Great news from Wiregrass Nursing Home in Geneva, Alabama!

" This news article was published July 13, 2004, in The Dothan Eagle and is reprinted with the permission of the author." It appeared with large color pictures on the front page of Section Three. Thanks for sharing!

Geneva County teens volunteer at Wiregrass Medical Center Nursing Home
By Ann Henderson, Dothan Eagle Correspondent

GENEVA ALABAMA – Word of mouth advertising has always been the best method to secure new customers or clients. The concept seems also to work with volunteer activities.

Megan Redmon began working last winter in the Junior Volunteer Program at Wiregrass Medical Center nursing home. She recruited Jamie Hughes, who then got Josh Wilson to come.

" I asked what it was about," said Wilson. "From what I was told, I liked it." Now he comes almost every day.

From 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., youth age 12 to 18 are encouraged to visit, read and play games with the residents who live in the nursing home on West Maple Avenue.

" Most important is the interaction," said Beth Dean, volunteer coordinator and activities director at the nursing home that has been in operation for almost 50 years.

" They can come as many days at they like," she said. Some work two or three days, others come all week.

" Anytime someone is interested, a resident just perks up," said Dean. "They love children of any age. The residents will open up and tell stories of when they were young."

When Redmon, 12, and Wilson, 14, were visiting with Daisy King, she began to reminisce about her days on the stage, playing tambourine with a band.

When the two asked, "How are you doing?"

King responded, "I think I’m doing extra good."

Dean said the program concentrates on individual visits. "We give the volunteers a list of residents to visit and the ones that need specific tasks."

The tasks may also include bringing the residents to the dining room.
One day the activity may be the Movement Group, an exercise program, or a special treat of fresh fruit.

Watermelon slices were the focus of one afternoon snack. Wilson passed out the plates while Knowles entertained at the kareoke machine by singing "Forever and Ever, Amen," a love song made famous by country and western star, Randy Travis.

Knowles, an incoming freshman at Samson High School, volunteers because she likes being around people "We sit and talk, color or fit puzzles."
Her mother, Rebecca Knowles, works as a certified nurse assistant in the medical center.

" We hope this program gets students interested in a medical career," said Greg Dykes, nursing home director. Scholarships are available for expenses of college or technical school.

Redmon said she is considering a career in medicine, either at the hospital or in the nursing home. Her mother, Starla Redmon, works as a transcriptionist with Dr. John Tomberlin in the radiology department of the hospital.

But Redmon was introduced to the program by her brother, Jathan. He volunteered at the nursing home seven years ago when he was 12.
" I’ve been coming since December last year," said Megan Redmon. "I come during holidays and the summer, any time I have the chance."

Her grandmother, Ruby McLean, is a resident so she has the added benefit of visiting a relative. "Even when I’m not here, she calls me at home to check on me."

Talking can be the best inter-generational connection, said Dean. "Even though this nursing home is their home now, they still like communicating with people."

The program helps give the residents something to engage in, said Dean. "It keeps them active. We don’t want our residents to spend their days doing nothing. This gives them a chance to visit with someone who only has time to spend with them."

Wilson said his career choice is to be a counselor for children. But he said he has also learned things about himself. "I know that I’m able to work with other people older than me, that I can be patient."

" What I’ve learned is that they all seem scary when you first arrive," said Redmon. "But when you actually get to know them, they’re really sweet and really want some to latch onto, someone to talk to."

Beth Dean, Activity Coordinator at Wiregrass Nursing Home can be reached at bdean@wiregrassmedicalcenter.org.