Seniors Living Out Their Dreams

Residents living at Southington Care Center may be retired, but they've still got a lot of living to do.

That's the philosophy driving a new program called the "wishing well fund," which basically helps a resident live out a dream or goal they've yet to experience in life.

The brainchild of Central Connecticut Senior Health Services Director of Senior Care Coordination Sharon Robinson, the program has already solicited the help of supporters like Dr. Craig Bogdanski, who recently celebrated his birthday by contributing to the fund.

"Just because our residents are in a residential living facility doesn't mean they can't still fulfill their dreams," Southington Care Center Director Ron Bucci said. "If somebody had a lifelong dream of visiting Yankee Stadium or taking a college course, that sort of thing, this can make that happen for them."

Bucci said residents apply through nomination forms which are then chosen by a vote of the residents themselves. One wish, for example, was made by a resident who always wanted to be on a cooking show.

"We're going to set up our own in-house chef and have an audience and put on our on our own cooking show," Bucci said. "They're really excited."

Central Connecticut Senior Health Services Marketing and Development Director Erika Copes emphasized the importance of getting residents' families involved in nominating their loved one or suggesting ideas, because sometimes older residents are hesitant to ask for themselves.

"Our residents are from a generation that doesn't ask for things that cost a lot of money and aren't used to doing things that would be called 'dreams,' so we're really trying to get the word out their to the public and to family members," Copes said.

The program coincides with the care center's broader resident-centered philosophy, said Bucci, which creates as "de-institutionalized" environment as possible to create the feel of a normal living environment.

"We have pets visit and flowers and activites and life, which includes dreams and goals and desires," Bucci said. "Dreams are still a part of their lives and it's what this program is all about."

Those looking to support the program can contact the care center at (860) 621-9559.