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The Power of Children (continued)
exploring the natural world on 26 acres of property, singing, creating,
playing and visiting with the seniors. One particular morning the
children donned silly hats and paraded around the common areas
of each floor. On another day they brought nature ‘treasures” such
as leaves, acorns and rocks as gifts to the seniors. A toy kitchen is
set up for them in AOH’s café where the children cook and serve
pretend food to the seniors.
Every morning brings a new experience. One day the children were
singing to the seniors when a retired school teacher sang back to
them from an old time song entitled “Dear Little Dolly.” The children
were so taken by her rendition that they invited her to teach in their
classroom. Little Leaf is proving so successful that plans are in
process to expand with a summer camp and an extended day program
during the school year.
AOH encourages family members to bring their well-behaved,
vaccinated pets when they come to visit their loved ones. It is like
bringing a little bit of home to the resident. An employee’s affectionate
golden retriever, Maverick, spends his day being lovingly petted by
the seniors in the office. Bailey, a therapy dog, makes rounds with
recreational therapist Matthew Garbarino. Matthew tells the story
of one resident who greets Bailey with a mimicked bark, and Bailey
reciprocates by putting his paw on the side of her bed. The look on the
face of this bed-bound senior and the palpable rise in her response
speaks to the value of companionship.
One of the strengths of forward thinking senior care facilities is a
willingness to find new ways to enhance old goals. Children and pets
have made our AOH community a happier, more meaningful place. To
borrow the title from Jim Collins’ fine book, innovative senior care can
go from Good to Great.
Since 1953 Andrus on Hudson, a 501(c) 3 organization, has been
committed to the care of seniors. We currently operate a 197-bed
skilled nursing care facility on 26 acres overlooking the Hudson River
in Hastings on Hudson, NY. In addition to nursing care we also offer
short-term rehabilitation, respite care, hospice and palliative care.
Each of our residents has a private room and bathroom. Visit www.
andrusonhudson.org for more information.
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Adviser a publication of LeadingAge New York | Spring 2016
leadingageny.org
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