National Seniors Day was great fun at Menno Place on Thursday, October 1, 2015.
Seniors living in Menno Apartments were invited to participate in a professional-quality photoshoot. Receptionists and the Recreation team booked seniors into time slots throughout the day to have their hair and makeup done – and to pose for professional portraits as well as silly photobooth pictures.
“I had an idea to do something a little different,” said Rylee Yurick, Recreation staff at The Apartments, “I just didn’t know it would grow to be THIS big!”
More than 75 seniors took part in the energy-filled day, many hearing about it from their friends and joining in throughout the day. The furniture was removed from the first floor lounge in Terrace East and the lounge was transformed into make-up, hair and photo stations.
Special thanks goes to the volunteers who gave their time to do the make-up and hair for our seniors.
“This is really emotional for me”, said one of the hairdressing students from Gentebella Beauty Academy, “I feel like we are giving such joy and helping people who are living history. I am so moved by these seniors.”
The students at the Gentebella Beauty Academy were accompanied by their instructor. She shared how they had recently completed a book that focused on the power of kindness between each other. “What a perfect opportunity for the students to practice what they are learning about the power of kindess”, she said, “This opportunity came at the perfect time in their schooling. Can we do it every year?”
Shopper’s Drug Mart also sent two of their valued employees to volunteer for a day with seniors – what is the motivation? One of the volunteer makeup artists explained how she had recently lost her grandmother. They were very close and she was determined to give out of her love and remembrance of her grandmother. When the opportunity arose, she jumped at it.
“This day is so moving”, she shared, “Everyone is having so much fun and it’s so incredibly special that we can play a part in it.”
Some of the seniors were shy about wearing makeup. One senior in her 90’s confessed that she’s never had any makeup on her face, “I want to try it before I die”, she said. Others were fearful that they would be done up “to look like a clown”. Instead, the professional makeup specialists chose colors and shades that brought out the beautiful features in the senior’s faces.
Even the men got involved! They waited their turn and chose some of the props for the photo booth. Wigs, hats, fascinators, ties and picture frames created fun-filled photos for the seniors. All of the participants will receive printed photos and the digital files of their photos.
As is the practice at Menno Place, couples were supported in their participation. Several spouses walked over to residential care to fetch their loved one for the photos. They enjoyed an adventure with their loved one that will be accompanied by a memorable photo. “The photo shoot was fun,” said a husband who supports his wife who suffers from dementia, “Thanks for all you are willing to do for us oldsters – it’s just wonderful.”
The Finance Team at Menno Place came to see what was happening. “Wow! This is what it’s all about”, said a member of the team, “This is what we do it for…. the residents, it’s all for the residents.” It was deeply moving to see the joy, the pride, the laughter and the appreciation from the residents.
The volunteers from Gentebella Beauty Academy and Shopper’s Drug Mart were encouraged to guess the ages of the seniors for whom they were doing makeup and hair. When asked about one senior in particular, the hairstylist guessed she was 86. She is actually 105 – the oldest resident living at Menno Place.
“What’s the secret to your beautiful skin?”, was overheard at the makeup station. “I’m a little bit English” was the reply!
“The day couldn’t have gone any better”, said Rylee Yurick, the organizer, “I’m just so so happy that we could give this to our seniors today.”
She followed up the day with a thank-you note to the volunteers and staff, “Thank you so much to everyone who helped put on our first National Seniors Day Photo Shoot!… to see this small vision come to life and see the residents beam with confidence. I cannot thank you enough.”
Keeping Vigil – An Interview with Ingrid Schultz on the Death Matters Live Radio Show
/in Family and FriendsIngrid Schultz, Chaplain at Menno Place was interviewed recently on the new radio show, Death Matters Live. This hour-long show on Vancouver Co-op Radio brings the matters of death, dying and loss to life.
Concerned that there wasn’t enough opportunity to talk about death and dying in our culture, the show was the brainchild of Jeffrey Young, Celebrant. He invited four other hosts to join him on the show which has an interview format.
Sharon Simpson, Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement at Menno Place was one of the four hosts invited to join the hosting team. Although she has never been in a recording studio nor hosted a radio show, she jumped at the opportunity.
“It was exciting to think that I could be a part of the conversation about death and dying. At Menno Place, we know what it is to support residents and families in their final days. We know what is required to support our residents who are experiencing the kinds of existential suffering that can come at end of life.”
On the first show as lead host, Sharon couldn’t think of a better initial guest than Ingrid Schultz, Chaplain at Menno Place. “Ingrid’s capacity to walk along side of others while they are jouneying at the end of life has inspired me to want to do the same”, said Sharon, “I wanted her to share her thoughts with the listening audience.”
“I had recently lost a good friend, Bob Harms, to cancer and spent time at his bedside in Hospice. I wanted to share the experience and the value of support in the final days, hours and minutes of a life. Ingrid and I have talked about “keeping vigil” and I appreciated her insight and experience,” said Sharon.
To listen to the broadcast of the show, Keeping Vigil,
Thank you for your support and engagement
/in NewsMany of the residents, family members and friends of our residents have taken the initiative to offer support and engagement during this time of transition. Many people have come to speak directly with Karen Baillie, CEO to clarify their understanding of the reason Menno Place made the difficult decision to lay off 29 nursing positions at Menno Hospital.
Thank you for your support as well as your initiative to clarify what is happening at Menno Hospital during this transition time with the Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses.
Please be assured that quality compassionate care is our primary focus during this time of transition. The compassionate care that is given to residents in their daily activities of living, such as: getting up in the morning, getting dressed, bathing, having meals, participating in recreation, going to chapel, music therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, will continue to be provided by staff that will not be transitioning from their positions.
If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact Karen Baillie, CEO at 604.859.7631 x.222
Seventy-Eight Seniors Join in the National Senior’s Day Photo Shoot
/in Family and FriendsNational Seniors Day was great fun at Menno Place on Thursday, October 1, 2015.
Seniors living in Menno Apartments were invited to participate in a professional-quality photoshoot. Receptionists and the Recreation team booked seniors into time slots throughout the day to have their hair and makeup done – and to pose for professional portraits as well as silly photobooth pictures.
“I had an idea to do something a little different,” said Rylee Yurick, Recreation staff at The Apartments, “I just didn’t know it would grow to be THIS big!”
More than 75 seniors took part in the energy-filled day, many hearing about it from their friends and joining in throughout the day. The furniture was removed from the first floor lounge in Terrace East and the lounge was transformed into make-up, hair and photo stations.
Special thanks goes to the volunteers who gave their time to do the make-up and hair for our seniors.
“This is really emotional for me”, said one of the hairdressing students from Gentebella Beauty Academy, “I feel like we are giving such joy and helping people who are living history. I am so moved by these seniors.”
The students at the Gentebella Beauty Academy were accompanied by their instructor. She shared how they had recently completed a book that focused on the power of kindness between each other. “What a perfect opportunity for the students to practice what they are learning about the power of kindess”, she said, “This opportunity came at the perfect time in their schooling. Can we do it every year?”
Shopper’s Drug Mart also sent two of their valued employees to volunteer for a day with seniors – what is the motivation? One of the volunteer makeup artists explained how she had recently lost her grandmother. They were very close and she was determined to give out of her love and remembrance of her grandmother. When the opportunity arose, she jumped at it.
“This day is so moving”, she shared, “Everyone is having so much fun and it’s so incredibly special that we can play a part in it.”
Some of the seniors were shy about wearing makeup. One senior in her 90’s confessed that she’s never had any makeup on her face, “I want to try it before I die”, she said. Others were fearful that they would be done up “to look like a clown”. Instead, the professional makeup specialists chose colors and shades that brought out the beautiful features in the senior’s faces.
Even the men got involved! They waited their turn and chose some of the props for the photo booth. Wigs, hats, fascinators, ties and picture frames created fun-filled photos for the seniors. All of the participants will receive printed photos and the digital files of their photos.
As is the practice at Menno Place, couples were supported in their participation. Several spouses walked over to residential care to fetch their loved one for the photos. They enjoyed an adventure with their loved one that will be accompanied by a memorable photo. “The photo shoot was fun,” said a husband who supports his wife who suffers from dementia, “Thanks for all you are willing to do for us oldsters – it’s just wonderful.”
The Finance Team at Menno Place came to see what was happening. “Wow! This is what it’s all about”, said a member of the team, “This is what we do it for…. the residents, it’s all for the residents.” It was deeply moving to see the joy, the pride, the laughter and the appreciation from the residents.
The volunteers from Gentebella Beauty Academy and Shopper’s Drug Mart were encouraged to guess the ages of the seniors for whom they were doing makeup and hair. When asked about one senior in particular, the hairstylist guessed she was 86. She is actually 105 – the oldest resident living at Menno Place.
“What’s the secret to your beautiful skin?”, was overheard at the makeup station. “I’m a little bit English” was the reply!
“The day couldn’t have gone any better”, said Rylee Yurick, the organizer, “I’m just so so happy that we could give this to our seniors today.”
She followed up the day with a thank-you note to the volunteers and staff, “Thank you so much to everyone who helped put on our first National Seniors Day Photo Shoot!… to see this small vision come to life and see the residents beam with confidence. I cannot thank you enough.”
Family & Friends Support Network – October 15th
/in Family and FriendsJoin us to discover how family and friends can be supported and involved in residents’ lives at Menno Home and Hospital.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
1:30 – 2:30pm
Menno Home Chapel
Refreshments will be served.
We are looking forward to seeing you!
Facilitators:
Dan Janzen – Social Worker
Ruth Neufeld – Social Services
Fall Calendar:
Time: 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Location: Menno Home Chapel
Thursday, November 19
Thursday, December 17
Senior’s Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie visits Menno Place
/in NewsToday, we hosted Isobel Mackenzie for a tour and lunch at the Fireside Cafe. Isobel Mackenzie is Canada’s first seniors advocate, entirely independent from the provincial government.
As the voice of seniors in BC, Ms. Mackenzie has a broad mandate to monitor and review system-wide issues affecting the well-being of seniors and raise awareness about resources available to them. She will also make recommendations to government about how to best deliver seniors’ services.
To date, she has published four reports on issues that are critical to seniors – from caregivers in distress to affordable seniors housing to placement, drugs and therapy.
Access these reports and senior’s resouces here: http://www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca/
What people are saying about Grandparent’s Day! PLUS… a Winner!
/in Family and FriendsHere are the comments that people shared as highlights of the day:
Karen Baillie receives Canadian College of Health Leaders Chapter Award for Distinguished Service
/in NewsKaren Baillie provided significant leadership of the BC Lower Mainland Chapter as a past chair of the chapter.
Karen holds her Canadian Health Executive designation (CHE). In October 2014, the Mennonite Benevolent Society (Menno Place) and the Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL) signed the first agreement in British Columbia health care that commits to setting the Certified Health Executive (CHE) as a standard for leaders to develop skills and competencies of health leaders in Canada. This will help raise the level of leadership and management in the care of seniors in the province of British Columbia.
Congratulations, Karen, for providing significant healthcare leadership in our region, province and country!
Grandparent’s Day – What a Party!
/in Family and FriendsMenno Place residents are all smiles as they recollect the amazing National Grandparents Day Party that took place this past weekend. Residents invited children, grand-children and great-grandchildren to play with them in the 1 acre secure courtyard that is the center of the Menno Place campus. More than 600 people joined in the festivities!
“This is just like Playland!”, said one resident, referencing the huge local fair. He was hosting five of his great-grandchildren. All smiles, he led them to the cotton candy station where they all enjoyed a blue bundle of whipped sugar. Their next stop? The bouncy castles!
With bouncy castles, bean bag toss, a craft table sponsored by The Reach Gallery, storytime sponsored by The Fraser Valley Library, a photo booth, live entertainment, hot dogs, popcorn, bubble station, button station, temporary tattoos and karaoke, there wasn’t time to sit still. Children brought their energy and their joy to the senior’s campus of care.
When Mickey and Minnie Mouse made their appearance, both the children and the seniors broke into smiles. High-fives, big hugs and family photos with the legendary mice brought the generations together in a way that helps to solidify the bonds of family.
The party ran out of hot dogs… twice! “We planned for 300 people and thought that would be a huge success,” said Sharon Simpson, Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, “We couldn’t imagine that so many of our residents would take the opportunity to share this day with their families.”
Over forty volunteers made the event possible by manning booths, providing security, cooking hotdogs, serving popcorn and cotton candy and transporting residents from their homes to the courtyard to take in the festivities. “We served over 60 litres of ice cream!”, laughs Karin Schroeder, a staff member who brought her daughter along to help for the day. An 85 year old senior said, “Dad always said no to cotton candy at the fair when I was a child. We could never afford it. This was the first time I’ve tried it!”
Annette Foster, Resident Care Co-ordinator and staff member for the past 18 years at Menno Place, was excited to see how her passion for seniors could dovetail with her husband, Kelly’s entertainment company, Joyful Celebrations. It’s hard to imagine the day when a bouncy castle is the right entertainment choice for seniors but the two came together perfectly for this captivating party.
International Grandparents Day was first recognized in Canada in 1995. It is a family day intended to; honor grandparents, give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children; and help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer.
Family & Friends Support Network Kick-Off – Sept. 10th at 1:30pm
/in Family and FriendsCome and join us to discover how family and friends can be supported and involved in residents’ lives at Menno Home and Hospital.
Thursday, September 10th, 2015
1:30 – 2:30pm
Menno Home Chapel
Refreshments will be served.
We are looking forward to seeing you!
Facilitators:
Dan Janzen – Social Worker
Ruth Neufeld – Social Services
Fall Calendar:
Time: 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Location: Menno Home Chapel
Thursday, October 15
Thursday, November 19
Thursday, December 17
Training for Chaplaincy Volunteers – September 26th
/in Family and FriendsAre you interested in becoming a chaplaincy volunteer at Menno Place? Volunteers provide spiritual friendship and support for residents on a regular basis through visits and ongoing relationship.
Training takes place September 26th from 8:30am to 3:30pm in the Menno Hospital Chapel.
For more information or to sign up, contact:
Ingrid Schultz, Chaplain
Email: Ingrid.Schultz@MennoPlace.ca
Phone: 604.851.7396
or
David Dick, Chaplain
Email: David.Dick@MennoPlace.ca
Phone: 604.851.7395