Nursing homes bring in lion dances, special festive dishes for residents

Key Concepts

• Well-being & Dignity: The importance of maintaining traditions for the emotional and psychological well-being of nursing home residents.
• Intergenerational Engagement: Utilizing volunteer programs and interactions with children to combat social isolation.
• Modified Traditional Cuisine: Adapting traditional Chinese New Year dishes to suit the dietary needs of elderly residents (specifically chewing difficulties).
• Festive Inclusion: Proactive efforts to ensure residents remaining in care during Chinese New Year experience the same celebrations as those with family.

Celebrating Chinese New Year in Singaporean Nursing Homes: Maintaining Tradition and Well-being

This report details the initiatives undertaken by nursing homes in Singapore, specifically NTU Health Nursing Home in Jurong West and Kuang Waishu Hospital’s two nursing homes, to ensure residents experience a meaningful Chinese New Year celebration, even while remaining in care. Approximately 90% of residents in some homes are expected to stay at the facilities during the festive period.

Lion Dance & Intergenerational Activities at NTU Health Nursing Home

NTU Health Nursing Home prioritizes maintaining residents’ connection to cultural traditions. A key event is a lion dance performance, described as a “key highlight of their year” for the over 270 residents. This is coupled with several other activities. These include “low hay session[s] with our volunteers and partners,” referring to the giving of mandarin oranges (a symbol of good luck) and well wishes. Crucially, the home also facilitates “intergen right,” which involves children visiting and spending time with the seniors, fostering social interaction and reducing feelings of isolation. A traditional reunion dinner, featuring steamboat (a hot pot dish), is provided with support from volunteers and partners. Furthermore, the home actively assists residents who are able to go out shopping for new clothes, upholding the tradition of wearing new attire during the New Year.

The Importance of Tradition for Resident Well-being

A representative from NTU Health emphasized the link between tradition and resident well-being, stating, “Tradition is part of well-being. We believe in the well-being of our residents and Chinese New Year is about identity and reunion. So uh keeping to this tradition actually strengthens our residents dignity, their identity.” The goal is to “bring joy also and the connectedness they have with this season as well as with the community.” This highlights a holistic approach to care, recognizing the psychological and emotional benefits of cultural participation.

Adapting Traditional Cuisine at Kuang Waishu Hospital

Kuang Waishu Hospital’s chefs have developed a special festive menu featuring traditional Chinese New Year dishes. A specific example given is lion head meatball (狮子头, shī zi tóu), a large meatball typically served during celebrations. However, recognizing the difficulties many elderly residents have with chewing, the chefs meticulously blend the ingredients to create a softer, more easily consumable version. The process involves blending all ingredients, frying, and then braising the meatballs. This adaptation is specifically reserved for the Chinese New Year period.

Ensuring Equitable Festive Experiences

The hospital’s menu planning began months in advance to guarantee residents in care could enjoy the same festive treats as those celebrating with family. A chef explained, “I feel whatever we are enjoying outside the residents should have they should be eating especially for festival… I wanted our residents to understand everybody is having reunion dinner they are also having real dinner and they’re having something that what outside everybody is having they are also having.” This demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and preventing residents from feeling excluded during the holidays.

Resident Numbers & Overall Impact

Approximately 9 out of 10 (90%) of the over 620 residents at Kuang Waishu Hospital are expected to remain in care during the Chinese New Year period. The initiatives described are clearly appreciated by the seniors, demonstrating the positive impact of these efforts on their overall well-being and sense of belonging.

Synthesis

The report underscores the proactive and thoughtful approach taken by Singaporean nursing homes to ensure residents experience a fulfilling Chinese New Year celebration. The emphasis on maintaining traditions, adapting cuisine to meet individual needs, and fostering social connections through intergenerational activities demonstrates a commitment to holistic care that prioritizes residents’ dignity, identity, and overall well-being. The success of these initiatives is evidenced by the positive reception from residents and the high percentage remaining in care who are actively included in the festivities.