About the Program
The mission of the Cornell Elderly Partnership (CEP) is to facilitate the creation
and maintenance of relationships, interaction and mutual learning between students
and elders in the Ithaca community. In today’s society, the elderly are seen as
insignificant and are usually brushed aside. As a result of this, there has been
a growing need for nursing homes and assisted living institutions. The demand
for nursing homes is so great that many of them are understaffed and unable to
fully give each individual the care they need.
When we meet:
A group meeting is held at the beginning of each semester for interested members
at the Public Service Center (200 Barnes Hall).
What we do:
Currently we visit either Lakeside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center or Beechtree Care
Center every Friday from 4:00- 5:30 PM. Transportation is provided and departs
from the parking lot behind Barnes Hall at 3:45.
At Lakeside we usually play group games, socialize with the residents, and organize
many different arts and crafts projects. Throughout the semester, we bring in
various Cornell performance groups to put on a show for the residents. CEP also
actively maintains and improves the gardens at Lakeside. The gardens are an ongoing
project and some of our visits are spent doing gardening work. No gardening experience
necessary, just the desire to help and get dirty! Go the the Garden Project page
to learn more.
How to Become a Member:
CEP is open to all members of the Cornell Community. Just send an e-mail to psceldely@cornell.edu.
It is required that all new members meet (very informal) with the project coordinators
to get a quick overview of general patient care and nursing home policy. This
can be done during the first meeting, but if you have a conflict with that time
you can schedule an appointment for another time. Beechtree requires a copy of
your immunization history, which can be acquired from Gannett Health Service located
on Ho Plaza.
If you have any questions, feel free to stop by the Public Service Center at
200 Barnes during our office hours, Tuesdays 12:20-2:20pm
