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More Than Just Bingo
Shattering the Mold at Mary Immaculate Health/Care Services
February 8, 2008
LAWRENCE (MA): Massage therapy; professional manicure and facials; Nintento Wii baseball, tennis and bowling; wireless laptops for surfing the web.
Resort vacation activities? No, these are just some of the offerings of the new activities program at Mary Immaculate Health/Care Services. Funded by grants from private donors and local foundations, the More Than Bingo program is revolutionizing the activities program offered to the facility’s more than 200 residents.
“This program has generated great excitement among residents and families alike,” says Deborah Smith, MI Activities Director. “In addition to spa services, the pet therapy program has been a great success. Our residents love to have the animals visit. And, having access to email is essential to keep up with the grandchildren.”
The More Than Bingo program is part of an overall plan to personalize the nursing home environment according to Barbara Grant, President and CEO of Mary Immaculate Health/Care Services. “Many of our residents call Mary Immaculate ‘home,’ says Grant. “While we may be providing significant medical care, we also work hard to create a homelike atmosphere that enhances a sense of well-being. We still have the traditional activities such as group entertainment, bingo, movies, sing-a-longs, ice cream socials and the like. But, thanks to these generous grants, we are able to expand our offerings. Activities such as aromatherapy; cooking classes; music and expressive art therapy; indoor gardening and tai chi often reach residents and spark personal interests. And, judging from the feedback we’ve received, staff and residents alike are having lots of fun!”
Today, the MI Nursing/Restorative is home to over 200 frail elderly who need 24 hour care for a wide variety of medical conditions. Others come to the facility for short term rehabilitation services following a fall or injury. With physical, occupational or perhaps speech therapies, often these residents are able to return home and live independently. Some MI residents come to the Nursing/Restorative Center from their own homes or from the assisted living apartments on the MI campus when illness or other health complications render independent living, even with substantial home and community-based support services, too difficult. No matter what the circumstances, the mission of Mary Immaculate Health/Care Services - to respond with compassionate care and dignity to the health, social and spiritual needs of well, sick and frail elders- is pervasive throughout all aspects of a resident’s stay. For more information about Mary Immaculate Health/Care Services go to www.mihcs.com or call 978-685-6321
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