The PAHCS social work department wanted to bring the Dream A Little Dream Program to PAHCS to advocate for our residents in their ability to dream and live out their dreams. We know a lack of dreams and goals can have physical as well as mental consequences. Depression can set in. Classic symptoms of depression are powerlessness, hopelessness, apathy, chronic illness, decreased participation, indecisiveness and passivity. When dreams come true, the power is given back to the residents counteracting apathy, booting self-confidence and improving an individual’s quality of life. Partnering with Second Wind Dreams® seemed like the perfect connection for larger dreams. Seond Wind Dreams® is a nationwide, non-profit organization whose mission is simple: through the fulfillment of dreams and the offering of innovative educational opportunities to caregivers and communities, SWD seeks to change the perception and experience of aging, empowering elders to age with dignity, hope and joy. SWD also has a national E-Dreams network, a database we can list requested dreams. This is one avenue for larger dream requests.

The Dream A Little Dream program will begin by collecting dreams from our residents. If a resident is unsure or has some cognitive impairment, dreams will be elicited by interviewing family, friends and staff. Once dreams are collected we can begin “dreamweaving” or making the dreams come true.

The sky is the limit for our dreaming seniors. Dreams can be as simple as a new dress — all the way to a ride in a hot air balloon. As we collect dreams we will publish them in the PAHCS pride and on this website. We will also periodically send out e-mail with dream requests to PAHCS employees. If there are any dreams you can help us make come true we would appreciate it. The program is not only empowering to our seniors but also to our staff and community in the work we will do together to make dreams become reality.

Watch for more to come from “Dream a Little Dream!”