About the Book
Based on the belief that older people have good stories to tell, Story Writing in a
Nursing Home was developed as part of a volunteer teaching service to a nursing home.
Graduate students who were learning to teach this special population conducted story
writing activities with older adults and found that even the frail elderly who are
confined to nursing centers provided a unique perspective about events that emphasize the
lasting verities in life. The idea of a patchwork was derived from one of the lessons
taught and was suggested by one of the older participants who said, "We're sort of like a
patchwork quilt."
The information, memories, and humor the elderly see in situations is worth recording.
In addition, Story Writing in a Nursing Home emphasizes the way to develop the mental
stimulation that is so important for physical well being. This sensitive and insightful
book provides a lesson plan outline and the type of content that was used as an example.
It also provides a running commentary in the form of a diary that tells how to begin a
teaching program for nursing center residents. Students and professionals interested in
implementing a similar program can use these ideas for planning and for organizing the use
of student help to better serve the population.
Fascinating reading, this book includes stories by frail elderly people, lesson plans,
tips on working with administrators in a nursing center, and reasons for providing
instruction. Teachers, volunteers, librarians, gerontology/sociology students, and others
concerned with the well-being of the elderly will refer often to this instructive volume.
Reviews
"Chock-full of ideas for mental stimulation and reminiscence. If you do not want to
implement the program as described, you can take bits and pieces from the 'quilt' to begin
your own smaller 'quilt'. We highly recommend this book for activity professionals in any
type of facility who want to develop new or expand upon existing programs."
- Creative Forecasting Magazine
"Valuable to social workers, activity directors, occupational therapists, and others
interested in stimulating and involving nursing-home residents in productive activities.
The description of the educational program itself... is a valuable contribution."
- Educational Gerontology
