I’ve been asked to design/organize a model railroad construction project at a local assisted living center. Did a small rr at a mental health center a few years ago where patients did low-skill work. This project, however, would involve higher function and skill levels. Anyone (or club)with experience in this area who can provide pointers and pitfalls??
Sorry, I have no experience in this. However, I seem to remember an article in Classic Toy Trains about a layout designed for handicapped people. It may be of help. Good Luck on this project.
Bill,
I do not have any experience with this either, but I would think a modular club approach is what you should aim for. It gives the members a sense of ownership which helps everyone stay motivated. The ones who show the most promise can work on the ‘club’ modules later when a major yard is needed or something.
It sounds like a great idea for a retirement community. I could see my son looking forward to visiting grandpa and his railroad set.
Good Luck. - Ed
(I belong to a club at a Senior Center–so my
experience may be close.) I think the layout is
a second step. First you should assess and develop modeling skills among the clients with
freight car and structure kits. A layout too
early would risk failure because of limited
modeling skills.
You didn’t mention money–are you funded? Will
you do this with donations? Is there a hobby store and/or model railroad club that would provide support?
Good Luck
Ray
I may not have a large amount of creditble experience, but my mother works at a nursing home and I interact with alot of at residence. I believe any model layout would be fine as long as the people can accomplish what they want to. If you read the recent article in Model Railroader, at least I think it was in this, it tells about an assisted living place as you described that designed there own layout and really didn’t have all that much experience in the field of model railroading. I think their layout is magnificient. I think that as long as the residence of the center can build it then go for it.
Ray, thanks for the tips. I meet for the first time with the program director this week. We will discuss scope of project. My concept is for it to be resident-built with me acting as teacher/facilitator/mentor/etc. Preliminary budget from the facility is $100/month. Not a lot, but a start. A local hobby shop gives me good discount but can’t do much in the way of donation. I agree that a skill assesment is essential. A few of the men (or women who wi***o participate) may have low skill/function and this would have to be allowed for.
My wife and I did a very small layout at another facility several years ago where most of the patients were low skill/function. We built the layout and laid the track and had the residents do the building kits, assemble athearn car kits, and do a good deal of the scenery under close supervision.
Again thanx,
Bill Benysh
Little Miami Railroad
Ken, Saw that piece in MR. Looked great but probably far larger than what we will be able to do at this facility. I meet with the program director this week to discuss area, size and scope of project. I think it is possible to do a nice layout, but will be doing a skill assesment of the interested residents before jumping into the layout.
Thanx,
Bill Benysh
Little Miami Railroad
this is a good idea first get an idea of who wants to be involved in this project (dont be suprised if some who dont want to get involved change their mind later) find out the strengths of each person some are better at scenery some are better with motors mechanisms and wiring.
set goals for each days work dont overdo it get people to talk about what they think would be good for a track plan and what types of trains or era to model. those members who are more frail can still help by making trees bushes etc. as with any layout 1 plan 2. organize 3. construction w/ set goals At this stage in life
physcologically seniors develop more chidlike
behaviours dont be suprised by some arguements
also positive reinforcememnt for a good job is a must good luck
Another respondent referred to an article about this type of project. I believe he refers to an article in Classic Toy Trains written by Joe Lesser in 2000. I’m fairly sure if you e-mail from their web site you can get the citation to the article. Joe built an interesting small layout for the lobby of a company, very analogous to your challenge. I remeber being very impressed with his approach. It was a compact 9x12, using tubular track and Lionel switches, a few accessories and buildings. It is an undaunting project but with a satisfying layout to operate. If I think of it, I’ll look up the article tonight and share the issue details with you.
As someone who gets senior discounts I can give some thoughts. I would do something in G gauge. You are probably talking about people who have limited vision and the start of the decline of fine motor skills for the most part. Most will probably have no knowledge of trains, carpentry and electrical requirements, Realistic structure building, painting etc. They will also probably have no desire to operate a railroad. Make it high. Most will not be able to use a duck under. That being said a nice roundy round with lots of trains running in loops and animation would be a real addition and something they could open up seasonaly to make a little money to maintain it. It will be important to find a couple of people to train in the basic needs like troubleshooting when something doesn’t work. Don’t forget that sad as it is the turnover in thsoe places is eventually 100% and you may move so someone has to be able to maintain it once it is built.
I think some of you guys are confusing “assisted living centers” with “nursing homes”.
Most residents of Senior Centers and Assisted Living Centers are just uncomfortable living alone. Most units in such places have complete facilities. Most residents are not in need of supervision or nursing care, just someone to keep track of them every day and a social support environment.
I think a community project like you are contemplating is an excellent idea, and you will probably find the residents are as capable as you are.
My parents were in one and I sing at four just having done so last Wednesday. Most people in them are people who can no longer live independently for mostly physical reasons. Most also do not allow resdents to do anything physically demanding because if they have gaurunteed lifetime care they don’t want someone to wind up in the assisted living area that costs big bucks. My parents had to sign over the proceeds from the sale of their house to get that guarantee and the center was betting they would die before the funds were gone. Half the people at the one I sang at last week use walkers. Most would have trouble touching their toes. A realistic operations oriented railroad is just out of the question. Most are well up in years and duck unders would be unused. I still say G gauge and simple.
[wow] This is an oldy. Anyone notice this thread was started in 2001 by a person that didn’t join till 2003?[%-)]
Loathar, NA is the automatic ‘OP’ for the REAL OP who’s deleted their membership. This is the third topic from 2001 I’ve seen on the front pages, I wonder why they’re coming up…
This one popped up because nbprr found it and posted a reply. That reply made it current.