Comforting Spiritual Activities for Seniors at LakeHouse Fond du Lac
- Spiritual activities in senior living communities offer a great way to reflect on one's week, connect with the community, and seek purpose in later life.
- We offer quiet rooms and opportunities for spiritual music, as well as secular activities such as spirited discussion, journaling, and mindfulness, which we promote in our online calendar.
- At LakeHouse Fond du Lac, we aim for inclusivity and consensual, opt-in spirituality, allowing both the faithful and secular to participate as much or as little as they wish for their own personal betterment.
Near Lake Winnebago, LakeHouse Fond du Lac is set in its namesake town of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, offering a welcoming community for residents. One of the key senior wellness programs we offer here to support that is faith-based engagement activities.
These inclusive programs offer opportunities for assisted living enrichment and for promoting emotional health in aging. As such, we consider them an essential part of Fond du Lac senior living, open to all residents, whether religious or secular.
How Do You Find Great Spiritual Activities for Seniors?
Spirituality and faith vary widely in what they mean to an individual. As such, both residents and staff need to look for activities that provide:
- Chances for reflection
- Faith music or singing
- Readings and discussion
- Gratitude expression
- Time in nature
Each of these could be a key part of someone's rituals as much as any other. However, sometimes, faith-based holiday activities can be as simple as Halloween pumpkin carving or Christmas cookie decorating.
For this reason, the best step to take is to speak with residents and find out what they would prefer to do. Then, enabling seniors to engage with the practice in their own way is key to giving them an outlet for expression and to allow them to process their spirituality.
Why Is Spiritual Care Important for Older Adults?
Throughout someone's life, seniors may value prayer or reflection. However, after they retire, they often have more time to reflect on their life's journey andconsider their emotional well-being.
It is also a sad reality that many seniors face losses throughout the rest of their lives, and these losses can mean they need to find ways to process them. For many, spirituality may offer comfort. For others, other wellness activities may give them what they need. We want to support either of these, where we can, to ensure our residents get the most out of their time in our community.
Whether someone wants to worship, be mindful, or be spiritual in another way, our eight-dimensional wellness framework offers something for everyone, whether what they need is:
- Emotional
- Environmental
- Intellectual
- Physical
- Recreational
- Social
- Spiritual
- Vocational
Such a varied offering provides options for a plurality of faiths and philosophies, including non-faith.
Inclusive Options With Faith-Based Engagement
Our offerings reflect the local diversity of Fond du Lac, and we clearly label options for different groups. We are aware that many faiths have unique sects that require us to respect their individual natures, and we will work with residents who speak with us about their needs.
To support this, we ensure we do not promote one group over another, and our activity calendar clearly shows every faith group's meetup. We also train our staff in inclusivity, ensuring that they understand and respect the requirements of those in our care. These efforts orient our whole community toward upholding individuals' rights to express their faith in their own unique way.
If residents want to observe specific seasonal observances, we may note them on the calendar upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Residents Opt Out of Spiritual Activities Entirely?
Yes, should they so wish.
Participation in all tasks is a key right of Wisconsin residents, and choosing not to engage in any activities is part of the freedoms they enjoy. However, should they change their minds, they can change these options at any time, returning to the activity as befits their personal spiritual journey.
If necessary, staff can recommend quiet alternatives during any faith-based activity in case a resident's familiar social group is busy. We have training to treat such situations with care and concern, understanding that everyone's situation may be different and that spirituality can sometimes be challenging.
While our staff are not spiritual guides, they may be able to offer resources or guidance on where to learn more, including our senior living library, our stocked bookshelves within our community, or even spiritually knowledgeable residents.
How Are Different Faiths and Non-Faith Perspectives Respected?
We clearly indicate which spiritual sessions are available each day, and both secular and minority activities receive the same visibility as those with more seniors following them. Through this, we ensure that nobody feels as though their beliefs are not valid, and potentially opens up the opportunity for people to talk about their experiences, promoting empathy and understanding between faiths (or non-faith).
Can Families Participate in Services or Visits?
If family is visiting, they can always ask to join their loved ones at events on the calendar, as long as they remain respectful. Make sure only to take photos or recordings with consent, and stay quiet when asked to do so.
After a service, a visitor can choose to discuss the event with their loved one, potentially helping them better understand life in our community. It can also offer a new way to bond with a loved one or family member that was not open to you before.
Gain a Sense of Fulfillment at LakeHouse Fond du Lac
Whether your loved one needs quiet reflection, soft music, an opportunity for creativity, or community engagement, spiritual activities are a powerful way to engage with LakeHouse Fond du Lac's daily life. From our guided relaxation and sound sessions to our educational Destination Discovery events, we help build a genuine sense of fulfillment and wellness.
If you want to learn more about our spiritual activities or any other wellness opportunities LakeHouse Fond du Lac offers, get in touch to book a tour today. Then, after your loved one moves in, rest assured, they are likely sharing your traditions with the broader community.