One recreational therapist continues to find joy after 3 decades in skilled nursing
In her over 33 years working in skilled nursing in the Detroit area, recreational therapist Lisa Steward continues to find joy and meaning from supporting residents. In her three decades at SKLD West Bloomfield, Lisa has witnessed many changes in the facility and in the industry. Still, the meaning she finds every day in her work hasn’t wavered. “It feels like nothing has changed at all and to me things are exactly the same.”
Throughout her time in skilled nursing, Lisa has gained experience in a number of roles. Lisa started her career as a CNA. She says, “I started out working the midnight shift and found joy in keeping the residents active and engaged. I helped out with activities and then I was encouraged to work in recreational therapy about 10 years ago.”
Recently, the staff and residents at SKLD teamed up to get Lisa a shirt with words describing her work in recreational therapy. She says, “It meant so much to me having words that stand out about doing my job. It’s a gift I will cherish.”
Recreation and activities
Keeping the residents active and involved is a key part of her role as a recreational therapist in skilled nursing. Lisa says, “I love my job of keeping the residents active. The residents particularly enjoy playing bingo, card games, organizing jewelry making events or just general socialization.”
There are certain activities that Lisa has found residents enjoy any time of year. “I personally really enjoy jewelry making. I have tons of jewelry all around my office, including ones that I made and ones that residents gave to me as a gift.”
Even for residents who aren’t enthusiastic about getting involved, Lisa says, “If I just show them beads, it gets them on board and excited. Especially if I encourage them to make something for their children or grandchildren.”
At the end of a jewelry making session or any other project together, seeing all the finished products is rewarding. Lisa says, “When we finish a craft, I always feel like I made an impact. It brings joy to the residents and gives them a meaningful activity, which always makes me happy.”
There are many opportunities during activities to connect with the residents. Lisa says, “In my free time, I love watching movies, especially comedies. The next day, I’ll come in and talk about it with the residents and we always have a great time laughing and sharing.”
Lisa has dedicated much of her life to working with SKLD and has no plans of slowing down. She says,
“Every day I wake up excited to keep the residents active. There are so many skills I’ve learned about how to best keep their minds strong through activities. Some of the residents have been with us a while and still are excited about the activities we do together. I can’t wait to continue doing just that.”
For more information about SKLD facilities throughout Michigan, click here.