LEIF, THE MIRACLE WORKER

In Unit 5ABC of the Actionmarguerite (St. Boniface) residence, everything is organized to give the 43 residents a stable, calm and familiar environment. "We use a lot of repetition," says Recreation Worker Susie Piad. "We change the music every month. The television displays landscape images on mute. We follow a regular activity calendar." Every Wednesday, the residents receive a visit from Jennifer, a St. John Ambulance volunteer, and her dog, Leif. "We try to keep the residents' lives as normal as possible. Most of them used to have pets. It's a good way to bring back those memories." Susie Piad has seen a change in some residents after spending time with the dog. "Leif helps patients communicate. Touching him triggers sensory stimulation. It reminds them of past experiences, and that makes them happy. Some of the residents who are unable to speak react when they come into contact with the dog. In my opinion, Leif is a miracle worker." Residents who so wish can interact with Leif and Jennifer in the common room for an hour at a time. "After the main session, we visit those unable to leave their rooms. It's a voluntary program. Some patients don’t want to see the dog due to a traumatic experience in the past, so we are careful to keep them at a distance." For Leif to become a therapy dog, Jennifer had to follow a strict program. "St. John Ambulance tells us how the dog needs to behave. They test the dog and its master by simulating potential situations. They want to assess the dog's behaviour and the master's control over the animal." Community Programs Manager Daniel St. Vincent is delighted with the program's success. "I could never have organized such a program without Jennifer, who takes the time to visit us every Wednesday." Jennifer is delighted with the experience. "I enjoy coming to Actionmarguerite Saint Boniface and seeing the impact of Leif’s presence on the residents." Other therapeutic programs are offered to the residents of Unit 5ABC. "We are doing everything we can to have a variety of therapeutic programs," says Susie Piad. "We regularly hold music therapy sessions, and doll therapy gives residents a way to express what they are feeling through dolls. Feeding, washing and clothing the baby provides excellent sensory stimulation."