by Marie Curcio, Director of Resident Support

Our Morningside Program is designed to offer daily events and happenings that engage everyone…our residents, staff and visitors in positive interactions that nourish the mind, body and spirit. fun helps eliminate stress and makes all of us feel good.

We work to build trust and relationships through learning about our residents’ life histories and engaging residents in interaction.It is important to emotional well being and helps promote relationship centered care. Things WITH the resident instead of doing everything FOR and TO the resident further builds residents’ self esteem. residents to develop a sense of purpose, accomplishment and a feeling of usefulness is not only critical to emotional well-being but also helps to reduce agitation and anxiety so often a part of the disease process.

Our program encourages involvement and “doing”. Being productive makes all us feel useful; that we are making a contribution and our Morningside residents’ needs are no different than our own in this regard. all feel better when we are involved in things we enjoy. Socializing with others further reduces the risk of isolation and boredom. “something to do” residents may communicate boredom in ways that are often labeled “problem behaviors”.

Program events are planned to be stimulating in multiple areas to avoid needless deterioration of resident abilities. build a program around everyday life with repetition, routine and rhythm. Residents are also given choices throughout the day. Programs include daily physical and cognitive work outs, opportunities for social, emotional, sensory and spiritual stimulation both within Morningside as well as our Cadbury community at large. also enjoy music, music and more music. Community outings have included such events as the BSO rehearsals, ARTZ programs at local museums, dining at local restaurants and coastal cruises to name but a few.

The art of programming is not necessarily WHAT is done so much as the actual DOING. The process is what is truly valuable, not the outcome. It is all about the “doing together” and having fun.

Who does the Programming? Everyone working in Morningside Program has the responsibility, obligation and opportunity to interact with each resident in way that meets resident needs, desires and choices. takes place anywhere and everywhere, every time the resident is awake and every time there is a resident encounter. Even the most basic of day to day living: dressing, dining, bathing present opportunities to engage our Residents meaningfully. Our Morningside Program supports opportunities to “live in and enjoy the moment” throughout the day building a positive emotional environment in which residents may thrive despite the challenges of their illness.