Over the past few months we have been blessed to have nursing students from Lourdes University here at our Home completing some of their clinical course work. They have been learning about caring for the aged, while sharing their gifts and talents with our Residents.
On the final day of their time with us, these students had an extra special treat planned for the Residents. They transformed our auditorium into a beautiful Day Spa, and treated our Residents to a wonderful experience. The students shared with us some of their thoughts on this experience with our Residents.
The experience that we gained during the spa for the Residents was priceless. I felt that the Lourdes University students have imprinted wonderful feelings into the heart of each individual Resident. The Residents will always cherish this wonderful experience. The stations that the students put together were very effective. For instance, the massage station proved very successful in helping each individual Resident relax and release some tension. Each Resident was at a very relaxed state of mind . . . it even put one Resident to sleep! This was a great opportunity for both the Residents and the students to bond on the last day of clinical for the students. – Benjamin Morhan
I had such a great time participating in Spa day with the Residents. It was wonderful to see so many Residents coming to our Spa day. I worked at the pedicure station with soaking their feet, giving foot and lower leg massages then following up with polishing their toe nails if they wanted them done. Marilynn told me, “I wish we could have this every week!” “This feels so relaxing I could go to sleep right now.” The ladies kept telling us this was so nice of us and they appreciated it so much. Spa day was a success due to the collaboration and team work of LSP staff, our nursing instructors, fellow nursing students, and by all of the Residents who participated. – Pam Weber
I felt like I was truly making a difference in the lives of the seniors today, seeing them relax and enjoy the many spa stations made the whole semester seem like a success. I especially enjoyed hearing how getting a hand massage in the middle of the day was such a treat for them. I feel working with the Residents of Little Sisters has taught me to better communicate with the senior populations and that you are never too old to make me friends. I enjoyed working the Spa Day just as much as the seniors did . . . Great day! – Kelly Wicker
On Wednesday we were able to provide a little relaxation to the Residents with a spa day. A day filled with hand scrubs, nail painting, facials, foot soaks, toe nail painting and back massages which the ladies loved. They also got to enjoy a cookie and either a fruit smoothie, or a daiquiri. I enjoyed watching the ladies and Andy get pampered. I heard some of them state they had never had a facial done or it had been years since their toe nails were painted. I must admit I was extremely surprised at the line for the foot soak and toe nail painting. All the stations were busy but the ladies really enjoyed the back massages given by Ben. It was a great feeling to see a smile on their faces after each station and to see them get excited about going on to the next station. I again would like to thank your facility for the wonderful experience this semester. – Melissa Cline
The Spa Day that we helped host was such a pleasant experience. It felt good to see the smiles on the Residents’ faces when they were getting a massage or manicure or any of the other treatments that we had set up for their comfort. I helped with the pedicures for a while toward the end of the day. The Resident I was treating looked so relaxed when I was finished that it made me feel grateful to have had the opportunity to make someone feel so content. I would gladly help out at another Spa Day at Little Sisters because I believe it made me feel as appreciative as the Residents. – Charleene Moore
The Spa day was a lot of fun! I had the pleasure of doing pedicures for the Residents and they really enjoyed it. Many of them said it was very relaxing. I conversed with the elders and had the chance to learn a lot about their families. It was very refreshing. One lady talked about how she and her daughter had recently gone to Las Vegas. She was proud to tell me about the trip, as well as her daughter and all of her accomplishments. – Aja Pope
