PioneerCare

Dedicated to Care

activities

Out on the Bike

Julie driving the trishaw bike with Marian in the passenger seat

Bicycling has begun at PioneerCare! While our Cycling Without Age volunteers wait patiently for the time they’re able to participate, we’ve trained a number of staff to pilot our two new trishaw bikes. They’re a hit with both residents and staff, as they can now explore the neighborhood streets together. Staff at Pioneer Pointe, Pioneer Cottages, and the care center have received training and are ready to ride.

Our local chapter of Cycling Without Age, created through a partnership between PioneerCare and Pedal Fergus Falls, is one of more than 2,200 globally. Learn more about Cycling Without Age by clicking the button below. If you have 2.5 minutes, watch the short video titled Ole:

Cycling Without Age

Concert Brings Cheers

Image of Gabe Dalhoff playing violin in front of PioneerCare

When violinist Gabe Dalhoff called up and asked if he could stop by and play his violin for us at PioneerCare on Tuesday, we happily agreed. New state guidelines encourage small group activities for congregate living settings like ours, as long as safe physical distancing measures are observed and followed.

Renee, who resides at PioneerCare, said, “What a great way to start the day!”

Originally from Cyrus, Minnesota, Gabe recently graduated from Alexandria Technical and Community College’s exercise sciences program. While he’s still pursuing that as a career, he’s making the rounds to skilled care centers and assisted living facilities to share his musical talent.

The button below will take you to PioneerCare’s YouTube channel, where you can see and hear him play his version of “Hey Soul Sister.”

Outdoor Violin Concert

Notes from Joel: #2

Photo of Joel King, Summer InternIt was a very eventful two weeks at PioneerCare for me as I spent time with both the activities department, and the social services department. I really enjoyed spending time with these disciplines because it gave me a chance to get to know residents. It was fun to hear their life stories and the wisdom they have to offer.

I was able to help assist the activities staff on a trip to Walmart to take residents shopping. It was a perfect day to be out and about, and the residents were very excited to shop and find some items for their homes. I was also able to help assist in a morning worship service. There was an outstanding turnout as we almost ran out of space and song booklets! It was very cool to see that Pioneer offers plenty of opportunities for residents to continue to strengthen their spiritual life and faith.

Through my time in the activities department I began to appreciate the importance of a well-rounded, holistic activities schedule and how it relates to resident well-being.

The social services department gave me great insight into the many different roles they play within the facility. I was able to sit in on resident care conferences to see how care is planned with residents, taking into account all the different challenges a resident may face during their stay here. What I enjoyed most was the resident social history surveys. This involved me sitting down with residents and just asking a few questions about their lives. It was very fun to have extended conversations with residents about their pasts, and it brought me great joy to see their faces light up when we talked about topics they are passionate about.

My first week involved me getting my bearings straight within the facility. Now that I feel more comfortable I’m able to reach out more and form relationships with residents and staff alike.

Editor’s note: PioneerCare is pleased to have Joel King join us as administrative intern for the summer. During his time with us, Joel will provide observations and updates on his activities through regular blog installments. Check the news section of our web site as his story unfolds.