Who Cares

Volunteers at Sherwood Oaks Skilled Nursing Facility

Who doesn’t have the fear of “ending up in a nursing home”? Promises are extracted to avoid this fate, and projecting the image of being forsaken by loved ones in particular and society as a whole. Yet many families must face the terrible truth that caring for the seriously ill or disabled can be impossibly hard at home, it’s simply not safe. Some have outlived their family, and now are too fragile to be alone. But is it such a terrible fate? A failure of love and family loyalty to “end up” in a nursing home? Not at all. Especially in our own community’s Sherwood Oaks. The staff are hired for their competency, but can’t pass probation until they have shown compassion and tenderness in equal proportion. Still, it’s not enough. As activities director Jennifer Ryken so beautiful states, “Many of our residents have lived their entire lives on the coast, were active as students and parents, working and volunteering, but now are separated from their town. I want to bring the community to them. They would love to have visitors who live life as they once did. It would break the feeling of being isolated. Many here haven’t left the facility for years.

The auxiliary program was created by those who visited a beloved who lived and then died at Sherwood Oaks. These members show appreciation for the care received by raising money to help buy needed equipment, and assist in social activities. Every Friday someone comes from a local church for gospel singing and Bible study. Others share music and laughter. We are so grateful to have such wonderful volunteers.” About six years ago our local Mendocino Coast District Hospital hospice coordinator, Arlene Case, RN, began visiting hospice clients who couldn’t remain in their homes, requiring medical care of a nursing facility. She assigned hospice volunteers to follow them. Some of these volunteers still come to visit non-hospice residents each week. All the volunteers are willing to be important to people who may feel unimportant themselves.

The small efforts and brief time work special magic because it carries the message that everyone who lives is important and deserves to be noticed as a unique being. Of the seventy plus residents at Sherwood Oaks, some suffer dementia, but most are fully aware and get bored, despite the best efforts of staff. At a recent visit, the sound of laughter floated from the activity room. Live music is a favorite event, with people singing and calling out requests to outrageously talented musicians. Ice cream and, of course, bingo, are regularly scheduled. But wait, there’s more! Tai Chi and stretching, watercolor classes, Giants games, and pizza and a movie night, along with black jack. They think, they read, they sing, they dance, they gamble!

Since Jennifer started working as the activities director in January, her goal has been for residents to feel connected to their home place. “We need more people from the outside world, because new faces bring new feelings and activities. No special talents required, just the presents of your presence. Volunteers needn’t commit to a set weekly schedule, just share their time. To describe a movie or event they attended, to take someone for a walk on the grounds, read a story, or just listening to them is a huge gift. The people here would love to feel seen and valued by the community they lived in and loved for so many years.” Jennifer wants everyone to know that the doors are open. People can just come and visit, play games, or help with daily activity. You are invited to call anytime at 964–6333.