Recreational Programming

As the focal point of daily resident interaction, enthusiastic activity coordinators plan and implement a variety of daily programs and events. Each activity is designed to meet one or more of our goals: to stimulate the physical, intellectual, social, or spiritual well being of our residents. A calendar of activities for each month is posted in each resident’s room and in the community lounges to inform residents and their families of upcoming programs. Morning and afternoon announcements remind the residents and staff of the daily schedule of events.

All residents are always encouraged to participate and varies depending on daily routine and physical ability. Some residents may get involved in a large or small group activity while others may be more comfortable engaging in a one-on-one activity with a staff member or volunteer. Still others may simply select a magazine from the activity cart and wish to read independently. The choice is theirs. Participation in each scenario is monitored and recorded so we can routinely assess the total care of each resident.

Physical Activities
An activity that physically-stimulates the body is conducted at least five days each week. This activity may include, but is not limited to, stretching, muscle strengthening, and relaxation. The movement that accompanies activities such as ring toss, bowling, and craft making improves mobility and circulation.

Intellectual Stimulation
Stimulating one’s thinking and reasoning allows each resident to continue to maintain their intellectual abilities. Book reading, card playing, discussion of current events, musical selections, and reminiscing are some of the activities that may be conducted in group or one-on-one settings.

Spiritual Offerings
Churches from the local community take turns conducting services on Sunday afternoons. Communion is offered monthly and group Bible study is held weekly. Pastoral visits are also available upon request.Some of the local churches offer transportation to their Sunday Worship Service and many clergy make routine visits to commune with church members who reside at The Gables.

Social Interaction
All of the activities, programs, and events that occur at The Gables give the residents the opportunity to interact with other residents, staff, families, friends, and people in the local community. Intergenerational events like the annual Gables Fair, Halloween Trick-Or-Treat, and the Easter Egg Hunt bring in youth from the surrounding area. The fall Weiner Roast & Hayride and spring golf cart rides around Green Pastures take everyone outside for a breath of fresh air as the seasons change. Residents can watch the brilliance of the fireworks rising from the nearby Union County fairgrounds on special holidays.

Sense of Belonging
New residents are asked to complete an "Interest Assessment" when they first move into The Gables. The staff then can work closely with the new resident to develop meaningful activities for them in their new home. Residents with like interests are introduced to one another and new friendships are often nurtured. This also allows the staff to make any adjustments as our resident community evolves and interests change.

Volunteers Assist with Activities
The Marysville area is fortunate to have many people who generously donate their time and talents to Memorial Hospital of Union County and to The Gables. Individuals, couples, families, and community groups come in and visit with our residents; assist the activities staff with specific functions; are available to residents who want to participate in a special social event but need help; entertain the residents with music; and even take residents on outdoor strolls in their wheelchairs. Youth groups that visit are always warmly welcomed and appreciated. It's this intergenerational sharing that means so much to older adults.

Junior volunteers assist with activities at The Gables as part of a structured program. Coordinated through the Memorial Hospital volunteer program, the Jr. Volunteer program allows students to gain valuable work experience and the residents appreciate the interaction with the young people of our community.

If you are interested in volunteering your time at The Gables, contact
Debbie George
Volunteer Services Coordinator
Memorial Hospital of Union County
500 London Avenue
Marysville, OH 43040
Phone: (937) 578-2360 or 1-800-686-4677
www.memorialhosp.org

Community groups (school, civic, 4-H, church) that wish to share their talents with our residents should contact
Activities Coordinator 
The Gables at Green Pastures
390 Gables Drive
Marysville, OH 43040
Phone: (937) 578-4074