Enhancing elder care on the Island
As luck would have it, organizers of the annual summer celebration for residents and caregivers at Glengarry Hospital didn’t even need their Hawaiian theme to evoke that summertime sensation.
Glorious sunshine and balmy temperatures helped set the mood outside the care facility at 1780 Fairfield Rd. on Thursday. And if it was almost too much of a sizzler at times, guests had it made in the shade.
More than 100 residents of Glengarry and other Island Health-operated extended-care facilities and their families enjoyed the festivities from the comfort of several tents.
Guests were offered leis, summer hats and pink, blue and yellow parasols, as well as cold beverages and ice cream, while entertained by the Gypsy Rovers.
“It’s all about the grannies,” smiled Donald Clark, an office manager with the registered charity devoted to enhancing the care, comfort, dignity and independence of elderly persons on Vancouver Island.
Grannies is his affectionate term for the residents, many using walkers and wheelchairs, that the foundation and corporate partners such as Thrifty Foods have been supporting with various programs and activities.
The annual summer celebration is held to get residents out in the fresh air to enjoy food, music and entertainment while also recognizing the work of the Eldercare Foundation and other supporters.
The foundation directly supports more than 700 residents housed at the Aberdeen, Glengarry, Mt. Tolmie, Priory, Heritage Woods and Oak Bay Lodge extended-care facilities.
It also supports community programs for seniors, including the West Shore and Oak Bay Lodge adult day programs, the Yakimovich Wellness Centre and Piercy Respite Hotel.
“Anytime I see a resident smile, I always think the Eldercare Foundation is behind that smile,” said therapy co-ordinator Catherine Patchell, glancing at guests who were doing just that.
A highlight was the unveiling of the Motomed, an innovative motorized movement trainer that helps people with mobility issues build strength for weakened muscles.
The equipment, donated with a grant from Thrifty Foods, has been getting glowing reviews since it arrived on site for testing last month.
One resident noticed dramatic results with regular use since the Motomed’s arrival — being able to walk longer distances without “huffing and puffing,” or fatigue or pain.
“You can get your physical and social [activities] all in one,” said recreational therapist Denise Alexander, noting the benefits of having two residents exercising side-by-side on two Motomeds.
“We’re trying to link people within our programs so they have friendships,” said Alexander. “They come here and they’ve been uprooted from their home or another setting and have all this time on their hands.”
Rebuilding structure into their day gives residents a sense of purpose and makes them feel better about themselves, she said.
“We’re seeing the benefits and enjoyment residents get with interaction and participation in things we offer from exercise classes to a whole host of programs. It’s really about building community within community.”
John Thomas, volunteer vice-president of the Eldercare Foundation, said he first got involved when his own father was a resident in the Chandler unit and he saw a need for services that would improve quaity of life.
The need for funding is ongoing for the foundation that operates chiefly on donations from residents who bequeath funds from estates, fundraising drives and assistance from corporate partners, he said.
He applauded Thrifty Foods, which since 1990 has donated $97,500 for programs, activities and equipment, and helped the foundation build Aberdeen Hospital.
The company’s contributions to date include funding for a bariatric-equipment pool, music and animal-assisted therapy, new bathing systems, industrial fridges, garden furniture and therapeutic mattresses.
Thomas estimates that the foundation, in partnership with donors, puts “north of half a million” into the system each year to ensure the community supports and embraces aging with respect and dignity.
It’s accomplished through the funding of specialized equipment, community support, research, education and home-like enhancement.
“We’re here to enhance their daily lives,” says Clark, drawing a visitor’s attention to a photograph of a beautiful yellow Labrador retriever, a service dog that is part of the foundation’s animal assisted therapy program.
“Every day, I get to go to work knowing I’ve done something good in the world.”