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Safe barbecues help bring some normalcy back to Willows residents

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With social distancing in effect, recent small-group barbecues have helped residents enjoy a favourite summertime activity while keeping safe during the pandemic

Summer is here and that can only mean one thing: it’s barbecue season at Willows Estate.

Recently, the Aurora, Ont. long-term care home hosted back-to-back barbecues in the garden for residents.

The barbecues were on back-to-back days because large-group activities are still suspended in long-term care homes due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing protocols remain in effect.

Team members grilled hot dogs for residents and provided toppings, including mustard, relish, ketchup, mayonnaise, onion and tomato.

Residents were treated to cool beverages, such as orange juice, lemonade, fruit punch and water.

To complement the food, warm weather and atmosphere, life enrichment aide Azaria Kanda played jazz music in the background which residents enjoyed.

“(Residents) were, as usual, grateful to be back to somewhat normalcy for the time being and just enjoying the moment with friends from different floors they might have not seen in months,” Azaria tells The OMNIway.

“All in all, it was a wonderful time.”

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Frost Manor residents treated to a carnival-themed month

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Frost Manor resident Dorothy Burrows and life enrichment aide Sarah Thayer share a laugh during Carnival Month at the Lindsay long-term care home.

With safety measures in place, life enrichment team members have organized a month-long series of activities for residents that embrace the spirit of fun and laughter

It’s that time of year again at Frost Manor when the Lindsay, Ont. long-term care home’s residents are treated to a month-long themed event that embraces the OMNI Health Care core value of fun and laughter. Read more

New LEC says she’s found her calling at Streamway Villa

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Streamway Villa life enrichment co-ordinator Laurie Kracht, right, is pictured with resident Vera Haden in the photo from 2019.

‘I want to be an advocate for the seniors. I’m very passionate about that,’ says Laurie Kracht

As Streamway Villa’s new life enrichment co-ordinator (LEC), Laurie Kracht says she has found her calling. Read more

The Willows’ much-loved resident pianist is back behind the keys

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“Mr. Roger”, Willows Estate’s in-house pianist, performs for residents for the first time since March.

‘Mr. Roger’ had not played piano for residents since the pandemic began, and his recent socially-distanced performance was a big hit for residents

For the first time since the global COVID-19 pandemic began, a Willows Estate resident who has long been the Aurora, Ont. long-term care home’s resident pianist is once again tapping his fingers across the keys. Read more

‘My dad showed me what I was supposed to do in life’

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Streamway Villa life enrichment co-ordinator Laurie Kracht, right, is pictured here with resident Vera Haden in this photo from autumn 2019.

Streamway Villa’s new LEC, Laurie Kracht, says caring for her father inspired her to pursue a career in LTC

Laurie Kracht became Streamway Villa’s new life enrichment co-ordinator (LEC) in early July, and she credits her late father for inspiring her to take the career path that brought her to the Cobourg long-term care home. Read more

Splash party scores lots of laughter from Streamway residents

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‘I have not seen some of the residents laugh like they did in a long time,’ LEC says

In an effort to beat the heat and have some outdoor fun, Streamway Villa organized a splash party for residents and staff members in the Cobourg long-term care home’s garden on July 22. Read more

LEC says she noticed the potential for Village Green’s garden from Day 1

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Village Green residents practise social distancing while enjoying a performance from Breaking Chains on June 30.

‘I fell in love with the garden here during my interview,’ says Ulana Orrick

When Ulana Orrick was interviewing for the position of life enrichment co-ordinator (LEC) at Village Green, one of the first things she noticed was the Greater Napanee long-term care home’s garden. Read more

Riverview Manor’s BSO team has created a toolkit that’s preventing agitation in male residents

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When team members see that a resident is agitated, they can provide them with a familiar object that redirects their attention and has a calming effect

When Riverview Manor’s Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) team members spot a male resident who is agitated or appears bored, they have a toolkit – quite literally – they can turn to that will prevent responsive behaviours. Read more

Frost Manor celebrates Canada Day with photoshoots for residents

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Frost Manor resident Mary Lee Digiacomo, who was named Frost Manor’s 2020 Ms. Canada, shows her Canadian pride on July 1.

Team members name resident Mary Lee Digiacomo Frost Manor’s 2020 Ms. Canada

Canada Day celebrations were different at Frost Manor this year, but despite protocols in place to keep everyone safe during the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, the Lindsay long-term care home’s residents still celebrated Canada’s 153rd birthday with lots of fun and laughter. Read more

Streamway volunteer recalls the positive impact her therapy dog had on a resident

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Duffy, a British golden retriever, is a St. John Ambulance therapy dog who has visited Streamway Villa with his owner, Lisa Denvir. Due to protocols to keep residents and staff safe during the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, there is currently no pet-therapy programming at OMNI Health Care long-term care homes.

‘For me, when I see that dramatic of a change, that’s particularly rewarding,’ says Lisa Denvir

Pet therapy programs are valuable assets to long-term care homes because of the positive impact they have on residents, but Lisa Denvir, who has visited Streamway Villa with her British golden retriever, Duffy, says the pair also reaps rewards from their time at the home. Read more