The Benefits of Silence in Senior Care

The Benefits of Silence in Senior Care

User Profile By Haley Burress   United States

Found In: ›Activities ›Articles

Have you ever left an event feeling exhausted and overstimulated? Our residents are often shuffled from one group activity to another, with little time in-between. A bit of silence to rest and recover their energy can go a long way!

Have you ever left an event feeling exhausted and overstimulated? Our residents are often shuffled from one group activity to another, with little time in-between. A bit of silence to rest and recover their energy can go a long way!

In this article we cover:

  • A Day in the Life of Residents
  • Benefits of Silence and Solitude
  • Talk about the Benefits of Silence with Residents
  • 4 Group Activities Incorporating Silence
  • Individual Silence and Solitude Inspiration
  • Silence as a Gateway to Health

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Rev Joseph 30th Mar 2022 Chaplain
Drawing from the Article : Silence as an Oasis,Stiver, Tanya, N.J. Enfield, P. Brown, et.al., Universals and cultural variation in turn-taking in conversation, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Vol. 106, No. 26 ' Silent moments in therapy serve as an oasis from the chatter that fills most of our lives. Like an oasis, supportive silences can refresh, nurture and strengthen those around it. Because such spaces in conversation are outside usual human interactions, they can let something different happen. They are a powerful tool that we each need to develop thoughtfully and purposefully.' This explains how we get new revelations during our quiet moments. According to the scriptures , Jesus often withdrew himself from his followers to a solitary place to pray and to hear from God. At times we need allow silence to communicate with the service Users as long as we remain alert of their circumstances.
Susan 31st Mar 2022 Activity Director
Thanks for your input Rev Joseph
Olwyn 17th May 2019 Diversional Therapist
Lovely ideas here. Thank you Haley. Overstimulation can definitely be a problem. Some days in the afternoon, right after the lunchtime meal, I put a youtube movie on of fish in a fish tank, with no sound. Even the medical and allied staff enjoy this hour of peacefulness. There are many similar videos such as waterfalls, or waves crashing on a beach on Youtube. I have also found some DVD's in the Op shop thrift stores.
Haley 21st May 2019 Recreation Therapist And Writer
Great idea, Olywn! I'm sure it adds a peaceful element in your community during a chaotic time (meals are always loud and bustling).
AJ 17th May 2019 Activity Director
Yes, the days of "activities as a party atmosphere all day everyday" are so outdated. We have leisure reading, at 2:30 everyday where residents can come in browse newspaper, magazines, do a word search puzzle, etc. 3x a week (during the winter months) we have coffee cafe where it is a coffee house atmosphere, light music in the back ground, coffee/tea/hot apple cider are served. Things dont always have to be loud, bright and in motion to be an activity!
Haley 21st May 2019 Recreation Therapist And Writer
I completely agree, AJ. I'm also glad that we can meet the needs of our residents in a variety of different ways, since everyone is unique. Love your coffee shop idea as well - keep up the good work!
Kim 14th May 2019 lifestyle
I just can't love this enough. Personally I am a big believer in silence and find that our residents can be over stimulated which therefore causes " behaviours" . I like to have a peaceful setting for our activities and read the feeling in the room before we decide to play music or chat. Myself in social situations where there is so much noise and commotion going on I feel anxious and angry at times so can completely understand how this would affect our residents on a daily basis. This is a great read and very informative. Well done.
Haley 15th May 2019 Recreation Therapist And Writer
Thanks for the feedback, Kim! Like you, I find myself overwhelmed and overstimulated during busy events or in big crowds - our residents likely feel that way sometimes too. Thankful you already see the benefits of peaceful settings - your residents are better for it!
Jo Elise 11th May 2019 Therapist
brilliant!
Haley 15th May 2019 Recreation Therapist And Writer
Glad you enjoyed this article, Jo! Here's to peaceful moments for you and your residents.
Haley 10th May 2019 Recreation Therapist And Writer
Haley has submitted a new article: The Health Benefits of Silence in Senior Care
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