The warm and inviting aroma of baked bread and honey butter attracted some late stragglers, who are always welcome with tasty treat.
Our Daily Bread began as a program for Skilled Nursing residents. Since the concept fit well with Memory Care, the program was adopted there in 2016 and continues today.
The Program
Our Daily Bread begins with baking bread. The program is run by The Kenwood programs and events manager Annette DeCamp or program coordinator Gaynelle Hardwick, but if they get the opportunity, they enjoy working together. “The more cognitive participation you can get in ANY group, the more successful that group will be. That is why we encourage associates, private duty caregivers and family member to join in whenever possible,” says DeCamp.
Depending on resident preferences, one week the program could bake corn bread and the next crescent rolls. Residents can join in the baking process by grinding ingredients or rolling dough, but the biggest benefit is the conversation. Once the baking has started, cookbooks are cracked open to start dialogue that can span numerous topics. During a recent program, residents talked about Julia Child’s life, comfort food, go-to family recipes and a chili disaster from Loretta Lynn’s cookbook, You’re Cookin’ it Country.
Our Daily Bread Benefits
Our Daily Bread program uses all five senses through the food preparation and baking process. The program also provides behavioral benefits.
“Anytime you can stir a memory and inspire conversation, the behavioral benefits are noticed immediately through smiles and eagerness to participate, says DeCamp.
“Residents are alert because of how the material is presented. Food and memories of food are awakened by the smell of baking and prompts are given to encourage residents to share thoughts and memories.”
While other Cincinnati-area Memory Care communities offer similar programs, Annette believes the Kenwood’s program is unique because of how associates engage residents to recall a memory and reminisce.
“When I conceived this program, my goal was to reach hidden memories through kitchen experiences. We all have them and aroma is a powerful tool that can, and does, trigger those locked away memories. The kitchen is the heart of a home – that hasn’t changed.”
“Sometimes all we get from a resident is a smile and one or two words, but then we are able to pull the idea of what they are trying to share. This leads to nodding in agreement, smiles and a few more hints to build on. Enabling a resident that is struggling with their communication skills is just one of the many benefits this program provides,” says DeCamp.
The Kenwood offers a wide array of beneficial, unique Memory Care programs. Learn more about them online or contact us.
