Overlooking Sacramento’s serene Lake Greenhaven, Eskaton Care Center Greenhaven provides skilled nursing care in an environment of warmth, dignity and respect.
Recently, Eskaton Care Center has started something new.
The Java Project at Eskaton
The California Department of Public Health has awarded a civil monetary penalties (CMP) grant of $1.9 million to the LeadingAge California Foundation to implement Java Group Programs in 100 skilled nursing facilities across the state.
The LeadingAge California Java Project provides skilled nursing facilities with Java Group Programs, which are the first standardized peer support interventions designed to address the critical rates of depression and loneliness across the senior living spectrum and older adults in the community.
From reservations to joy
Julie Sagastume is the Life Enrichment Director at Eskaton Care Center Greenhaven, one of the 100 facilities awarded the grant.
In an interview, Julie talked about the impact of the Java Project. She had her reservations at first and stated that she didn’t know if the groups would work. She went on to say that despite these reservations, the Java program was structured and guided so well that it flowed beautifully.
“We have a lot of new residents admitted and the Java program is growing. I haven’t seen anything like this – the way it brings residents together.”
One resident, Penny Kessler, shared that she used to dread Mondays. Now she loves getting up for the Java Program every Monday morning and doesn’t want to leave the group when it is over.
The Java programs come with extensive program materials: a group manual with 52 themes, photography, quotes, recorded music, a talking stick and training for facilitators along with a step-by-step guide. This allows for rich discussions about a different topic each week.
Julie shared about a resident who had recently moved to Eskaton. The theme chosen by the group that day was “A place of my own”, and the new resident wept when it came time for her to share. The residents gathered around her and told her: “We’re here to love you and support you. You’re in a safe place.”
“Thoughts, feelings and joy just flow…”
Julie stated that Java has brought residents closer: “They don’t pick on each other anymore. It’s amazing!”
“We have a member of our JAVA Music Group that is fairly new. When she started, she was more of an observer. The past three weeks, when the talking stick comes her way, her thoughts, feelings, and joy just flow out from her.
Yesterday we had a care conference with her two brothers that visit weekly. They asked if we were doing anything different with their sister, they have noticed that during their visits she has been engaging more in conversation with them, and just over all she has been happier.
Of course, I jumped right in!! I explained the program to them and shared how much it has opened her up. It is so beautiful to have the opportunity to witness and share how the JAVA program enhances the quality of life for our residents.”