Creating experiences that enrich and engage the residents in our three Hillcrest Healthcare communities is central to our overall well-being philosophy. Plus, we like to have fun! Our activity directors certainly know how to bring the fun and maintain a schedule that overflows with activities big and small.
“We make sure that residents have meaningful activities, and my highest priority is finding things that allow residents to enjoy their lives,” said Island Home Activities Director Cheryl Weaver during a recent interview. “We want activities that improve their moods, that are stimulating and most of all, that they’ll like.”
Island Home generally has four to five activities each day, starting with a morning Bible study that is attended by a large group. Other activity opportunities occur in the late morning, afternoon and late afternoon, and the day winds down with a movie that residents can watch together in the dining room or individually in their rooms. Volunteer groups also visit to do activities with the residents such as quarterly family bingo nights.
An important part of the activity program includes visits from animals of all sorts – from therapy dogs to miniature ponies – and everything in between. “Residents light up when the animals come to visit, and it really draws people out,” Cheryl said. “Petting and holding the smaller animals is a great sensory experience, and when you see the smiles, you know it is a mood booster. It also helps reduce their anxiety.”
Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding – known locally as STAR – comes to visit the Island Home community about once a year. They bring mini horses and donkeys, and the residents love them. Cheryl shared, “Sometimes we’ll have the visit during our Western Week, and STAR will make sure that the animals have hats and bandanas to match our theme!”
Additionally, they welcome lambs and bunnies during the Easter holiday; goats; a mobile zoo with animals such as hedgehogs, snakes and tarantulas; and weekly visits from therapy dogs.
Doc is a retired racing greyhound whose first stop is the office of one of our staff members who always has a treat of cheese for him. His handler, Patty, will be briefed on any special needs of the residents, then they visit rooms, the gym, dining room – and even the staff. “It gives everyone a beath of fresh air and reduces stress,” Cheryl said. “They’re absolutely awesome.”
Daisy is a yorkie mix who comes on the weekends and is rolled around in a stroller so that she’s high enough for residents to pet her. She also visits staff and residents along with her handler, Donna. “Both dogs and their mamas are a big blessing to all of our residents – they enjoy it so much,” said Cheryl. “Even if they don’t particularly enjoy the dogs, they want to see their handlers who develop friendships with our folks.”
If you think you and your pet would be an awesome addition to our volunteer animal therapy team, check out the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine’s HABIT program here.
All therapy animals and handlers must complete the HABIT program to volunteer for visits. If you have questions, you may contact Island Home at 865-573-9621 and leave a message for Cheryl Weaver. Or you can consider volunteering at West Hills or Beverly Park Place if those communities are more convenient.
Keep up with all the activities happening in our three Knoxville communities by following us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hillcrestknox.