HOW TO SET UP A WISH MAKING PROGRAM

Why Wishes? To bring some hope, some joy, some sizzle into the lives of the residents within your facility.

How to Find Wishes: Start with Residents Council or with six active participants
Ask them what unfulfilled wishes or dreams they have.

Use a "Wish Form":

I have always wanted to… ___________________________________
If I could, I would like to…__________________________________

Define different categories of wishes:
*Life long dream, e.g. - drive a race car
*Fun-filled wish, e.g. - go to day spa and be pampered
*Memory wish, e.g. - see old friend from 60 years ago 
*One last time wish, e.g. - ride farm tractor one more time
*Needs-based wish, e.g. - get a new walker with wheels

How to Fulfill Wishes- Network! Network! Network! Connect the Dots:
*Ask your co-workers to make calls on behalf of wish recipients
*Ask residents' relatives & friends to help with the wish process
*Ask your vendors/suppliers to "sponsor" wish requests
*Ask local churches and service clubs to "sponsor" wish requests
*Ask local paper to run "wish list" - get community involved
*Ask local schools to help with wishes-generational blending

How to Fund Wish Related Costs When You Can't Get Things Done for FREE:
*Get Residents involved - this is all about them
*Have bake sales, garage sales, quilt sales, etc.
*Start a "wish fund" by selling soft drinks and popcorn in-house
*Offer to stuff envelopes for companies for nominal fee

Action Plan: Set a wish-making schedule - once a month - once a week - AND stick with it!

Benefits From Initiating Wish Making Program:
*Give residents something to focus on in the future
*Improve morale amongst the staff and caregivers
*Establish better rapport with residents' families 
*Create marketing value for your facility

Wishes are all about touching lives-making magical moments happen now!