Second Wind Dreams

A couple of years ago I became away of an organization called Second Wind Dreams (http://www.secondwind.org/) They have goal of enhancing the quality of life for those living in eldercare communities.

The program began with the work and passion of P. K. Bevill, PhD. Who co-wrote Second Wind, a heart warming book about life within nursing homes. Today the program reaches facilities in 38 states, Canada and India, and is changing our perception of aging one dream at a time.

According to their website there are basically five categories of dreams: (the following is taken from the website)

·Relationship Based Dreams: So that the resident can reunite with friends and family members that they may not have seen in many years. One resident had not seen his brother in over 40 years! Approximately 12% of the dreams are this kind.

·Life Long Dreams: Learning to play the piano, swimming with the dolphins or going to Graceland are just a few of these powerful dreams. Approximately 6% of dreams fall into this category.

· Dreams to Relive Past Experiences: A simple trip to a favorite restaurant, paint supplies so that a resident can go back to creating paintings make the difference, feeling needed when they can relive their jobs. These are 14% of the dreams.

·Dreams for Fun: An unbelievable 46% of the dreams fulfilled are just for fun. Our residents want to go to the Price Is Right, ride a go-cart and ride all the roller coasters at an amusement park.

·Need Based Dreams: Imagine needing something as simple as a cup holder for your wheelchair or a dress so that you can attend church again and no matter what you do you will never be able to get it. This is a humbling 22% of the dreams.
Seniors who are living in eldercare communities are most need of assistance. Family support may be non-existent, money can be at a premium, especially for our Medicaid supported seniors, and these senior adults are often our frailest— the ones who need a dream fulfilled.

The lack of dreams and goals can have serious physical and mental consequences. By fulfilling dreams we improve the quality of the residents’ lives by stimulating residents both physically and mentally while giving them the special attention they deserve.

According to Second Wind Dream, older adults and their dreams shine much brighter than anything we will do. “As each dream unfolds, the local community sees the wonder of older adults and understands that each stage of life is unique and bountiful. Long after the dream has been fulfilled, the effects linger on.

Organizations, such as Second Wind Dreams, cannot do it all. According to the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, 60% of nursing home residents have no visitors.

What have you done to reach out to the eldercare residents and other elderly citizens in your community. Take a minute and post a comment or send me an email.