At the Grand Rapids Home For Veterans we have 14 nursing units and 2 domiciliary units.  We have an activity staff for each of the units.  Each unit has a calendar of events for the month that the members are involved in planning; the calendar will inform each member of the  time and variety of recreational opportunities that are available.  To ensure a comfortable adjustment to daily life at the home, each activity aide learns of their interests and provides resources to meet those needs whenever possible.

Some examples of the on-unit activities are:

Monthly Birthday Parties to which all residents from that unit are invited.  Families and friends are also encouraged to participate.  This is a wonderful time to all celebrate together.

Celebration of various Holidays, each unit decorates and celebrates with a party for the various holidays, some examples are:  Halloween, Valentines Day, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Memorial Day and Mardi Gras.

Music Appreciation can be enjoyed by everyone at the home.  We have a music therapist who travels to the various units playing the requests of the members.  These experiences provide the opportunity for relaxation, creative expression, reminiscence, education and recreation. 

Exercise and Physical Fitness we offer throughout the week on each unit, we even visit each unit on Saturday mornings for an early morning stretch.  This program is to promote physical health, gross motor, fine motor, strength, flexibility and endurance.  We use a variety of materials such as balloons, beach balls, basketballs, parachutes and small weights.

Unit Trips are offered each month, whether to a movie or out to eat or a scenic ride to the beach.  Each Activity Aide has a meeting with the members from their unit to generate ideas and needs of the members and then a trip will be scheduled.  Each member is on a rotation so everyone gets the chance to enjoy an afternoon out on the town.

Outdoor Activities are always popular at the home; we have beautiful grounds including a nature trail.  We are also located acress the street from Riverside Park, which is right on the Grand River offering bike and walking trails.  This provides a social and recreational experience, this also promotes health and a relaxing environment.

Books and Movies are available throughout the home, we even have a new library members can access for books or magazines.  We have a video library that we keep updated with new release DVD's, members are welcome to check out for their pleasure.

Social Time is always a part of every activity, but sometimes its nice to grab a cup of coffee and a doughnut and enjoy the social camaraderie of everyone on the unit. This also develops friendships to peers with similar interests through conversations.

Pet Therapy is offered on Saturdays with West Michigan Pet Therapy.  This is a therapeutic activity providing the sensory and emotional stimulation which animals evoke.

Horticulture is offered on the units, with our horticulturist and a volunteer.  They visit each unit throughout the week, this program offers opportunities for creativity and creative expression.  This also is a positive opportunity for peer socialization and participating in a successful project promoting self-esteem.

Games are always a favorite on the units; this is an opportunity to provide recreational leisure opportunities and developing friendships to peers with similar program interests.  This could be a wide variety of activity from playing cards, board games, bingo, crosswords and word search.

Sensory activities are offered on an individualized basis for those members who might not benefit from the typical group atmosphere.  This may also be programs designed for members who need smaller group settings, or adaptations for reduced attention spans.  These supportive programs promote participant awareness, responsiveness, and participation consistent with individual interests, needs and ability levels.

As you can see we have an activity for just about anyone, we take great pride in our home providing enjoyment through meaningful activities.  We strive to enhance our recreation and activity programs through the development of staff coordination and teamwork. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact any of us in the Activity Department at the Grand Rapids Home For Veterans.