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Performing Acts of Loving Kindness:
Prospero Program

The road from Shakespeare’s The Tempest to the Recreational Therapy Department at the Menorah Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care is not as far as you might think. Inspired by the character of Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, the Prospero Project at Menorah seeks to celebrate creativity, humanity and art. As residents and their families can attest the Foundation Grant funded program,
now in its second year, it has had more than a measure of success.

For most residents at Menorah the activities of the recreational therapy department fill their days and engage their minds. Traditionally, the recreational therapists provide treatment services and recreational activities for individuals with disabilities or illnesses, with up to 10 large group activities a day. Using a variety of techniques including arts and crafts, sports, pets, games, dance, movement, drama, music and community outings, therapists improve and maintain the physical, mental and emotional well-being of residents.

But what about those individuals who are not interested in group activities? Certain inevitable age-related declines, whether it is loss of hearing or vision, mobility or short term memory, make group activities impossible and oftentimes meaningless to some residents.

Enter the Prospero Program

The Prospero program is specifically tailored for a Therapeutic Recreation Assistant, namely Bernard Siregar, to adapt the leisure pursuits residents like most and keep them involved in what they love to do. He also trains and guides volunteers as they help residents in their activities
of daily living.

Compassion, patience and dedication define just how Bernard interacts with not only the Menorah residents but also with staff and guests.  Bernard provides one on one assistance, plus small group activities designed for residents who wish to maintain an independent leisure lifestyle. At the same time, it is up to him to foster a sense of normalcy and a sense of continuity among the residents as they are aging and declining in abilities.
He helps the residents maintain their cognitive,
social and communication skills
by keeping them
involved in activities of their choice.

Brooklyn native Harvey Zuckerman has been living at Menorah for 2 years. 2 strokes left him with limited mobility and yet Bernard discovered his undiminished love and knowledge of jazz music.  While Harvey’s wife Anita visits Harvey everyday, the impact of his strokes have made it difficult for him to interact with other residents and fully engage in what Menorah offers.

Bernard sensed Harvey’s isolation and a need for individualized attention. He took the time to get to know Harvey, and learning of Harvey’s love of jazz and specialized needs due to the strokes, created adaptive activities that engage Harvey while helping to improve his mobility. On any given day Bernard, Harvey and Harvey’s wife Anita, are listening to the precious jazz CDs that Harvey has collected over the years and Harvey is often overheard telling vivid stories about the jazz legends he admires.

Get Back into Life

Spending any amount of time with Bernard on the resident floors at Menorah you cannot help but be moved by his personal warmth, charm and above all a natural sense of calm he displays at all times. It is easy to see how the Prospero program provides enjoyment and infuses meaning in the lives of residents.

According to Director of Therapeutic Recreation Nancy Sondag, therapists also help residents with a range of complex issues such as reducing depression, stress and anxiety, to recovering basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities, in addition to building confidence, and socializing effectively so that they can enjoy greater independence and reduce the effects of their illness or disability.

By enhancing current skills and creating pathways for new skills for daily living, the Prospero program adds a much needed dimension for residents formerly isolated by their conditions or environments. As the Zuckermans can attest, it is exciting to help people get active again and help them build confidence and get back into life. The sounds of jazz coming from Harvey’s room draws passersby into conversation with him which he now welcomes. He is quick to display his depth of knowledge about the current selection and waxes with authority.

The MJHS Foundation grant-funded Prospero program continues to provide enjoyment and meaning in the lives of residents in Brooklyn, much as Shakespeare’s Prospero found freedom and a sense of justice in the Epilogue of The Tempest.