OMNI
partnerships enhance service, enrich residents' lives
From introducing the laughter of children into the home
to offering residents free hearing aid assessments, partnerships
are enriching residents' lives and the supports they receive
in OMNI homes.
Links with daycares and preschools have brightened residents'
days at many homes. There's something about the innocence
of children and their energy that brings
seniors to life, says Burnbrae Gardens Life Enrichment
Co-ordinator April Anderson. "There’s a reminiscent
value too. “It makes (residents) think of their
own kids.”
Meanwhile at Frost Manor in Lindsay, elementary school
children share
in the rewards of having numerous grandparents. It's
a long-standing partnership between St. Dominic’s
grade school and the long-term care home.
“The students really get excited about it,”
says Vi. “Quite a few of the kids don’t have
grandparents so it’s important for them. And vice
versa for the residents. It’s also important for
kids to become more familiar with seniors,” she
says.
A partnership at Maplewood in Brighton is aimed at helping
seniors hear better. Residents can now access free
hearing assessments as a result of an arrangement between
the long-term care home and Cobourg Audiology and Hearing
Aid Centre. It began when owner Carl Fletcher was in the
long-term care home recently on a private consultation
with a resident. Carl suggested the idea of holding free
regular hearing assessments for residents.
“I thought it was a good opportunity for some of
these people,” says Carl.
OMNI's connections with various entertainers brings
the joy of music into residents' lives. Kentwood Park
Life Enrichment Co-ordinator Jill Turney says outside
entertainment is important. "It provides a
wonderful variation for the residents, and it's just
nice to have all of these breaks in routine," she
says.
People outside the immediate OMNI community are benefitting
from partnerships too. In Springville, Springdale Country
Manor is providing the community service of preparing
meals for Millbrook's Meals
on Wheels program. Dietary staff prepare the meals
for volunteers to collect and deliver to area seniors.
Seniors living in Brighton who require pacemakers can
have them checked at Maplewood. The free
pacemaker check service has been provided since
2001 through the Kingston General Hospital. “We’re
getting more and more referrals,” says Deb Skeaff,
director of care.
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