PAHCS Senior Housing is embarking on a new adventure; an adventure of collecting and fulfilling dreams for our seniors. Second Wind Dreams® is a non-profit organization whose mission is simple: through the fulfillment of dreams and the offering of innovative, educational opportunities to caregivers and communities, SWD seeks to change the perception and experience of aging, empowering elders to age with dignity, hope and joy. The program will begin by collecting dreams from our residents. If a resident is unsure or has some cognitive impairment, dreams will be elicited by interviewing family, friends and staff. Once dreams are collected we can begin “dreamweaving” or making the dreams come true.
The social work department wanted to bring this program to PAHCS to advocate for our residents in their ability to dream and live out their dreams. We know a lack of dreams and goals can have physical as well as mental consequences. Depression can set in. Classic symptoms of depression are powerlessness, hopelessness, apathy, chronic illness, decreased participation, indecisiveness and passivity. When dreams come true, the power is given back to the residents counteracting apathy, booting self-confidence and improving an individual’s quality of life.
The sky is the limit for our dreaming seniors. Dreams can be as simple as a new dress all the way to a ride in a hot air balloon. However, we need help. As we collect dreams we will publish them on our website. If there are any dreams you can help us make come true we would appreciate it. The program is not only empowering to our seniors but also to our staff and community in the work we will do together to make dreams become reality. SWD also has a national E-Dreams network, a database we can list requested dreams. This is one avenue for larger dream requests.
You can help us collect dreams too. While caring for residents, they may tell you about a dream in a conversation. It may be something simple as telling you about a favorite meal they traditionally had at the family dinner table. If you encounter this, please let us know. We have decided to name our dream program “Dream a Little Dream” submitted by Jennifer Dean-Dwyer, Physician Assistant.
We have gathered many dream requests and are looking for help in fulfilling them. Dream teams could be 5 to 6 people (but could be more) and the teams would assist in coordinating logistics and the cost of the event. The majority of dreams cost less than $50.00. Here is a list of some of the dream requests we have received. Dreams teams can pick from the list of dream requests or we can help connect you with a dream based on team interests. Please contact April or Trish in the social work department if you are interested and THANK YOU!
- A trip to Ireland. Since we will not be traveling to Ireland we will be bring Ireland to Koronis Manor. We are looking for a team to assist in arranging an Irish festival with Irish dancers.
- Skype to connect and see family further away. We are in need of camera’s for Skype.
- Two residents want write a letter and send flowers to a person that lives in the community
- Visit the Paynesville Historical Society
- Go shopping at Alco and then to A & W
- Go fishing (with two lines)
- Plant a flower garden
- Renew wedding vows
- Go to a Twins game
- Go to Mall of America
- To talk with daughter/son on the phone. We are in need of phone cards to cover the cost of long distance.
- Renew wedding vows.
- Go bowling
- Go shopping at Alco and then to the A & W
- Ride a horse
- Go Christmas caroling
As you can see some dreams are very simple to accomplish and some take a bit more in coordination and planing. None the less we are committed to Making Dreams Come True! Contact April Stadtler or Trish Barten, Social Workers at 320-243-3767.