By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
For many West Michigan seniors, Care Resources is truly “home away from home” – and this month, they celebrated with a special homecoming dance.
“Dances create an exciting ‘out of the ordinary’ environment where participants can let loose and have fun,” said Care Resources Recreation Therapist Nicole Steed, adding that dances are highly requested by residents.
“We try to do a dance on a quarterly basis,” Steed continued, naming luaus, discos and seasonal dances as previous day center dance themes. Decorations and costumes make each dance unique. “We typically do a homecoming dance and prom each year to spark nostalgia for school dances.
“It also proves that there is no age limit on the ability to have a good time and have fun.”
A one-stop shop
As a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, also known as PACE, the nonprofit serves as a single resource to keep seniors healthy, independent and at home.
“We are that one-stop shop helping participants not only take care of medical needs but also their social and emotional needs,” said Steed. “It’s a place they can fully feel taken care of, and they have a lot of pride in the program.”
To bolster that pride and celebrate National PACE Month in September, Care Resources hosted a special homecoming dance on Sept. 9 at its Grand Rapids day center.
“Our day center is a place designed to make all participants feel welcome,” said Steed. “We are a community here. By making it a ‘homecoming dance,’ we’re emphasizing to participants that this is their home.”
While having fun, participants also received a host of health benefits from the event.
“This dance is designed to bring our participants a sense of purpose and promote that community feeling here,” Steed added. “It’ll be a great way to move their bodies and get some fitness in while socializing with others. It really encompasses all areas of health and wellness.”
Taking ownership and having fun
To further celebrate PACE Month, the Care Resources recreational therapy team wanted to allow participants to showcase their thoughts and feelings about the day center, as well as take part in the decorating aspect.
This included pennant banners quoting individual participants’ thoughts on what Care Resources PACE means to them.
“One of my favorites,” said Steed, “stated, ‘I wake up every day to be able to come into the center.’ That really shows how special Care Resources is.”
Participants also created and hung signs around the center, arranged flower displays for the tables and made a streamer wall, which was the main backdrop for our dance.
“This demonstrates how the dance was designed for and by them to celebrate our love for the day center and Care Resources in general,” said Steed.
“All in all, we had an absolute blast! Happy PACE Month!”
Learn more
For more information about Care Resources and the resources they offer, visit CareResources.org.
