Trying to make a difference
Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter
Many of the candidates in the election have brought up taking care of our seniors as an issue which needs to be addressed. Yet one woman, Debbie Wakelam, said she is hosting a workshop about the Eden Alternative at the Civic Centre on Oct. 25 and there has been little response from Strathmore.
“I have no response from Strathmore. I have people from outside of the community, from outside of the county, but no one from Strathmore,” said Wakelam.
The Eden Alternative follows 10 principles. The main focus is to identify and correct the three plagues which affect most seniors in care homes. The three plagues are loneliness, helplessness and boredom. Wakelam has already initiated this in Meadowlark Seniors Care Home, her alternative solution for senior care.
Wakelam currently has three ladies living with her, and she implemented the changes in her own caregiving a few months ago. The changes have made the house feel more like a home for the ladies and less like a care centre. Many seniors end up in institutionalized care with 100 other people where they follow a day-to-day routine. Wakelam still has daily things she would like to see done but the main focus of the Eden Alternative is to involve the seniors in decision-making and other things.
“I don’t know how you get it across to people that things can be different and the attitude of how we treat our seniors is so wrong,” said Wakelam.
In some facilities things are taken away from them, things they used to do and can still do but are just not allowed to do in some assisted living facilities. Currently Meadowlark is located in Strathmore but Wakelam has been toying with the idea of buying an acreage in the county. She said her dream is to have a purpose built home which will house 10 residents.
On the 25, Cheryl George, who shares responsibility of Eden Alternative Regional Coordinator for Western Canada, will be speaking to interested parties about how to implement the Eden Alternative.
Originally it was a $125 fee to attend the workshop, but Wakelam has since nixed the fee and it is now free for anyone who is interested in learning more. People are coming from all over but Wakelam is disappointed by the lack of response from Strathmore and area residents.
“We need something here to keep the seniors here,” said Wakelam. Edenizing a care facility doesn’t cost any money; it is all a matter of living by a different philosophy.
“If people here would embrace it, like how nice to be known as a town that cares about its seniors, or a county,” said Wakelam.
“It could have a huge impact, and it can be very positive for the town to say we’re adapting this philosophy for our seniors here.”
She said if people, especially our elected officials and members of health services, would come Cheryl George would be able to answer almost any questions which might arise. George has worked at the Sherbrooke Community Centre in Saskatchewan for over 20 years and is known for being passionate about promoting quality of life in long-term care.
Wakelam has been told she should move her business to Saskatchewan where she could already be set up, but she doesn’t want to. She is from here and she wants to see it initiated here.
“I’ve never been sold on something so much in my life, that could make such a huge difference for so many people,” said Wakelam.
The workshop begins at 9 a.m. on the 25 and goes until 4 p.m. There will be lunch provided and there will be plenty of time for questions. Everyone needs to register ahead of time so that Wakelam knows how many people to plan for. Registration ends on Oct. 15. Call 403-934-5294, to reserve a space at the workshop.