Bobbi O’Hara was recently named Volunteer of the Year by the Rhode Island Health Care Association, which represents 59 nursing homes in the state. She is a volunteer at Elmhurst Extended Care, the nursing home affiliate of Roger Williams Medical Center. O’Hara was given the award for her efforts in recording the life stories of elders at Elmhurst Extended Care.
PBN: What is your process for recording life stories of elders. What has been the impact on family members?
O’HARA: I have a set of ever-evolving questions that fall into three areas: childhood, adulthood and life lessons learned to pass on to future generations. I tape- record conversations so I can concentrate totally on listening to my interviewee. I then transcribe the tapes and convert the interviews into a hardcover book for the family to keep. The most important impact of [each patient’s] history is that they often impart information to families that [was previously unknown. The interviews are] also a record of the life history of my interviewees that can be read by future generations.
PBN: Elmhurst Extended Care is the only nursing home in the state to practice a philosophy of elder care known as the “Eden Alternative.” Can you describe this practice?
O’HARA: The Eden Alternative tries to eradicate the boredom, loneliness and helplessness that are often a part of nursing home life. The philosophy is driven in large part by the restoration of choice in the lives of elders. My project gives the elders a tool to feel more connected and to provide a means of communication with others. They also can use the book to give back and to share their views with future generations.
PBN: Do you have any impressions of the elder-care system? How do you think it could be improved?
O’HARA: From talking with those who are experienced in the business, I understand the elder-care system is greatly underfinanced. I have learned at Elmhurst that there is a better way to care for elders. Other homes would be wise to conduct more sensitivity training for staff and create a more home-like atmosphere for elders. They could benefit from the staff adjusting to the elder’s needs instead of making the elders fall into a routine that is set by the staff. •
