What can storytelling do for the nursing home patient?

Programs should be geared to the variety of populations within the nursing home, ie. cognitively impaired, young (25 - 50 yrs.), alert and oriented resident populations.

For storytelling, the population can be divided into these groups.  Programs should be interactive for all levels of the population to participate.  Program must be clear and not cluttered.  This aids the hearing impaired and the visually impaired.

Programs, depending on the sector of the facility population being worked with should offer the following opportunities:

To become a participant (self esteem and self awareness)

Encourage the mind to work, imagine and create as the story is told

Stimulate the senses through touch, sound, sight, smell!

To remind

To be entertained

The storyteller should be aware of the nursing home environment and adaptable to the changing environment.  The storyteller must be prepared.  Each situation is different and must be adjusted to.

~ D.M.K..