DERBY LINE- If you have a talent for entertainment and would like to share it with a group of seniors, consider volunteering at Michaud Manor. Activities Director Lynn Thompson is asking volunteers to commit an hour from time to time to entertain the residents at the nursing home facility.
Thompson is lining up volunteers for a once or twice a week program that can include music, singing, juggling, story telling, and hands-on activities that stimulate the residents.
“They can have short term memory spans, so we look for activities that they will stay interested in,” Thompson said. “We want something to stimulate them.”
Dance groups, care dogs or dogs that can entertain the residents are welcome. Thompson said dogs are especially popular; everyone wants to pet them.
Mental stimulation for the elderly is important as when people grow older, their bodies rely upon exercise to stay fit and strong. Physical fitness is as important as mental stimulation.
Mental stimulation keeps minds functioning properly, especially as people grow older. Seniors are at risk of declining cognitive skills, such as awareness, attention span, perception, memory, and reasoning.
According to the Comfort Home Care website, something as simple as making an effort to have conversations with others daily can help the elderly maintain their cognitive abilities. Additionally, it allows the elderly to stay connected in the lives of the people they care about.
Mental stimulation improves overall health and is a stress reducer. Learning new skills and interacting with others gives seniors something to look forward to every day.
If you have a talent and the time to entertain seniors, contact Thompson at 802-873-3152.
