Quality of Life Programming

Our Quality of Life Programming director, who has a master's in art therapy, is a member of the interdisciplinary team and must assess each resident on admission and at the required intervals as noted for the assessment periods. Residents are assessed for individual preferences and offered varying activities to accommodate their skill level and interests.

Regulations mandate activities be offered and maintained at the appropriate age and interest level of the resident. Activities that "infantalize" the resident are not permitted. A monthly schedule of group activities is published to keep residents and families current.

Our volunteers are at the heart of a well-structured activity program. While Bingo still reigns as a resident favorite, special events for holidays, musical programs, field trips, and more offer variety and stimulation.

Music at St. Barnabas

Music can be a key to wellness, vital aging, brain fitness, and mental health. St. Barnabas facilitates a variety of music opportunities, from vocal and instrumental performances to ballroom dancing. Music is also an important part of the frequent chapel services. Residents and patients alike enjoy hearing and singing along to favorite, well-loved tunes.

Art Therapy

Therapeutic art interventions support the skills and assets many older persons still retain by providing a medium for expression. St. Barnabas's art therapy program helps seniors to make meaningful expressions of emotion despite deteriorating functional ability. Seniors are encouraged to discover their artistic side through a variety of media, which decreases social isolation and offers connection and support. Creative expression improves quality of life and is an important part of the healing mission of St. Barnabas. Read about St. Barnabas's art therapy program in Chattanooga Magazine.

Movement Therapy

Movement therapy encourages social interaction in older adults. As a form of self-expression and exercise, movement therapy can alleviate fear of loneliness and isolation. Research shows that movement therapy can improve balance and gait, increase leg strength, and significantly decrease leg pain.

In addition, St. Barnabas activities staff make one-on-one daily visits to each resident and patient. This decreases the social isolation the elderly so often experience. Staff also routinely offer sensory stimuli to lower-functioning residents.

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