Lakeside Senior Center

A comprehensive day program for seniors.

The focus of this service is quality of life for senior citizens with developmental disabilities. The seniors are encouraged to learn new skills to promote independence while maintaining present abilities. The program further promotes intellectual and social stimulation to further the individuals' enjoyment of life and participation in activities outside of the home. The senior center provides assistance and supervision for personal care needs. Nursing services are available.

Activities are designed to meet the social, intellectual, cultural, economic, emotional, physical and spiritual needs and interests of the seniors. Seniors have a variety of activities to choose from including:

• Arts and Crafts
• Community Outings
• Discussion Groups
• Health and Wellness
• Intergenerational Activities
• Plant Care
• Recreational activities
• Special Events Celebrations
• Social Skills Activities
• Vocational Opportunities
• Volunteerism

Contact Heidi McKenrick at
HeidiMcKenrick@barberinstitute.org
or call her at (814) 878-5920.

Arts And Crafts

Individuals learn functional skills while incorporating problem solving and communication into each activity. Individuals are taught functional skills such as stamping, floral arrangement, wood working, drawing, painting, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, creating jewelry, hand rolling and shaping clay, stenciling, cutting, gluing, assembling, and glazing. Communication skills are taught through choice of subject matter, color, shape, pattern and texture.

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Community Outings

Individuals learn appropriate social skills and safety awareness by participating in various planned community activities. Individuals are exposed to historical, educational, and recreational events and places in their community. Appreciation of community, enhanced social etiquette, and most important, the opportunity for choices, is the focus of this service.

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Discussion Groups

Discussion Groups provide seniors with the opportunity to discuss various topics of interest, and offers the opportunity to express themselves while sharing their views with others. Through group discussions and role playing, seniors are able to enhance problem solving skills and communication skills. One popular area of discussion is current events. This allows seniors to be aware of what is happening in their community as well as globally. It further enhances their orientation to reality. Various media sources are used daily.

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Health And Wellness

Individuals learn identification of medical and safety terminology and symbols, medical desensitization, health and nutritional information. The importance of exercise and health related skills are taught via various exercises.

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Intergenerational Activities

Activities are developed and shared that expose different generations to each other and nurture a positive relationship for all participants. Seniors travel to local day care, preschools, and elementary schools and students visit the seniors to participate in activities that are enjoyed by both young and old. Seniors have enjoyed performances given by students of all ages, and, in turn, have themselves performed for students.

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Plant Care

Individuals learn skills needed to grow and care for various plants and foliage. Functional skills taught include potting, scooping soil, planting seeds, weeding, and pruning, watering, misting, and utilizing horticulture tools. Learn to identify various plants and needs of each plant as well as responsibility and care. Plant growth provides visual reinforcement for the individual's work.

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Recreational Activities

Individuals learn skills in coordination, turn taking, social awareness, following game rules and team work. Individuals choosefrom a variety of sports and games and learn techniques to participate and have fun while learning.

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Special Events Celebrations

Dynamic, fun filled activities are planned with a particular theme in mind. This provides opportunities for seniors to learn more about the theme subjects while having fun. It also highlights important events in the seniors' lives. Planning for these events enhances problem solving skills, communication skills, and further develops interests.

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Social Skills Activities

Social Skills are enhanced during the day by incorporating these skills into daily activities through game playing, group projects, activities, and community outings. Seniors are involved with Hospitality Group (correspondence via mail, phone calls, and visits), musical performances, and integration with various age groups in the community.

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Vocational Opportunities

The choice to participate in vocational opportunities is very popular. Assembled piecework jobs are subcontracted from businesses in the community. Individuals learn skills needed to complete vocational jobs and piecework. Other opportunities include creating floral arrangements, hand crafted items, and handmade greeting cards sold at the Barber National Institute's Gift Shop. Participating in vocational opportunities provides seniors with a sense of accomplishment and a pay check.

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Volunteerism

Volunteerism is an important aspect of the Senior Center because it provides ways to contribute to the community. Seniors gain a sense of self worth by sharing their talents and time with others.

Some of the volunteer opportunities that seniors enjoy participating in are:

• "Buttons are Us" Group (making and selling buttons for various events)
• Nursing Home visitations
• Presents for Patients
• Creating various decorations for special events and organizations
• Performing for others
• Assembling badges for school programs through the Erie County Sheriff's office
• Correlating correspondences

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