"Daniel P. Clark" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
I did something on July 14 that I had always said I would never do: I started working for a Nursing Home (Long Term Care Facility for those of you who are anxious to be politically correct) as the Director of Nursing. I guess when you tell God that a particular thing is not an option; He sometimes uses that very thing as an instructional tool.
Long story short: our nursing homes need involvement from kids. It is good for the residents and good for the kids. The three biggest challenges facing residents of nursing homes are: loneliness, helplessness, and boredom
LONELINESS: I have 19 residents in my home who have no family contact or very little and sporadic contact. They need visitors. If we took one fourth the amount of time we spend �fellowshipping� and go visiting instead, no nursing home resident or shut in would ever be lonely again.
HELPLESSNESS: Many of our residents are becoming more and more dependent on others. They begin to lose their sense of self value. However, our elders are invaluable to us because they can tell us stories. Stories are essential to our society. Our elders are invaluable. The kids can give them this sense of being needed while simultaneously gaining an incredible amount of life lessons.
BOREDOM: Have you ever noticed how enjoyable it is to just sit back and watch kids have fun? Sure, I usually join in�but not always. I dare you to sit back and watch some kids having fun and still remain bored. It�s just not possible. Our elders also enjoy watching kids and need this activity to overcome boredom.
This is an incredibly short version of what is needed. I challenge you to take your Rangers (maybe even in conjunction with Missionettes and Children Church) to nursing homes on a regular basis. Don�t just go sing Christmas carols at Christmas time. Also, start out small. Go once a quarter, then move up to once a month. This ministry will make an indelible impression on your boys.
If you are intrigued by the thought of helping with these problems, I suggest you visit a home which is practicing the Eden Alternative or visit the website which discusses it: www.edenalternative.com
Daniel P. Clark, RN
Outpost 177
Oklahoma, USA
