with supplies and instructions
• Relaxation therapy supplies
• Music
• Baking and Cooking equipment for small kitchen projects
• Manicure kits
• Movies and Television shows