The Allen Oaks Nursing and Rehab Center recently held a glamor shoot in September to give the residents an opportunity to do something out of the norm.
Amy Tolleson, administrator, was pleased with the outcome because it carried across different departments interacting with residents, smiling and enjoying a day of fun. She complimented Shalonda Cole, the activity director, for a great job in promoting fun, spirit and a “feel good” feeling among residents and staff. She said, CNAs, nursing staff, housekeeping staff; they were all helping.
“I guess that old saying, ‘You look good, feel good,’ is true, because it really made a big difference.” Later, when looking at the pictures posted on Facebook™, she said she heard comments like, “Oh my, she’s smiling,” “look at her,” and “wow.”
Covid has been difficult, according to Tolleson, She said families were separated and anxiety feelings were raised higher because “not knowing” took its toll on residents and employees.
“It’s really tough on us emotionally. When we leave to go home, you see the resident and they can’t do the same.”
Families had to talk to loved ones through glass or on the phone. Tolleson remembered in the spring when some of the restrictions were lifted, she told a man he could hug his mother family. She said he was cautious and said something like, “Are you sure?” She said, “Yes, you can see your mom; you can hug your mom.”
Those situations illustrate how stressful Covid has been to everyone, but especially the elderly, whose schedules changed when loved ones could no longer visit. So events like a “Glamor Shot” are welcomed.
“Anything and everything we can do to make our residents feel good, really makes a bid difference.”
It’s that attitude that Cole reaches for as activity director. She said she is always looking for ways to entertain residents and put a smile on their face. Cole said she had wanted to do this “Glamour Shot” for some time, but she believes in organizing and planning. She said God’s help made this a reality. “It all fell into place.”
Cole said she had help. Sha Jones took the pictures and visited the Goodwill store looking for clothing for the occasion. Diane Lemoine and Gracie Laird did makeup. Delores Gradney did her part working with hair.
“It was an awesome day,” Cole said. “You could hear them laughing and working together. It was just an awesome day.” Tolleson said it was great to see many residents, who never get out of bed, were up and ready to have their pictures taken. She said the staff even enjoyed the event in planning and preparing residents; giving them a smile and words of encouragement like, “looking good” and “you’re beautiful.”
Cole said they made sure every resident got their turn. She said there were photos for relatives too. “Relatives love it too. The comments were like “awesome job,” “excited to see those pictures” and “that was an amazing pose for my mother/father.” She said they are still getting compliments.
Cole is always planning something for the residents. Right now, she is planning the residents’ Halloween costume contest and door decorating contest. She said some residents already have their doors completed. Last weekend, they did a Zydeco Dance Night, and in May, they did a carnival complete with a dunking booth, crawfish boil, picture booth and different games for the residents. In August, she held a luau for the residents, and they wore their skirts. She said residents love their karaoke events and barbecues.
Cole admits these events are possible through supporters like individuals and businesses, who make donations. At Christmas, Cole said they work on gifts for all residents. She said churches and others come forward to adopt a resident and purchase a gift. She encourages the public to support these types of events. “Last year, we did the 12 days of Christmas and sang to the residents.”
Cole is always trying to think of new things she believes residents might enjoy.
“I love what I do,” Cole said. She has been in charge of activities for six years now in Oakdale and formerly worked activities at St. Francis. “You have to be humble when you are a servant,” she said. “It’s not about us. It’s about them. I love them. Each resident is so different.
This Glamour shoot gave the residents an opportunity to dress up and feel good about themselves, according to Tolleson and Cole. The extra bonus was seeing staff members become involved with residents outside of their normal duties, according to Tolleson. She added, “It’s a good memory for them to see their mom/dad happy.”
