Anxiety and depression are major problems in nursing homes and many medications are used to treat these conditions.  The statistics reflecting incidents of abuse involving elderly residents in nursing homes and care facilities are both staggering and disheartening. At the broadest level, more than two (2) million cases of elder abuse are reported every year, and almost one out of every ten elderly individuals will experience some form of elder abuse and in Kentucky there are currently over 80 malpractice suits in Kentucky Nursing homes.  Second Wind Dreams is an intervention that promotes Quality of Life for nursing home residents and provides a great Return on Investment.  The mission of Second Wind Dreams ® is enhanced quality of life for nursing home residents through the fulfillment of dreams. The Henry County Extension Council sponsors our local program and has just granted our 400^th Dream to celebrate the 20^th Anniversary of the national Second Wind Dreams Program.   The philosophy of the program is that you are never too old to dream and that by the granting of dreams the resident, the staff and the community as a whole benefits. It highlights the positive aspects of aging and encourages the community to become involved in the lives of the elders by making their dreams come true.   A large research study of the program showed a 56% decrease in resident depression which could result in cost saving to Medicare as high as $5,000 per year. Staff turnover is 110% in some nursing home staff, the study showed a 10% decrease in staff loss-which could save considerable with the average cost of hiring and training a nurses aid being $3,840.

The first of the ‘boom generation’ has reached the retirement age of 65. This group of adults represents an estimated 1.2 million Kentuckians. Despite the numbers and the fact that everyone ages, society and the media value youth.  Portrayed as dependent, helpless, unproductive and demanding, ageism, the negative stereotyping of age, can negatively affect mental health and well-being. It is so important for individuals to realize that these residents were not always in wheelchairs and unable to communicate. They were veterans, nurses, mothers and fathers. They all have a story and we should honor and respect their lives, which is what Second Wind Dreams does.

We believe the Program has helped our nursing home improve quality services and reduce negative ageism stereotypes in the community. Second Wind Dreams is not just a “nice” program. It is a program that puts the residents first for a change, honors and improves the quality of their lives while providing cost savings in staff retention and medical charges.

Dreams have ranged from providing residents with Blizzards from Dairy Queen during their Bingo game, to an airplane ride to some new DVD’s of the old Bonanza series!