Optimism is orange

You might not realize that colors affect your emotions, your mood, and your well-being. Siemon’s Lakeview Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation and Siemon’s Heritage Personal Care Center, both in Somerset, Pennsylvania, are reaping the rewards of color psychology. 

Amy Handwerk, the clinical liaison at the care centers, was looking for an inspiring campaign to keep residents and families optimistic during the coronavirus pandemic. She learned that optimism is defined as “hopefulness or confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something.” This outlook felt like a good fit for the uncharted effects of COVID-19. After a little more research, she learned that the color orange is associated with optimism, and offers emotional strength in difficult times, having the effect of uplifting and rejuvenating our spirit.

Armed with this new knowledge, Amy met with the teams at both of the Siemon’s buildings. The groups embraced the idea of an optimism campaign and brainstormed ways to bring the campaign to life. They decided that residents and staff would wear orange ribbons on Fridays, and they invited family members to do the same. Renee, the business development coordinator, championed the ribbon-making, and before they knew it, they had over 500 orange ribbons to distribute to residents, staff, family members, and anyone else who wanted to participate.

The campaign has grown each week. Now, people are dressing in orange, and staff and residents can be found donning their orange ribbons every day. Loved ones from near and far are sharing photos of themselves wearing the orange ribbons in solidarity with the care centers. Each week, the care centers infuse new energy into the “Optimism is orange” campaign. Most recently, the care center focused on optimistic idioms that we frequently use, like “keep your chin up.” and “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.”

Having everyone involved has ignited team spirit, been fun for the residents, and has helped to keep families in touch during a time when social visits are prohibited. The activities department is scheduling family visits with residents through the double glass doors at the front entrance of the building. As we all march along the uncharted path of a pandemic, we can all benefit from optimism, and maybe we should all wear a little more orange for a psychological boost. Thank you Siemon’s for being a positive guide to all of us!