Themes for Life
By Debbie Hommel, ACC/MC/EDU, CTRS
One of the popular programming techniques that activity professionals learn about is how to plan theme activities. We learn to integrate seasonal, holiday and life themes into our monthly programs and daily routines. We read about theme based activity ideas in programming publications and social media. But do we really understand why theme programming is effective or therapeutic? Or is it the “thing to do” because it makes our calendars look interesting?
Let’s consider the summer season, many activity professionals begin planning patriotic activities focusing on Independence Day: decorating in red, white and blue, playing patriotic music during exercise programs, making blueberry recipes in cooking class, creating red/white and blue sensory boxes and making firecracker centerpieces in crafts groups. We lead reminiscent groups about Independence days from the past, favorite picnic foods, and other activities related to traditional holiday celebrations. What begins to happen is almost magic. Although everyone has led different lives, at different times, with different people – we are connecting through constants. Constants are events or actions that happen consistently in response to a regular occurrence (date, holiday or season). In our country, fire works are traditional and symbolic of Independence Day. Almost everyone has been to a fireworks display at some point in their life. In discussing fireworks, almost everyone can relate and respond. We all have our favorite fireworks or personal fireworks story, which celebrates us as individuals. As the topic of fireworks is discussed amongst the group, it connects the individuals in the group as it is something they can all relate to. Your age or mental status does not matter, constants are familiar, make us feel safe and connect us with others.
As activity professionals, we are well aware of how quickly the months go by. It seems we have just put away the spring time decorations and now we are planning summer picnics and Luaus. We sometimes lose sight of the connected nature of these themed programs. Indirectly, one theme carries us into the next which prepares us for the following one. We are re-creating the circle of life through our themed programs. The circle of life or the Mandela celebrates the fact that the sun will always rise and the seasons will always change. That is another constant we can count on. Keeping our residents connected to the circle of life is critical to their quality of life and well being. Upon admission, they are sometimes feeling sad and defeated. They have lost their place on the circle of life. The routines and traditions they followed in their own home are often lost. Through theme programs and the opportunity to become re-involved in traditional, familiar activities that accompany theme programs, the resident can re-enter the circle of life.
Theme programs are rich in traditions, rituals and customs. Every theme program can integrate a practice from the past. Many of the activities we offer are meant to be catalysts for provoking long lost memories, awakening lost skills or generating reminiscence. We have all seen residents living with memory loss share all the ingredients to their famous potato salad recipe and guide the rest of the group in making a tasty batch. We have all seen physically frail residents sit up a little straighter and move their right hand over their heart when hearing the National Anthem played at a social.
So as you are planning your summer (and fall, winter and spring) activities, keep in mind the therapeutic value these programs potentially can provide. Providing our residents with opportunities to remain engaged in the circle of life through theme based activities is priceless. The joy of biting into a fresh watermelon, surrounded by your loved ones at a family picnic, with a string band playing in the background is immeasurable. The delight in making a familiar recipe using fresh ingredients of the season, just as they did in their home is beyond description. The simple happiness of remaining an active part of life as it comes around again and again is something we all deserve.
“Sometimes our light goes out
but is blown into flame by another human being.
Each of us owes deepest thanks
to those who have
rekindled this light.”
-Albert Schweitzer