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Darke County Parks
Parks Program Brings Joy to Nursing Home Residents
Darke County Parks’ naturalist staff has been hard at work
brainstorming and developing new ideas for programs that follow current
health guidelines. One of the newest initiatives, “Rest Home Roam”
started this month. Our groundbreaking program consists of various
animal ambassadors visiting the rest homes in and around the county.
Since many of these residents have been secluded to the facility with
limited visitation, naturalist staff felt this was a great opportunity
to provide them with a new experience.
“It’s so wonderful seeing their faces light up when you walk up to
their window” said naturalist Megan Schmidt. So far, Village Green
Health and Rehabilitation, Oakley Place Assisted Living Community, and
Randolph Nursing and Rehabilitation have all taken advantage of this
unique opportunity. Many other facilities have already registered for
future visits including Brookdale, Rest Haven and Versailles
Rehabilitation. “The resident’s excitement of seeing these wild animals
up close is apparent by the smiles through the windows. I am
thankful that I get to be the one to share this experience with them,"
added naturalist Mitch Pence.
Rest Home Roam is free to all Darke County facilities. If you're
interested in one of DCP’s animal ambassadors visiting your facility,
please email Mandy Martin at mmartin@darkecountyparks.org or call the
nature center at 937-548-0165.
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