Staff enthusiasm lights up Woodland Villa Fair

Attendance by residents from three other long-term care homes also lifts spirits

The annual Woodland Villa Fair had a bright energy this year as staff members enthusiastically participated and residents from three other long-term care homes joined the Aug. 17 festivities.

“The energy was fantastic,” says Lisa Doran, life enrichment co-ordinator for the Long Sault long-term care home.

“The staff were really involved, more so than previous years, which was fantastic for the residents to see.

“And we had a lot more long-term care homes here this year, which made it great – to see everyone integrating.”

Asked what colour she’d imagine the energy of the day to be, Doran suggests yellow. “It was a bright day. Yellow reminds me of being happy and smiling. And there were a lot of smiles, a lot of cheerfulness.”

Among the highlights of the day was the shaving of RPN Jake Hulse’s beard by resident Bernedette Lefleche as part of a fundraiser.

“He’s been growing it for over a year, so everyone was excited to see that go,” Doran says.

The various raffles and auctions also sparked energy. “People always want to win something.”

Woodland staff member Kadie Hulse went above and beyond to ensure the children were having fun as well. She had activities on the go from face-painting to potato-sack races. “There were a lot more children involved this year, which was fantastic,” Doran says.

Even the weather seemed to be in good spirits as a storm the previous day gave way to bright but not-too-hot sunshine. “It was a beautiful day, and everyone was glad to be outside.”

The fact that three other long-term care homes took up the invitation to join the fair was also encouraging. In the past typically only one has done so.

“I think (residents from other homes) are just getting more comfortable with the whole idea of coming,” Doran says.

Mingling between the homes can be rewarding for the residents, who may meet friends and acquaintances they aren’t able to connect with as much as they used to.

“A lot of them know each other,” Doran says, adding the opportunity for staff from the various homes to interact is also a plus.

Next on the planning books is Woodland Villa’s fall leaf tour in September – an annual bus trip around the St. Lawrence seaway to enjoy the autumn splendour.

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