Sunset Home brings digital journey program to residents

QUINCY (WGEM) – Residents at Sunset Home collect each Friday morning to make a journey throughout America with out leaving their dwelling.

Stephanie Hawkins, who works in admissions on the Quincy facility, created a program that takes residents on digital excursions of all 50 states. Each week focuses on a unique state, full with details, historical past and supplies despatched by state tourism departments.

“So far, we’ve heard from 34,” Hawkins mentioned. “A lot of states have been very generous.”

The mail brings packages containing pencils, magnets, stickers, tour guides and different gadgets from states throughout the nation. Hawkins mentioned she has acquired supplies from as far-off as Delaware.

Program appeals to residents with restricted journey expertise

Arleta Dye, a retired trainer who lives at Sunset Home, mentioned she seems to be ahead to the weekly periods.

“Listen. I look forward to Fridays from the first of the week,” Dye mentioned.

Dye mentioned she has traveled to Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana and Arkansas throughout her lifetime. She is blind, which makes touring tough.

“We come to class, and we hear all of these exciting facts about each state and it’s like you’ve almost just been there,” Dye mentioned.

The program has lined fewer than 10 states up to now. At one state per week, it should take a few 12 months to finish all 50 states.

Dye mentioned she is especially trying ahead to studying about Colorado.

“My parents so wanted me to go to Colorado. So when we study that state, I’m going to have all ears to listen to Colorado,” she mentioned.

Program helps residents with dementia recall recollections

Loyce Mills, one other resident, mentioned she has performed some touring and loved seeing the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. She mentioned she initially attended the exercise as a result of it was one thing to do however stayed as a result of the best way it’s introduced.

“Immediately, I became interested in it, and it’s been presented in such a fine way,” Mills mentioned.

Glenda Knight visits her sister Rosie, who lives at Sunset Home with dementia. Knight mentioned this system helps set off recollections for her sister.

“I can see a little memory coming back when I show her the pictures of this part of the state or that part of the state,” Knight mentioned.

Knight mentioned her sister traveled extensively when she was youthful. While Rosie might not keep in mind the digital journeys the following day, she acknowledges locations in pictures.

“You ask her about it tomorrow, and she won’t remember going to South Dakota, but when she sees that picture of South Dakota, she remembers going,” Knight mentioned.

Each resident receives a state stamp of their passport, and Hawkins is making a scrapbook for residents to overview their digital travels.

The Activities Department at Sunset Home operates on donations. Hawkins mentioned she has been overwhelmed by help from state tourism departments and is anticipating supplies from the White House.

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