Ray Clark’s Dream …by Linda Clark

My late husband, the Rev. Ray Clark was instrumental in bringing the
concepts of The Green House long term care initiative to Sheridan. He
spent his life-time spearheading new projects that made living,
especially for elders, safer and more enjoyable. Ray began to spread
the vision and philosophy noted gerontologist, Dr. Bill Thomas was
writing about in his book, “What are Old People For?”
This was an alternative to and improvement on the traditional medical
model of long term care. He spoke with enthusiasm about the homelike
environment with plants, a central kitchen and hearth, private rooms,
flexible schedules and self-governing staff.
Ray had lots of experience with nursing homes and spoke highly of the
dedicated staff he encountered. Still elders were institutionalized and
he knew something had to
change. He also knew since he had worked on so many capital campaigns
in our community the generosity of Sheridan, WY would support the
concept and embrace the vision.
The Green House effort was Ray’s next project, but God called him home.
Now, I’m involved on the Task Force and working on the Culture
Committee to help bring about the change that was his dream. From
“Silver Threads” by Linda Clark

The mission of GHLS includes facilitating opportunities for other Wyoming communities to move towards alternatives in elder living using the Green House model. Riverton, Jackson Hole, Lovell, Gillette, Casper, Unita County, and Gillette sent representatives to  Sheridan for the September 23 workshop to help advance the effort in thier own communities.  Dr. Bill Thomas, creator of the Green House concept and the Eden Alternative spoke to a group of 22 encouraging them to take next steps. Following Dr. Thomas’ workshop, Melissa Honig, Guide from NCB, Capital Impact, Inc., the non-profit consulting organization dedicated to the Green House concept, provided a two hour workshop for interested communitiies. At a brief meeting following the two day workshop, the groups exchanged contact information and will meet by phone conference call hosted by Melissa Honig to help one another with the process. The Sheridan project is very appreciative of Melissa and her generous support. If you are interested in bringing a Green House to your community, contact Kay Wallick, Program Coordinator, Sheridan 307-674-1607.

Green House Living for
Sheridan Invites Comments from Nursing Students

Several second year nursing students at Sheridan College recently had the good fortune to be present at Dr. William Thomas’ presentation on not just the Green House Project, but providing care for the elderly in general. Dr. Thomas conveyed his message in a non-traditional style, utilizing a Grimm’s fairytale and stories from Greek mythology to make his message more immediate. While some may have been dismayed at his storyteller’s approach, others were intrigued and entertained by the unique methods he used to relay his sincere beliefs regarding care for the elderly.

“Dr. Thomas reminded me of Robin Williams in the movie ‘Patch Adams’. His ideas were grand, his methods were unconventional, and he was so patient oriented. I was impressed that he went from the excitement of the ER to geriatrics because of his compassion for the elderly. His use of Greek mythology clearly explained his position and reasoning for his proposed change, and the need for us to look closely at our current long term care status. He has devoted his career to the pursuit of solutions to this concern and I applaud his initiative and drive.” -Barbara Anderson
I started nursing school with no sense of where I wanted to practice. My participation in weekly clinicals at several different nursing homes helped me make a decision; I do not want to practice as a geriatric nurse. Why? Perhaps the idea that these individuals require more care and assistance, or the idea that they are at the end of life, that I have to repeat myself several times, or that they need reminders to put their glasses on and put their dentures in. For some reason or another, I knew this type of nursing was not worth my effort. Enter Dr. Thomas and the Green House: I became captivated by the idea that elders possess the richest of qualities-that is, life experience. Elders are alive, full of experience, dynamic, and fortunate for having reached their elder years. Dr. Thomas conveyed his passion for our elders by way of showing, not telling. No suit, no tie, no podium to stand behind, no prepared speech but rather just himself, his ideas and experience, a small microphone, a simple chair, a hooded sweatshirt, casual khakis, and bare feet in Birkenstocks. From here, Dr. Thomas welcomes the audience to join him on a journey, a journey where old age is the goal and there is continual growth in all members involved. This journey forces the audience to reconsider their ideas about becoming an elder and how elders are treated once they get there. Dr. Thomas shares his own experiences in practice, tells ancient Greek myths, and somehow comes out making sense about why the elder is the most valuable asset to a community. I leave the forum thinking “Awesome. I want to be a part of this transformation where elders live with dignity and respect.” Through sharing his passion as a nursing home abolitionist, Dr. Thomas transformed the way I think about geriatrics-It is a privilege to work with elder individuals. Thank you Dr. Thomas! -Josie Granger

Perhaps the most essential element that Dr. Thomas imparted on those gathered is the fact that our elders are a gift to our communities, not merely a problematic portion of the population that needs taken care of. Far from the typical modality of treating elders as a burden, Dr. Thomas encourages us all to pay respect to those that have come before us. In providing care for the elderly, it is essential that our perception of the elderly (and the aging process in general) must change. Wyoming, owing to its relatively small population, is well situated to become the first “nursing home free” state in the nation. Dr. Thomas believes that this can happen, and community based movements like that taking shape in Sheridan are path towards that greater goal.
Sheridan College Health Science Division is excited about the opportunity of working with The Green House Living for Sheridan Project, as it unfolds in our community.

Barb Anderson
Diana Charlson
Tami Elmer
Josie Granger
Stacey Oven
Erin Smart
Daniel Walton

Trudy R. Munsick

Dean of Health Sciences

Sheridan/Gillette Colleges

PO Box 1500

Sheridan, WY  82801