Cases
The Nursing Home of Jinotega, situated in the northern part of the Republic of Nicaragua, provides basic care, housing, health care and meals to low-income seniors ranging from 60 to 100 years of age, currently accommodating about 55 men and women. Most of which have been abandoned and have no family, coming from both urban and rural areas of Jinotega and surrounding regions in the north of Nicaragua.
The center is under the direction of the local Catholic Church, and is managed by an administrative team composed of caregivers and nurses who are trained to provide care and support to the elderly community. Most of the residents suffer from chronic and degenerative diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and dementia.
As part of the care, residents have a diverse daily routine including cognitive stimulation, social and cultural activities with the support of volunteers from Jinotega’s community.
Among the social and cultural activities, the staff is promoting intervention including creative arts and mental health in order to reduce ageism and stereotypes regarding old age, as well as to reduce the social stigma of dementia. In addition, it allows to show the community the importance of mental health care and cognitive stimulation for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Here’s a few art activities and intervention for improving brain health:
- The writing of the resident’s biography through the coordination of a social worker who collects relevant facts, life events,photographs, phrases and memories. This is later exhibited in the general room.
- An exhibition of paintings and handicrafts. At least once a month the residents exhibit to the whole community their handmade work and paintings made during the last few weeks. For the development of these activities, various painting materials, flip charts and other supplies are used to paint and make molds for piñatas.
- Intergenerational connection. Activities are promoted among children, young people and adolescents from primary and secondary schools who come to the nursing home to share stories with other generation, facilitating bonding and friendship connections.
- Cooking together. The art of cooking is culturally fundamental to the women living in the nursing home, that’s why they are invited to plan and assist with the cooking. New recipes are promoted to encourage the art of culinary arts among the women residents.
- Family tree. The elaboration of the family history is promoted, hence the elaboration of each resident’s family trees is key.
- Making memories. In this case, the recollection and description of positive life events of the residents is stimulated, especially related to their partners, marriage, childrens, the most important and enjoyable jobs, visits to other countries, households or communities, games and hobbies.
- Arts and support groups. Activities are promoted among residents, caregivers and some relatives and members of the community of Jinotega to hold discussion groups on the residents’ lives and plan leisure and enjoyable activities such as going on trips, going for walks, attending events in the neighborhood area or within the community.
For further information
Milton López Norori – Nicaragua Proyecto Red de Artes y Creatividad en Latinoamerica. – milton(dot)lopez(at)gbhi(dot)org
lopeznorori(at)gmail(dot)com
OR
Eva Pineda – Administrative Director, Hogar de Ancianos de Jinotega – jnnipineda(at)yahoo(dot)es
