VCU Gerontology master’s degree candidate Nicole Hunt has launched an innovative project in the name of person-centered care and good cheer. As the Age Wave Wish Advocate Scholar, Hunt will be working with older adults to acknowledge, identify and carry out the wishes and dreams in long-term care facilities that may not be addressed because of budget restrictions, transportation and/or physical limitations.
Hunt’s Greater Richmond Age Wave project is currently carrying out a 2017 Elder Holiday Wish List, which will run through Valentine’s Day. These wishes from long-term care residents at the Trio Healthcare-Elizabeth Adam Crump Health and Rehabilitation Center are sponsored by Anthem HealthKeepers Plus. The first wish was fulfilled December 28, when a local comedian performed a show for a group at Elizabeth Adam Crump Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Generosity has been a common theme among the wishes collected by Hunt. Angie, who wished for the comedy show, requested the event with the everyone’s happiness in mind, including staff. Other wishes include exercise equipment for all to use, a screen for everyone to enjoy movies, chess lessons and dinner with family.
Hunt has named the project “Dreams are Forever.” To begin, she interviewed people at Elizabeth Adam Crump Health and Rehabilitation Center. “I encouraged them to think back and reflect on what makes them happy, and what they most enjoy doing if money, transportation and their health was not an issue,” Hunt said.
“I found that many of the residents have a strong desire to help and give to their fellow residents because they also see needs that require fulfilling.”
Wish fulfillment serves more than just a momentary purpose. Hunt aims to help reduce generalized decline caused by social isolation in long-term care facilities by promoting activity, socialization, engagement, fun and person-centeredness.
Hunt says, “What would these older adults dream of doing? What would put a smile on their face? What would make them feel warm and giddy inside? Without a doubt participation in the Dreams are Forever Project would.”
To learn more about the Age Wave Scholar program or to sponsor a scholar, contact Catherine MacDonald at macdonaldcs@vcu.edu.
Hunt’s Greater Richmond Age Wave project is currently carrying out a 2017 Elder Holiday Wish List, which will run through Valentine’s Day. These wishes from long-term care residents at the Trio Healthcare-Elizabeth Adam Crump Health and Rehabilitation Center are sponsored by Anthem HealthKeepers Plus. The first wish was fulfilled December 28, when a local comedian performed a show for a group at Elizabeth Adam Crump Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Generosity has been a common theme among the wishes collected by Hunt. Angie, who wished for the comedy show, requested the event with the everyone’s happiness in mind, including staff. Other wishes include exercise equipment for all to use, a screen for everyone to enjoy movies, chess lessons and dinner with family.
Hunt has named the project “Dreams are Forever.” To begin, she interviewed people at Elizabeth Adam Crump Health and Rehabilitation Center. “I encouraged them to think back and reflect on what makes them happy, and what they most enjoy doing if money, transportation and their health was not an issue,” Hunt said.
“I found that many of the residents have a strong desire to help and give to their fellow residents because they also see needs that require fulfilling.”
Wish fulfillment serves more than just a momentary purpose. Hunt aims to help reduce generalized decline caused by social isolation in long-term care facilities by promoting activity, socialization, engagement, fun and person-centeredness.
Hunt says, “What would these older adults dream of doing? What would put a smile on their face? What would make them feel warm and giddy inside? Without a doubt participation in the Dreams are Forever Project would.”
To learn more about the Age Wave Scholar program or to sponsor a scholar, contact Catherine MacDonald at macdonaldcs@vcu.edu.
