What does a unique activities program called Java Mentors and Madison Square Garden have in common?
Meet Page the Clown!
Page is a resident at one of 14 Palm Garden communities awarded a Civil Money Penalty Reinvestment Program grant called the Java Project.
Elise Morse, Senior Director of Life Enrichment/Spiritual Services and her staff at Palm Garden Healthcare in Florida, took on the implementation of 3 peer support and mentoring programs in collaboration with Java Group Programs to address loneliness.
The 3 Java programs were implemented over the period of a year: Java Music in months 1-3, Java Memory (peer support groups for people living with dementia) in months 4-6 and Java Mentors (a structure mentoring program where residents reach out to other residents) in months 7-12.
Staff commented that residents have developed a deep affection for Java.
“The sessions are becoming more popular, with standing-room-only attendance and high spirits among residents.”
The staff went on to say: “Page is an original Ringling Brothers Barnam and Baily clown. He remembers performing in Madison Square Garden! After joining the Java Mentors group, and with the encouragement of the Life Enrichment Department, Page wanted to use his talents to make others happy. He even went to his storage unit and got out some of his original pieces of his costume. Page is enjoying making people smile again and we are loving it!”
Elise shared that a total of 133 of her staff were trained how to facilitated the Java programs within the 14 communities and an amazing 538 residents participated. The observed outcomes included decreases in social isolation (23.4%) and loneliness (21.9%), and increases in happiness (24.2%).
One staff member shared the following story:
“This resident is having a huge improvement after being basically bed-bound for 2 years. Java is one of the positive things in his life. He’s taken a leadership role in Java and likes to help me facilitate and will even ask others how they feel. He really looks forward to Java each week. He has a lot of insight into his feelings and can verbalize his challenges and how he is overcoming them.”
Staff at Palm Garden communities shared more stories.
Meet Eddie
“Eddie loves people and loves to help everyone! Eddie is a natural Mentor. The Java Mentor program motivated him to help others in the community.”
Meet Elaine, Debbie and Tyrone
Three very faith driven individuals living in our Palm Garden of Ocala center.
“During our Java Mentor group, they asked how they could do more as Mentors, and share fellowship and the word of God with residents who wish to share their faith. Our Chaplain made them Elders in the Church and now they not only take active roles in our weekly Worship Service, but they are leaders in Bible study programs and visit with bed bound residents in room providing prayer and spiritual readings to those that wish to receive it.”
“Residents enjoyed the Java programs as do staff. Java has inspired residents to reach out to one another more, and has given many residents new meaning, new relationships, and hope.”
– Elise Morse, Senior Director of Life Enrichment/Spiritual Services, Palm Garden Healthcare