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WELLBEING
The Power of Gratitude WRITTEN BY TINA L KIES
E
ach morning, as the clock strikes 11 AM, you can count on one thing – approximately a dozen long-term residents positioning themselves comfortably around the long banquet style table in the main recreation room at Shuksan Healthcare Center, a rehabilitation facility located in the York neighborhood of Bellingham. The daily routine of “current events” is an anticipated activity that affords camaraderie, social interaction, and often times, objectively candid commentary from the group of elders; many of whom have resided in the Bellingham community for decades. Of late, a new activity has found its way into their morning routine – weekly gratitude journaling. Spurred by research conducted on ways to bring life to their residents, the concept of gratitude journaling is not novel to Shuksan. Previous studies have demonstrated just how powerful the act of practicing gratitude can be for seniors, improving emotional and physical well-being. In an ongoing study conducted by Robert Ammons of UC Davis, the world’s leading expert on gratitude, it was found that seniors who kept weekly gratitude journals experienced fewer physical symptoms, exercised more, enjoyed a better outlook on life, were more likely to reach their goals, and felt more connected. “At Shuksan, our caregivers and managers are encouraged to treat the whole person, not just the ailment,”
said Shannon Richardson, Shuksan’s Administrator. “And while we’ve always tried to provide our residents with care in this manner, we’re now looking at alternative approaches to truly touch the psyche of our residents. We want residents to feel happiness, fulfillment and connectivity during their time with us.” When approached with the idea of gratitude journaling, Shuksan’s resident council members were curious – curious about the purpose, the process and the outcomes. After some discussion, it was agreed upon that it would be presented to the larger group and implemented on a trial basis. The residents felt encouraged by the opportunity to feel and express their levels of gratitude; to reflect each week on the positives that they had experienced rather than the negatives. They felt as if they were being heard, seen and appreciated.
“We want residents to feel happiness, fulfillment and connectivity during their time with us.” — Shannon Richardson Time will tell if the residents of Shuksan Healthcare Center will experience the documented benefits of practicing gratitude as the individuals in Ammons’ study did more than a decade ago, but it would seem contradictory to assume otherwise. “Reflecting on our own gratitude and how our behaviors project onto the
care we provide our residents is an invaluable practice,” Richardson added. “Even if this new activity effects only one resident for the better, it will have been worth it. It’s our duty as caregivers to try.” With the Thanksgiving holiday fast approaching, perhaps the notion of ‘giving thanks’ has been on your mind. Society has commercialized this holiday in a way that idealizes the feel -good emotion that practicing gratitude provides. But, so often the true powers of the act aren’t promoted. Why should you feel gratitude? How will practicing gratitude change your attitude and the way you live your life? It’s not an act that should be embraced once annually, but daily. It doesn’t take a scientific study to demonstrate that gratitude is good – good for our bodies, our minds and our relationships. It allows us to celebrate our current situations, resist negative emotions, reduces stress and enhances our level of self-worth. Shuksan Healthcare Center recognizes this and that the overall well-being of its residents—as people, not patients— is the heartbeat of its profession, the rehabilitation of our community’s elders.
Shuksan Healthcare Center 1530 James Street Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 733-9161 www.shuksanhealthcare.com