Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The older members of our community contain within themselves an incredible history of their personal growth, caring relationships and cultural experiences during their era in our society. They've felt the shifts of incredible change over time and gained wisdom through the challenges they've faced. It all gives each elder a perspective to be valued as uniquely theirs. From a young age, we are taught to respect and honor our elders, to take time for their stories and seek their advice. For the most part, perhaps, we do.
When health issues, however, require one of our elders to receive care at a residential center, it can become harder for them to stay connected with their relatives, friends and community. Perhaps they're not able to join in on family gatherings, go to church or attend meetings with groups they joined – all the places and times that regular interactions might naturally happen in the course of life.
In Jefferson County, medical issues often take our elders to Brynwood, the main health and rehabilitation center for our community. There, 125 medical and support staff care for up to 97 residents. Planned enrichment activities supplement their course of medical treatment in very important ways, but it's just not the same as a visit from a family member or volunteers who make that extra effort.
Brynwood Administrator Cindy Bruton says the center is always open to visits from children, grandchildren and extended family.
“Any day is a good day to come,” she says, adding further encouragement to bring items from home that will prompt fond memories and spark conversation.
She recommends bringing photo albums, familiar keepsakes, treasured books, favorite games or things related to a meaningful hobby. These can help give a positive focus to the visit, stimulate pleasant recollections and create enjoyable moments in the resident's day. Families can even plan outings with their loved one, if safe and appropriate, to go home for a portion of the day or visit another favorite place nearby.
One look at Brynwood's social media posts, and you'll see an enthusiastic parade of community groups who are making a difference at the center. Whether it’s delivering a donation, leading an activity or adding to holiday festivities – many civic clubs, churches, schools and businesses have found interesting and critical ways to become engaged with residents at Brynwood.
Bruton is thankful for all who have made plans with the center, and she has ideas for others. For example, perhaps someone who teaches an art class in the community would like to do a volunteer session at Brynwood. Just give her a list of the supplies needed, and she will order them. Would one of the garden clubs in town be interested in working with residents to maintain the raised beds on the back patio? Come on out! The guys at Brynwood would love for a men's group to come out and talk shop, antique cars or whatever with them. Whatever a person or group is into, Bruton says she would find a way to incorporate that into the facility. Or, to simply volunteer when the center has its own enrichment activities going on, just call for the monthly calendar of events.
Bruton is also looking for volunteers who could provide companionship when Brynwood residents go on outings. The center already makes regular visits up to the Jefferson Senior Citizens Center to join in bingo games there, sometimes bringing lunch to share. Other ideas for outings, weather permitting, are going fishing or to the wheelchair accessible portion of Shell Point.
Again, families are always welcome, and community groups or individual volunteers who wish to make a difference at Brynwood by providing programs, activities, donations or other forms of support can call Bruton at (850) 997-1800 to make arrangements. 
