Candy stripers on duty at Methodist Village

An iconic health-care initiative that has become scarce in recent years is making a comeback at a local senior living facility, and administrators say all parties involved are benefiting.

Methodist Village, a senior living community in Fort Smith, recently implemented a Candy Striper program where young people in the community volunteer their time, perform a variety of tasks and help residents.

Candy Striper programs originated in the mid-1900s and continued for many years. However, in recent years, many health-care programs have set aside the traditional red-and-white pinafores that defined the army of workers and opted for a more generic approach to volunteers.

Carol Smith, business development director at Methodist Village, said many residents easily identify with the volunteers in their traditional attire — a pinafore (for young ladies) or scrub-type shirt (for young men) in red and white stripes.

“A lot of the residents themselves were candy stripers,” Smith said.

First National Bank of Fort Smith partnered with Methodist Village, providing funding for the cost of the candy striper uniforms. In addition to wearing the customary regalia, candy stripers each have a cart with items including books, games, and cards with which they engage residents.

Melissa Curry, CEO of Methodist Village, said while residents certainly benefit from the attention and help they receive from candy stripers, both the volunteers and the paid health-care workers they support are seeing benefits as well.

The duties performed by a candy striper vary, but include responsibilities like playing games with residents, transporting them to the dining room, and taking them on walks, among others. Candy stripers engage with residents in common areas of the care facility, only going into a resident’s room when a Certified Nursing Assistant or Licensed Practical Nurse is present.

Curry said the interaction between a resident and a candy striper can help ward off feelings of depression for seniors experiencing difficulty with a life change like moving out of their home.

In addition, Smith said residents are more energetic and excited as a result of exchanges with the youth who volunteer. They feel more independent and useful, knowing that they are helping a young person learn.

As Candy stripers meet the social and emotional needs of residents, Curry said CNAs and other staff members are freed to focus on the medical needs that residents may have.

Candy stripers also gain valuable experience in a health-care setting, especially those who have an interest in entering the medical field.

“Many of our volunteers want to be a registered nurse, an LPN, or in health-care administration,” Curry said.

And with many high schools, colleges and potential employers placing emphasis on community service initiatives, students are able to accumulate much-needed volunteer hours with seniors that will benefit from their service.

The program, which has been in place since November, boasts 12 candy stripers currently working in the program — nine of which are females and three males. Smith said there are currently four applicants waiting to be screened and trained.

Curry said characteristics a candy striper must possess include compassion for elders and a giving heart with an emphasis on volunteering.

“If you want to give back to the people that kind of made the way for us, this program is for you,” Curry said.

Candy stripers must be at least 14 years old, can be male or female, and must complete training, receive a flu shot and a TB test, all of which can be done on site. Smith the half-day training is a condensed orientation, similar to what is delivered to staff members. She stressed that volunteers are not directly involved in patient care.

If a candy striper is interested in continuing their education in the medical field, Curry said Methodist Village will sponsor a volunteer as he or she pursues certification as a CNA.

Methodist Village is a nonprofit, faith-based care facility in existence since 1961. With the completion of an Alzheimer’s Special Care Community, Methodist Village will become a “Life Plan Community” offering services for independent seniors, assisted living, Alzheimer’s care, nursing home care and short and long term rehabilitation.

Candy stripers will have the opportunity to work with residents in the Alzheimer’s Special Care Community after its grand opening scheduled for April 10.

For information about the Candy Striper program call (479) 755-6481 or email Carol Smith at csmith@methodistvillage.com.