OUTLOOK - "A few minutes of conversation or even a wave at the front window as you pass by won't take much of your time, but it can absolutely make the day of someone living in long term care." Those were the words of Whittney Greig, Activity Director at the Outlook and District Health Centre as she talked about the vital role the community can play in enhancing the lives of residents in long term care.
Whittney started working as a care aide and in the kitchen in 2009, and a couple of years ago joined the Recreation Department. "I knew when I was growing up that I wanted to help people," she said, and was particularly drawn to seniors living in long term care. "I wanted to be part of making them feel like they're still at home with people who care about them."
In her role, Whittney prepares activities for residents. "It's arts and crafts, Bingo, and anything we can do to help keep people busy. We have group activities and we also try and do a lot of one-on-ones,” she shared.
Local churches come in on a weekly basis to lead a worship service, while every day there is some form of exercise such as stretching, as well as a walking program that occurs two days each week. "Physio comes down and helps us with that," Whittney explained. "They help assess and determine what else we could do with the residents."
A hairdresser comes in regularly, while things like manicures are highly anticipated activities. "They love hand lotions and getting their nails done," she remarked. "Anything pampering related is definitely on the schedule."
Activities are not just socially beneficial, but physically as well. "We do hand wax massages once or twice a month. The residents love it and it improves the circulation in their hands,” Whittney explained. “You can see it in the colour of their skin."
These types of activities are important at all times, but proved vital when visits from family and friends were restricted. “There was a lot of sadness,” Whittney shared, speaking about the start of the pandemic. “We saw a lot of withdrawal and some didn’t want to come out and do activities anymore.” The staff worked hard to keep residents connected with family by encouraging window visits, Skype and face time calls, but that period of time was hard on the residents. “They were very emotional and so as staff we worked to try and come up with as many ways as we could to be there for them.”
Keeping games and events going was a goal for activity staff, even as it required more preparation. Playing Bingo, for example, involved smaller, socially distanced groups, and constant sanitization of playing surfaces, hands, and Bingo cards and chips. “We are trying to do what we did before but there's a lot more prep and a lot more to do after the fact,” Whittney remarked. “It takes more time doing activities but we try to make the best of it.”
It has led to a fundraising effort to purchase a projector system that would facilitate games in a virtual format by projecting them onto tables. This could include Bingo, puzzles, sensory games and more. Whittney sees tremendous potential with the flexibility this could offer. “Moving towards technology a bit more would give us more options,” she said, “and would provide easier solutions in terms of infection control.” A bake sale being held on December 21 is open to the public and will help raise funds for these kinds of initiatives.
Despite the challenges of dealing with pandemic protocols, Whittney said she is proud of the way the staff pulled together. “We really worked well as a team and everyone got involved.” Last Christmas she had staff in housekeeping, laundry and kitchen wearing decorations, and it was something the residents really enjoyed. “We definitely had to get creative,” she said. “Everyone was really cooperative. Anytime I had games and we needed more people, I had them helping out. Everyone was a real team player, especially when the residents needed the interaction.”
Restrictions have been eased and long term care is once again welcoming visitors. Currently, you must provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within the previous 72 hours and masks are required at all times, but visitors are most welcome. “Yes, people can come in to visit,” Whittney said excitedly. “Residents miss the interaction. It’s interaction they need, so yes, we welcome people to stop in and visit.”
She encourages the community to consider all that can be done to brighten a day. “Just pop in and say hello. Even if you don’t want to come inside, you could build a snowman out front or you can write on the windows. Come in and ask for our wipeable makers and leave a message or a picture. If you’re going for a walk down to the park, drop in and say hello, or wave at the window. That would really mean a lot to them. They really enjoy seeing people.”
The winter can be a tougher time of year since outdoor activities can’t take place, so Whittney is always looking for ways to engage in new things. “Any involvement from the community is always welcomed. I would like to try and have a men’s group and get some ‘coffee row’ guys to just come in and talk. They could update the men with what’s happening with farming and just come visit.”
With Christmas coming, there are ways to bring holiday cheer. In addition to supporting the Christmas bake sale, there is also opportunity to send holiday greetings. “If you know someone in here, by all means send a card directly to them. If you don’t know anyone by name, you can put ‘Merry Christmas resident’ and we will be sure it gets to someone.”
It only takes a few minutes, but a gesture of care toward the residents in long term care can go a long way in making someone’s day. “It can get lonely as a resident so any interaction with the community is really special,” Whittney explained. “You can really make a difference.”
