| Diversional Therapy |
| The Iron County Medical Care Facility is
proud to be able to offer an extensive activity program. This
department's sole purpose is to provide every opportunity for the
resident to establish a sense of well-being, thru pursuing interests
or interacting with others. Aside from meeting the needs of
the higher functioning resident, it strives as well to meet the needs
of the low functioning resident. The program is divided into
two aspects: Group Programs and 1:1 Programs. Through an equal
blend of the two, all residents are assessed and offered a program
that meets their individual interests and abilities. The key
is to know the resident. Know what interests or interested them
and incorporate this into their plan of care.
GROUP ACTIVITIES: Group activities are provided seven days a week. A monthly activity calendar is followed and resident input is always used to establish a wide variety of events. Just to mention a few, there are games, discussion groups, special events and parties, theme days, crafts, cooking, educational programs and spiritual programs, pet therapy, children's visits, outings, exercise and the list goes on and on. Some residents elect to get involved, some do not, but regardless of their mental or physical limitations, they are welcome and encouraged to attend. You will see by the many photos within this section, participation is high, if even on a passive level. 1:1 PROGRAMS: Often times, a residents abilities are limited or they choose to not become involved in group programs. When this is the case, a modified activity plan is called for. This may include in room activities, sensory and visual stimulation, scheduled room visits and many other items, personally planned to provide the resident with an opportunity to function at full potential. All this makes for a large task for the Diversional Department. One that they strive to meet with enthusiasm. SPECIAL NEEDS UNIT: This wing has their own activity program, geared to the needs of the mid to high functioning but cognitively impaired resident. Steps are kept simple and a social environment is promoted. The staff on this wing works as a team to aide with individual task type activities as well as social group programs. The activities are varied, but always kept simple as to not over challenge the resident with dementia. Flexibility is essential and staff works to keep them occupied and content. An outdoor area allows for outside programs and is utilized on a regular basis. Residents on this wing also have the opportunity if appropriate, to go on a weekly bus outing. Activities outside of this area are also encouraged if the resident can handle them positively. They are treated with dignity and acceptance and allowed to function at their level. Heading the Diversional Therapy Department is Director, Stacy Donati. She is assisted by two Assistant Managers, Tammy Saier and Danielle Tachick. There are seven Diversional Therapy Aides that work within this department. The Wood Haven Activities Center is located in a spacious area at the end of Birch Street. Activities are held in the this room, as well as in the new expansion area in the Trillium Dining Room and in the Facility Chapel. |
To encourage a positive experience
for our visiting
children, A trip to the bountiful
TREASURE CHEST is exciting for
young and old alike. At
each and every visit, our residents are invited to
bring their visitors down to the Wood
Haven Activity Center and
let the children select a gift from
the chest. This has proved to be a very positive
approach to the little ones who may have found a first visit a bit frightening.
This young gentleman is trying to decide on a
treasure!
"Activity
in the Spotlight"
Gramma
Groomers
| The "Gramma Groomers" program was "hatched" at a volunteer fair where both the Iron County Medical Care Facility and the Northwoods Animal Shelter were set up to recruit volunteers for programs in Iron County. Residents of the facility as a whole, love animals and many of them miss the regular interaction and positive effects that caring for an animal can provide. In conjunction, the two entities came up with "Gramma Groomers", an opportunity for the animals at the shelter to receive, hugs, kisses, grooming, treats and interaction, and the residents to feel a sense of nurturing and self-worth, by providing volunteer work within their community. On a regular basis, the ICMCF bus will bring a group of residents to the shelter, where they spend several hours with the animals. Shelter volunteers welcome the attention they bring as well as the "Care Package", many needed items to care for the animals awaiting adoption. Everyone at the facility has embraced the program and a large drop-off box is permanently kept in the employee break room where generous animal loving employees are sure to keep it filled to the brim. A wish list is often sent home from shelter volunteers and these items are a mission to obtain for residents and employees. This program is a win-win situation. The mission of the residents? A well socialized animal becomes a more adoptable animal. Everyones goal is to see these animals reach a loving, permanent home. For any questions regarding this program, please contact: Stacy Donati, Diversional Therapy Director, ICMCF |
 Lily provides some loving comfort. |
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