Catie Doman, RN, BSN, CHPN, CDP brings 15 University of Michigan School of Nursing students each week to visit the residents of UMRC’s Glazier Commons Assisted Living and Towsley Village Memory Care Center. This week, the students are sharing their knowledge and compassion for older adults by hosting a Book Sale and Health Fair on Friday and Saturday, March 23 and 24 at the Towsley Village Town Center at Chelsea Retirement Community.
This collaboration began in Fall 2016 to give students hands-on experience in working with older adults. When they noticed a need for more large print books in the Glazier Commons and Towsley Village libraries, they made it their mission to help. Student Erin Similuk wrote and received a mini grant from the University of Michigan Libraries to purchase 185 large print books and launch a Reading Buddies program. “Reading Buddies will be a volunteer program,” explains Catie. “The intent is to involve younger people in reading to residents who would enjoy it.” Those interested in being part of the Reading Buddies program can sign up at the Book Sale and Health Fair.
In addition, University of Michigan nursing students will host a variety of health-related booths on Friday. “The booths are meant to be interactive with the community,” says Catie. “For example, students will take blood pressures, there will be a nutrition booth to show the effects of sugary drinks on our organs, and a disability awareness booth will show what it feels like to have disabilities.” A health admissions specialist will also be on hand, along with an information booth regarding Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach™ to Care.
Proceeds from all book sales will help fund the Glazier Commons and Towsley Village libraries. Plan to attend the Book Sale and Health Fair on Friday, March 23 from 10:00am to 3:00pm or the Book Sale only on Saturday, March 24 from 9:00am to 4:00pm. For more information, call 734-433-1000 ext. 7389.