“Yes, who are you. You g’foist ma!” As soon as I enter the newly built day care center in Tumeltsham, the joke is on and I’m not only there from the first minute, I’m almost right in the middle of it. By the way, the casual greeting came from “Kathi”. In the course of the morning I was able to determine that the sympathetic lady didn’t fall short and was and still is a good “gstanzl singer”.
More and more people are alone in the “life phase of old age”, very often lonely and miss contact with their fellow human beings. The Red Cross community project “Day Care Center” offers an additional day care offer for seniors in the Ried district in the newly built premises in Tumeltsham. The response is tremendous. Started a year ago with two opening days, meanwhile it’s three days and a fourth opening day is already being considered or is already being planned.
What is noticeable as soon as you enter: This is not a clinic or retirement home, the equipment is not sterile, the color white has been avoided as much as possible. It’s like walking into a big apartment with a huge living room. “We had the opportunity to be involved in the planning right from the start. The feel-good factor was very important to us, we deliberately wanted to avoid a clinical ambience. And that really worked. The people who come to us feel really comfortable and enjoy the day with us!” says Christian Dobler-Strehle, the district manager of the Red Cross, about the good response.
From 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., day guests are offered a colorful programme. Care is taken to ensure that everyone present is involved as best as possible. The “guests” are also provided with culinary delights. The food comes from the kitchen of the Ried nursing home. However, the large delivery box is not on the table. The dining table is laid out in style, the food is served on beautiful plates and with cutlery, and the serviettes are also made of red fabric. The food tastes that little bit better!
Everyone is welcome here. No level of care is required either. There are seniors who are at level zero, but it goes up to level 5 and 6. “We saw within a short time that the mixture is important. The higher care levels benefit from the lower ones. Nobody needs it To be afraid that he will be overwhelmed here,” says Christian Dobler-Strehle.
All senses are stimulated
Movement, music, memory training, quizzes, puzzles, but also short periods of recovery. The day is well planned. In between there is always enough to drink, the tablets are administered, there are apples and tangerines as a snack in between. “We don’t do any ‘forced fun’ here, everyone should feel comfortable. People are involved. Everyone as they can. Wednesday is apple strudel day, we also baked pastries and Christmas cookies. Anyone who can help and support a little feels recognized. We For example, we have a lady here who irons our serviettes. Others fold the blankets in the relaxation room and help to uncover and clean up,” says Johanna Salhofer. She is a specialist social worker for the elderly and, so to speak, the head of the day care center. On Thursday the group is well mixed. Five women and five men came. Wednesday is a “pure” women’s day. According to unconfirmed rumours, a lot is “discussed” here and many topics are “worked through”.
Positive feedback
The response from those cared for is extremely positive. “I’ve been looking forward to Thursday all week. You have someone to talk to. At home I’m alone all day. Get up in the morning, do small jobs, eat, go to bed in the evening. In the long run, that will become natural a little bland,” says Kathi. And Josef, who sat quietly for a long time, agrees with her. “It’s almost like being in seventh heaven for me. There’s nothing to complain about!” he smiles.
After the introductory phase, it’s time for the first games. A circle of chairs is formed, colorful towels and balls are distributed and the “music machine” is switched on. First, a ride on the subway is played. The song “Kleine Schaffnerin” is playing in the background. Arms and legs are included. There is no one who does not participate. Everyone gets carried away. And it is also sung out loud, the text should have been well saved by most of them by now.
A game of skill follows with a large cloth (photo above), in which everyone has to juggle a ball around. Coordination, dexterity, but also quick thinking are encouraged here.
For those who cannot be taken by relatives, there is a Red Cross transport service: “I do enjoy taking the bus, it’s almost like an excursion for me and it gives me a little sense of freedom,” says one lady.
Source: Nachrichten
