Lonely no more
By Linda Jensen Times Contributor
Linda Jensen Photo
Whether or not to move into a supportive care facility can be a difficult decision for seniors. The transition is not always easy for them, especially when the loss of a loved one or declining health is the determining factor.
But residents of at least one senior’s lodge in Strathmore aren’t slowing down – whether they’re playing beach volleyball, walking the hallways, having a picnic lunch or nature walk, competing in a game of Mahjong or Wheel of Fortune, or having a family visit, the shift to active living for Alberta seniors is clearly evident at Wheatland Lodge.
Wheatland Housing Management Body Chief Administrative Officer, Vickey Cook, is enthusiastic about the connectedness, longevity, opportunities and sense of welcome shown to Wheatland Lodge residents.
“As the youngest child, I (always) connected to older people,” she said. “I have a passion for being with elders and providing for their needs. Our residents average 88 years of age. Still this is not (necessarily) end-of-life-care.”
According to Alberta government statistics, in 2016, over 505,000 Albertans were aged 65 and older, accounting for about 12 per cent of the population. And that number will grow as Albertans are living longer, better quality lives.
While Wheatland Lodge residents have excellent care from professional staff, they also take care of each other, watching for mood changes or small signs of ill health.
We focus on a “whole health initiative (for both men and women),” said Cook. This includes community interaction, personal well being, nutrition, family communication, daily activities, an opinion that matters, access and resource awareness.
Good relationships are the foundation for interaction. The Lodge staff works tirelessly to provide care and positive affirmations to its residents. Musical evenings, teas, a men’s social, bus trips to Walmart and a volunteer-sponsored birthday of the month party are just some of the highlights.
“The New Horizon Grant encouraged community interaction by providing iPads to our elderly,” Cook said. Paired with local students, senior residents learned computer skills first-hand. It was a win-win situation.
Sometimes loneliness can cause the aged to think of themselves as a burden. To combat this, Joanne Simpson, a mental health professional, recently prompted Lodge residents with five sessions on “How to Live Well.” This included simple exercises such as deep breathing, plus solid information on nutrition and proper sleep, plus books to inspire good mental health.
Not surprisingly, nutrition plays a critical role in wellness. On June 3, Global News revealed that in Canada, “one in every three seniors suffers from poor diet which results in starvation.” This shocking data is adequate reason to focus meal planning on in-season produce and well-balanced, healthy portions. Proper meals and snacks give residents energy, nourishment, conversation and a reason to socialize.
In addition, The Good Will Club at Wheatland Lodge is a formal club that encourages all family members to take part in the choices that seniors face, and that their self-worth and opinions do matter. Often loss, grief and health burdens are addressed. Active family input from all family members, including children, is encouraged and sought.
Physical activity is another opportunity for residents to connect with others. Janice Pedersen, program activity coordinator at the Lodge, incorporates several optional activities into the seniors’ monthly calendar. Personal wellness, physical activity, nutrition and social interaction shape the recreational program. It includes things such as daily movement, bocce ball, bean bag toss, balance exercise and chair yoga.
Still, for some, mobility, access and social activities can be a challenge. Both assisted-living residents at Wheatland Lodge and independent-living residents at Giffen Manor and Sunset Haven may still drive. Others, though, may be more isolated, still living on their own. Fear of falling, fatigue and social disconnectedness as well as illness, anxiety and confusion are barriers that families can help seniors to address. Still, for both assisted or independent-living residents, taxi services plus community and support groups are available and accessible.
A community Senior’s Advisory Committee ensures Strathmore’s elderly have a voice that is heard and respected. The committee “enhances access to town services for seniors, the elderly and their families … and suggests solutions to (participation) gaps and barriers … in all aspects of life.”
As well, The Strathmore Seniors Happy Gang is a local group for people aged 50-plus who wish to improve their quality of life with activity and involvement. They dance, play shuffleboard and pool, floor curl, play darts and more.
Meals on Wheels and palliative care groups through local churches also offer nourishment or a listening ear.
Christi Shworak, resident manager at Wheatland Lodge, said her work is rewarding.
“Working with senior citizens makes me feel good at the end of the day,” she said. “I respect them; the daily work that I do with them fills my soul.”
Shworak will represent the Wheatland Housing Management Body at an upcoming event called Senior Power, sponsored by Wheatland Family and Community Support Services, on Sept. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hope Community Church.
“This is an open event for the community. It is a trade show with guest speakers, lunch and grab bags, which allows seniors, family members and community citizens to ask questions, network and learn about services, benefits and mental health options, and to meet other seniors with the same challenges,” said Shworak. “Some of the previous guest speaker topics have been decluttering, planning a will, and dealing with grief and loss.” (For more information, go to www.wfcss.org.)
The aged really do matter. They are a significant part of our past, they shape our present identity and their toils have laid the groundwork for our future. Their long, useful, meaningful life experiences have honed wisdom that asks to be shared. They want to be listened to. Can’t we be kind and do just that? “Once,” Vickey Cook said, “they had dreams. How would you want someone to treat you (if you were in the same circumstance)?”
So, no matter how you mentor the elderly, make it count. Inspire and joke with them, ask loved ones what they need and treasure your role in their lives. If we all honestly love a senior today, they will be lonely no more.