FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2004

Illinois Facilities Address Unique Quality of Life Issues for Male Residents

(CHICAGO) – Perhaps the most challenging group for planning activities in a nursing home is the men, who often are reluctant to participate in scheduled programs. In Illinois, some progressive nursing facilities are taking the lead in planning successful activity programs for men by recognizing these residents’ histories, providing them a sense of accomplishment, and contributing to their self-esteem and quality of life.

In Illinois nursing facilities, female residents outnumber male residents 2:1. In the past, most activity calendars listed few if any programs that were designed for unique tastes and preferences of the men.

But times have changed. Illinois facilities are providing "person-centered" care, tailoring activities to the unique interests of each individual. Activity directors are getting rid of large group activities in favor of smaller groups and individualized activities that recognize each resident’s personal interests and talents.

Among the recent activity programs at Illinois facilities that cater to the men:

• Westmont Convalescent Center’s Men’s Club features a sign on the door that reads "No Women Allowed!" The female residents hate this sign, and the men love it. The male residents have their secret meetings, where they watch Westerns, discuss current events and talk about wartime experiences.

• Mid-America Convalescent Center in Chicago has a woodworking group for men that makes furniture for dollhouses. In addition, the men put together antique model cars that are put on display on a weekly basis.

• Ballard Healthcare Residence in Des Plaines has male residents who enjoy writing poetry. The facility sponsors a special poetry reading for family members, and displays the men’s poems for visitors to see.

Some exceptional male residents live at Illinois nursing facilities, including:

• Resident George Pappadakis at Sheridan Health Care Center in Zion. Both blind and deaf, George creates amazing sculpture pieces at an art studio at the facility, including boats, airplanes and intricate geometric puzzles. A prominent Chicago art gallery has displayed his work.

• Resident Larry Nash at Westmont Convalescent Center. At age 67, Larry suffers from Parkinson’s disease. He has a computer in his room and works on a variety of projects such as writing newsletter articles, preparing facility flyers, making Christmas cards and creating his church’s directory. Recently he wrote a facility newsletter article on what it is like to have Parkinson’s disease.

• Resident Nat Markowitz at the Arlington Rehab and Living Center in Long Grove. At age 97, Nat is one of the facility’s most active residents. On his own volition, he created a holiday fund to purchase gifts for all of the employees in honor of the December holidays.

Male residents often face many challenges with the aging process. Because they have identified themselves so much with their careers, they can feel depressed when they no longer have their jobs. They may have had few opportunities for outside recreation and friendships. Because of these factors, activity professionals are developing activities that emphasize individuality, continuation of past roles, and accomplishment.

"Many World War II-era residents battle an internal loss of identity and struggle to find purpose after retirement," said Terrence Sullivan, executive director of the Illinois Council. "To boost male residents’ self esteem, Illinois activity professionals are engaging them in programs that validate their unique histories and make them feel productive. The male residents are greatly benefiting from this `person-centered’ approach to nursing home care."

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The Illinois Council on Long Term Care is an association of nearly 200 Illinois nursing facilities that employ 26,000 professionals who provide care to more than 37,000 residents. To learn more information about nursing home care in Illinois, visit the Council’s Web site www.nursinghome.org.