Big Meadows

Big Meadows is the proud sponsor and site of a monthly Alzheimer's Support Group Meeting, held on the fourth Thursday of each month. All meetings are open to the public and are designed to offer education, resources, support and an opportunity for sharing. Please RSVP to 273-2238 if you would like to join us or for more information.

While both Tim and Frances enjoy discussing politics and have been involved in politics most of their lives, Frances' political history is particularly colorful.

Born December 31, 1914, Frances has enjoyed a life of involvement in politics. Just before voting for the first time, Frances remembers attending a political presentation by Herbert Hoover in Madison, Wisconsin. Frances also heard President Harry Truman speak during the time she was in Omaha. During his visit, she watched President Truman get out of his limousine and walk with his former WWI buddies in the parade. Frances said that no matter where President Truman was in the country, if his former WWI buddies were present, he would get out of his limousine and honor his WWI buddies by marching along side them, "grinning from ear to ear".

Born before women had the right to vote, Frances' mother was active in the women's suffrage movement in South Dakota. Frances' mother was a speaker for women's suffrage before she was married in 1900 and attended many conferences in the eastern states. Frances's father was an owner/editor of a small country newspaper and backed his wife's political issues with occasional articles in support of the women's movement and the right to vote. Although men and industry opposed women's suffrage, Frances's mother and countless other women continued the battle and won the right to vote in 1920. At the age of 22, Frances followed her mother's footsteps and voted for the first time. Frances joined the League of Women Voters in the early 1960's in Omaha, Nebraska and was editor of the League of Women Voters newsletter until she moved to the Savanna area from Omaha.

Frances continued to be active in politics throughout her life; by knocking on doors to a support a particular league issue or encouraging others to vote. Frances enjoyed her time discussing politics with her brothers and now her children and grandchildren. Frances says, "Politics run in the family."

"Lets shoot the works!" hollers out Earl Nesbitt as he is being flung across a ravine on the Super Zip, and shoot the works they did. Each May a group of brave elders, staff and family members from Big Meadows nursing home in Savanna, Illinois embark on a journey to Camp Courageous in Montecello, Iowa. The goal is to try new things, challenge each other and to just have some fun. This year's adventures included canoeing, a cookout over an open fire, the wall climb, and the always favorite, Super Zip.

Ten residents accepted the challenge this year -- including Harriet Smith who set a new camp record for the oldest camper ever to take part in Camp Courageous activities at 105 years. "The day is always great," Says Big Meadows administrator Glenn Blacklock, "these challenges really get people thinking about facing challenges head on. It helps develop courage to overcome fears, courage we all need regardless of age or physical ability." With the proper attitude and some simple modifications of equipment, the sky is the limit, literally.

Several of the camp events involve climbing walls or trees. With the use of safety harnesses, these elders reach new heights, and it gives them the opportunity to see the world from a whole new perspective. "You can do anything you set your mind to." says resident Meta Walbohm after her turn on the Super Zip, which was accented by a spirit lifting "WOO-HOO!"

By the end of the day faces are all smiles and everyone is filled with a sense of accomplishment. Stories of the adventures will be shared for months to come, and the positive energy generated will carry on much longer than that. Camp fees, about $200- resulting experience, PRICELESS!

Big Meadows residents recently took part in an innovative and experiential type of program referred to as a Drumming Circle. A Drumming Circle provides the opportunity for all to take part regardless of their musical talent or experience. Everyone can experience success. During a drumming circle all members have a drum or percussion type of instrument to play. Direction is given in how to play the specific instrument, however anyway is fine. All members of the drumming circle contribute to the music-making experience. The Recreational Therapy Staff facilitate the drumming circle by providing a beat as well as cues to play louder or softer, faster or slower, etc. Smiles are inevitable during a drumming circle when residents and staff passing by realize how energizing, relaxing and creative the rhythm is, with absolutely no musical note needed.

We plan on adding to our drumming collection and hope to find more cultural and authentic instruments. We also hope to make some shakers of our own.

The idea of a Drumming Circle was first encountered at the Illinois Healthcare Convention in which a room of health care providers from all over the state were invited to be the participants and experience, as well as learn, the benefits of drumming first hand. The rhythm and melody created by the teamwork of 100+ individuals was amazing. The therapeutic benefits of this activity may include, but are not limited to, stress relief, energizing, focus, re-learning how to play, creating balance between thinking and feeling, up-lifting, physical exercise, etc. Recent medical research studies suggest that drumming circles can boost the immune system and have calming effects.

Big Meadows continues to develop their monthly Alzheimer’s support group each month. We have introduced a variety of speakers to help families understand and increase their awareness of the special needs and care for the Alzheimer individual.

Our February support group meeting will sponsor Mary McNally from the Alzheimer’s Association. Mary will be here to share upcoming programs and answer questions or concerns families may have. Please use the support group to make suggestions for programs you would like us to sponsor or to request materials, such as books or movies, to review at home. We are also here to provide emotional support for families who are working to cope with the emotional stress of this disease.

Big Meadows continues to offer support for the Alzheimer’s Safe Return Program. Anyone wanting to have a Safe Return Bracelet ordered for their family member with Alzheimer’s, please contact Julie Johnson in Social Services and she will help you fill out the application. There is no charge for the bracelet. Anyone ordering a bracelet will be registered on the National Safe Return Register, which can be accessed anywhere in the United States. The bracelet and registry will help in safely returning the individual with Alzheimer’s to their family.

Please invite your friends and join us for the monthly Alzheimer’s Support Group at Big Meadows. We meet the fourth Thursday of every month at noon. Join us for our meeting and complimentary lunch.