Social media helping to connect the public with long-term care facility residents

sharing some of the things that happen in long-term care facilities,” explains Nakile’s administrator Gail Kaiser. “We interact like one big family and we try to do things that connect people.”

“That extra layer of actually engaging back, that was something new to me,” she says about the reminiscing photography activity. “I was surprised to see that, and I like it.”

Lynn LeBlanc, Nakile’s recreation programmer, says they’ve been doing more and more with their social media.

Nakile saw this particular project as another way to engage the public. After all, reminiscing is something that anyone of any age can do.

And that’s what’s happened.

Nicole Clarke picked a photograph held by Nakile resident Annette Clairmont to reflect on. The photograph shows children rolling a large snowball.

“I picked this picture because it reminds me of when my kids were smaller. Whenever it would snow the first things we would do is get dressed up and go outside to make a snowman,” she shares. “We had to make four snowmen to match our family of four.”

LeBlanc says the photographs chosen for the activity are generic ones that Nakile thought would spark connections with families and the public.

“It sparked more conversations with the residents. They make connections too,” she says.

“You see them nodding and sharing other stories.”

And the outside extra layer of connection through social media makes things all the more meaningful.

Although social media isn’t something the residents grew up with, it is part of their lives now. Many residents have their own devices and social media accounts, says Lois Harris, Nakile’s recreation coordinator. They’ve adapted to the technology.

“I think it’s important that people have an idea of what we do and that the residents are okay. It’s a struggle that they can’t have their loved ones in, but we do the best we can to make it an interesting day.” Lynn LeBlanc Recreation programmer, Nakile Home for Special Care