Fun and laughter takes many forms this year

Intergenerational programming, annual events, in-home activities capture spirit of core value

December 15, 2011 -- Deron Hamel

Fun and laughter is one of OMNI Health Care's core values, and while it's a value that takes many forms it always has the same positive results.

Intergenerational programming, annual events, and resident and staff activities are some of the ways fun and laughter was captured in 2011.

Once again, Springdale Country Manor's intergenerational day camp was a fun-filled week in August that brought staff members' children and grandchildren together with residents of the Peterborough home.

Some of the activities children participated in during the week, which ran Aug. 15-19, included visiting Peterborough's Riverview Park & Zoo, partaking in CPR training, going to the local fire station, dancing and playing in a bouncy castle the home rented on Friday.

Life enrichment aide Karen Baker characterized the day: "With the kids running around making noise it was like a neighbourhood."

In Long Sault, Woodland Villa's country fair was again a hit with residents, families, staff and community members.

The fair, which began six years ago, has become the home's flagship event and it's one residents look forward to every year, said environmental services worker Catharine Lepage. She attributed the event's success to organizers' tireless efforts.

"The many hours of planning by organizers - Debbie Smith, Ethel Britton and Ed Pigeon - paid off once again this year," she said.

"It was an exhausting day for both staff and residents but the smiles on everyone's faces said it all."

The day's excellent weather, tasty food and live entertainment - including an Elvis impersonator - were among the event's key highlights.

And what annual event spells out fun and laughter better than Halloween? Oct. 31 is a favourite day for many OMNI residents and staff members, and parties and activities throughout the 17 long-term care homes were once again on the agenda in 2011.

This year, Maplewood in Brighton hosted its inaugural family Halloween party, an intergenerational event that was enjoyed by all, said life enrichment co-ordinator Rachel Corkery.

The party featured activities including apple bobbing, pumpkin painting, face painting and making chocolate-covered candy apples.

"Residents just loved visiting with the kids, and the kids were fantastic," said Corkery.

"They all had a great time, and the residents were all smiling and the kids were all smiling."

Looking to next year, Corkery says she hopes to bring in entertainment to heighten interest and increase attendance.

If you have any feedback on this story, please contact the newsroom at 800-294-0051, ext. 23, or e-mail deron(at)axiomnews.ca.

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