Return of important events mark 2021 at Riverview Manor

From the fun to the sombre, the safe events the home hosted this year brought some things back to normal during the pandemic

With pandemic restrictions easing in 2021 due to high vaccination rates and safety measures in place, Riverview Manor resumed many of the holiday events residents at the Peterborough long-term care home enjoy, and the home’s life enrichment team was there to organize activities and make them safe and enjoyable for all.

In May, the life enrichment team organized a Mother’s Day photoshoot for the Riverview Manor ladies in front of a backdrop of a spring blooming tree mural. Using residents’ photos, life enrichment aide (LEA) Adam Wicklum made two Mother’s Day collages, one for each side of the home.

The power of attorney of residents who had their photos taken received an e-mail with an attached photo of their loved one just before Mother’s Day.

When Mother’s Day arrived, all the ladies received a Mother’s Day card and a corsage. A large “Happy Mother’s Day” lawn sign was put up at the front of the home. Residents and staff could see the sign from both dining rooms.

Halloween is another favourite occasion at Riverview Manor.

Adam, along with LEAs Rosemary Roseborough and Trevor Davis, and personal support worker Robin Willar, were busy at Halloween organizing parties for the north and south neighbourhoods.

Along with Halloween refreshments, the life enrichment team organized several activities and games for the parties, including Halloween bingo, jack-o’-lantern match-up, a Halloween crossword and several word games.

“Residents enjoyed themselves; many of them wished it was longer,” Adam said. “All in all, it was a spooky Halloween season for the residents.”

Riverview Manor also hosted its first Remembrance Day service since 2019, thanks to a collaborative effort among residents, families and team members.

Unlike past Remembrance Day services at Riverview Manor, this year’s memorial did not feature involvement from the community due to pandemic restrictions still in place.

However, with everyone working together, Riverview residents were provided the same Remembrance Day service itinerary as always, said LEA and service organizer Rosemary Roseborough.

Residents and staff members were involved with the service, which included laying the Remembrance Day wreath and readings. Music normally played on pipe or piano was played on CDs during the service.

This was the 20th anniversary of Rosemary organizing the Remembrance Day service at Riverview Manor, an honour she says was made possible by strong collaboration from everyone.

“It was a great team effort from everyone, and I could not have done this without the support from everyone else,” she said.

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PHOTO CAPTION: Riverview Manor resident veterans Joan Brownson and Frank Lindsay lay a ceremonial wreath at a Remembrance Day service at the Peterborough long-term care home.