Local Youth Spreads Cheer to Local Nursing Home

Local Nursing Homes have ceased most visitations to their residents while the COVID-19 virus is making its way across the state. Patients living in the nursing homes are having a hard time not seeing their family and friends on a regular routine. Alexis Adams has found a way to make a difference in their day and bring joy to their hearts.

Adams has been participating in the prelims for Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen and has chosen “Nursing Home Volunteering Helps the Golden Years Stay Golden” as her platform. During their time of isolation from their family and friends, Adams knew she had to go out and make a difference and she did just that!

With customized posters in hand, Adams set out on Saturday, March 21, and visited each patient by way of their windows. Holding up the posters, with some saying, “Thinking of you!” and “We are praying for you!”, Adams was able to remind the patients how much they mean to her. The patients at the DHNH were ecstatic to see Adams outside their windows!

This wasn’t the first time that Adams has shown the patients how much she cares for them. She celebrates birthdays with them, attends the Christmas parties and performs a dance routine, made Valentine’s Day cards for the residents, and plays Bingo with them.

Adams spends time with the residents listening to their stories, learning about their past, and just spending one on one time with them. “Playing bingo, painting nails, or just being able to sit down with a resident and listen to the endless stories of how they grew up, or what it was like to live during their time, are just a few of my favorite activities I like to do while visiting the nursing home.”

Throughout her platform, Adams has been able to donate socks, nail polish, and art supplies to the residents. She stated, “I hope to encourage my generation, and the younger generations, to step out of their comfort zone and start getting involved with volunteering at local nursing homes.”