Staff Keeps Activities Department Fun

Most people when they picture a nursing home, don’t picture happiness and fun. Well, at Sidney Health Center’s Extended Care there is plenty of laughter and cheer. The ladies in the Activities Department make sure of it. For as long as Extended Care has been operating, so has the Activities Department. That gives the elderly community at Extended Care more than 50 years of service by these wonderful ladies.

The Activities Department is currently made up of 7 ladies, including the Activities Director Kris Radke. Radke has been the director for just about 6 years now, but has worked at Extended Care for 14 years. Prior to being Activities Director, she worked in Rehab, as she has her Associates Degree in Occupational Therapy. When the position for Director became available, some of the current Activities workers told her to do it. Radke stated it was a very hard decision, but she decided that as director she could get to know and serve the residents in a different way.

When speaking with Radke, it is obvious she has a passion for what she does.

As Radke stated, “I believe there is quality in every life.” Following that belief, part of her job is to come up with an individualized plan for each resident using their social history, personal preferences, hobbies and interests. Whether it be one-on-one time in their room, or going to the cafeteria for a gathering, she finds each individual something they can enjoy.

The ladies in the Activities Department do a lot of different activities. They organize things from monthly birthday parties, church time, entertainment and beauty shop, to one-on-one devotions, prayer time, and just time to visit. Right now, the big hit has been game time, with the popular ones being Rummikub, Farkle and Pinochle. Radke stated, “We had games scheduled at 2:30 the other day and by 1:15 they were already here wanting to play.”

One of the things that Radke is working to change as Director is the community’s involvement with the individuals at Extended Care. “I want to bring the community in to Extended Care, and also take the residents out into the community more,” stated Radke about her ideas. She enjoys setting up entertainment and activities for the residents. She is hoping more volunteers will come in and socialize with the elderly, as they are still a vital part of our community.

Radke ended stating, “Bottom line is, I really love working with the elderly.” This is evident when you see her interacting with the residents at Extended Care. If you would like to volunteer some time to visit or play games with the residents at Extended Care, please contact Kris Radke at 406-488-2338.