Enhancing the quality of life … changing the perception of aging.
P.K. Beville, M.S.
Second Wind Dreams™ is a non-profit organization founded in 1997 and based in Alpharetta, Georgia. Its mission is, through the fulfillment of dreams and innovative educational programs, to enhance the quality of life for those living in Eldercare Communities and change the perception of aging.
The program began with the work of geriatric specialist P.K. Beville, M.S., who co-authored Second Wind, a heart-warming novel about people living in a nursing home. Second Wind Dreams offers hope and encouragement to those who are unable to attain their dreams without assistance.
Partnering with private citizens, civic groups and businesses, nearly 450 “Dreamweavers” (facilitators) in 40 states, India, Canada and Israel have made over 4,500 dreams come true – from the simple request for a new dress to wear to church to the lifelong dream of being united with an estranged loved one.
Second Wind Dreams commitment to education was again seen in the launch of the Virtual Dementia Tour, a hands on experience that allows participants to what it might feel like to have dementia. The goal is to help caregivers provide better care.
Dreams Fall into Six Categories
Relationship-Based Dreams reunite a resident with friends and family members they may not have seen in a long time. One resident had not seen his brother in over 40 years! Approximately 12% of the dreams are this kind.
Life-Long Dreams involve such achievements as yearning to play the piano again, swimming with dolphins or going to Graceland. Approximately 8% of dreams fall into this category.
Dreams to Relive Past Experiences may mean a simple trip to a favorite restaurant, receiving paint supplies so a resident can enjoy their hobby again, or feeling needed when memories about a career are relived. These represent 15% of fulfilled dreams.
Dreams for Fun make up 48% of those fulfilled. Residents want to go to “The Price Is Right,” drive a go-cart or ride all the roller coasters at an amusement park.
Need-Based Dreams provide for those who have no financial ability to provide the simplest things for themselves — a cup holder for a wheelchair, a new pair of shoes or an appropriate dress for attending church again. These represent 15% of the dreams.
A Dream to do something for someone else makes up approximately 2% of the dreams fulfilled each year. Things such as inviting a choir to sing for everyone, or learning sign-language to communicate with a deaf friend are examples of this category.
Enhancing Quality of Life
Second Wind Dreams™ focuses on those living in eldercare communities since these seniors are most in need of assistance. Family support may be non-existent and discretionary funds unavailable, especially for Medicaid-supported seniors. These are the ones who will benefit most from a dream fulfilled.
A lack of dreams and goals can have physical as well as mental consequences. By fulfilling dreams, Second Wind Dreams™ volunteers improve the quality of residents’ lives by stimulating them, both physically and mentally, and provide much-needed special attention.
Improving the Perception of Aging
As each dream unfolds, members of the local community experience the perspective of older adults and gain a greater appreciation for their stage of life. Often this new perception leads to long-lasting partnerships with facilities and special relationships with residents. Long after the dream has been fulfilled, the effects linger, according to Beville, giving all involved a “Second Wind.”