Knots of Love
In the words of Lloyd Christmas from Dumb and Dumber,
Lloyd Christmas: Excuse me, little old lady. Do you have change for a dollar?
Elderly Lady: Change? No I’m sorry, I don’t.
Lloyd Christmas: Well, can you do me a favor and watch my stuff here while I go break a dollar?
Elderly Lady: Of course.
Lloyd Christmas: Thanks. Hey, I guess they’re right. Senior citizens, although slow and dangerous behind the wheel, can still serve a purpose. I’ll be right back. Don’t you go dying onme.
Even though this scene is quite funny despite its stereotype regarding the elderly , Lloyd Christmas is right! Quality of life is improved when the elderly are serving a purpose through meaningful interventions . Research has proven that senior citizens, especially those living in assisted living or long term care communities, feel most satisfied when they are given an opportunity to do things for other people. A service project increases self – esteem, self – worth, and an overall quality of life. Life Enrichment Coordinators or Activity Directors have a wonderful opportunity to provide these kinds of therapeutic interventions in their respective communities. At Sumner Place in Lincoln, Nebraska the residents have started a service program they have entitled “Knots of Love.” The idea is to make knot blankets and donate them to a variety of different organizations in and around our community that may be in need of some extra love and care. Thus far donations have been given to the Children’s Hospital, in honor of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week, and “Bags of Love” based out of Lincoln. The “Bags of Love” program provides a bag full of comfort items that they then give to the children who are removed from their home and placed into foster homes. “Bags of Love” has served the Lincoln, Geneva, Nebraska City, and Omaha areas. The residents have also chosen to provide a knot blanket to the team members of Sumner Place who are expecting a child. Jean Masters, a resident at Sumner Place, verbalizes, “Our project is very helpful to us so that we can give to others.” Another resident from Sumner Place, Jean Daugherty explains, “I feel it is good that I can help others. We hope these blankets serve their purpose and bring comfort and joy to whoever receives them.”