Two Residents Featured in Oklahoman: Association Honors Senior Volunteers for Service
Independent living retirement community residents Clyde and Phyllis Buchanan were recognized as LeadingAge Oklahoma’s volunteer residents of the year.
They were nominated by their friends and staff at Concordia Life Care Community in Oklahoma City, according to a news release.
The Buchanans spent more than 500 hours last year volunteering, and their efforts included working with residents in Concordia’s memory care support program, hosting in the dining room and teaching an exercise class.
“In the five years since moving to Concordia, Clyde and Phyllis have devoted hundreds of hours toward serving their community,” Concordia Executive Director Danny Eischen said. “It is this selflessness consistently demonstrated by the Buchanans, and many of our other residents as well, that continually energizes me and makes me proud of the community at Concordia.”
A music program for memory support residents is one example of where the Buchanans’ time and leadership made a positive impact.
“Clyde and Phyllis were instrumental in helping to organize a group of independent living residents to play music every other week with our memory support residents,” Eischen said. “Clyde plays guitar and Phyllis sings. It’s a beautiful sight to see individuals with cognitive impairment smile and participate in a meaningful activity.”
The Buchanans helped organize and promote a performance for the music group to sing for family members, other residents and Concordia staff. They made props for the performers, printed programs and sent videos to out-of-town family members who were unable to attend.
“The memory support residents who participate in our singalongs have brought Phyllis and me so much joy,” Clyde Buchanan said. “Volunteering for them, and for others, is an opportunity to brighten lives. We love to do it, and we are grateful to live in a community that supports us and fosters an environment of service.”
Concordia is a full-service, faith-based continuing care retirement community that also offers assisted living and skilled nursing.
LeadingAge Oklahoma is the state association of not-for-profit organizations dedicated to establishing high standards of excellence for services to the aging in Oklahoma, according to its website.
Read the full story on NewsOK here: http://newsok.com/article/5506319
