VIP - Second Half 2017-1

VIP – VOLUNTEERS IN PARTNERSHIP

Second Half of the Year, 2017 Volume 12, Issue 2

Mary Black, Coordinator of Volunteers Wellington Terrace Long Term Care Home 474 Wellington Road 18, Fergus, ON N1M 0A1 519.846.5359 ext. 7266 maryb@wellington.ca

   

Inside this issue: Best Wishes and Note of Appreciation Welcome to New Volunteers and Students Remembering; Music and Memory Helpful Reminders

Happy Holidays!

This is the season where we take time to reflect on the past year, taking note of all the positive events that have occurred, and being thankful for all the blessings in our lives.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all of you, for everything you have done to enrich the lives of our residents in 2017.

Through sharing your musical talents, supporting or leading our various programmes and services, visiting individual residents and offering bike rides and strolls, your contribution is incredibly significant.

I would also like to thank you for considering the health and well-being of our vulnerable population by getting your flu vaccines. I am so pleased to report that over 90% of our Volunteer Team provided proof of the flu shot – that is AMAZING! In the early part of 2018 I will be sending out another more detailed newsletter in which I will share some statistics regarding Volunteer Services for 2017. We are always so grateful of the positive stories and comments that people share about the impact volunteers have in our Home; seeing the actual numbers of hours and interactions really identifies the significance of our volunteer team here in the community of Wellington Terrace.

Thank you!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, a health holiday season, and all the best for the new year.

Best wishes, Mary Black, Coordinator of Volunteers

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a gift and not giving it!” ~William Arthur Ward

Welcome to our new volunteer team members who have joined since our last publication: Peter G – One to One Visiting for Apple Valley Anna M – Musical Entertainment and Programme Support for Walnut Grove and Birch Dale Hunter L – Biking Buddy for Walnut Grove Julie C – Biking Buddy and Music Buddy for Maple Ridge Hailey K – Occupational Therapy Clinic Support Deepti C – Trivia Programme for Walnut Grove Madeline H – Craft Programme for Walnut Grove; Coop Student for Cedar Gorge and Maple Ridge Danielle M – Coop Student for Apple Valley and Oak Glen Natalie K – Coop student for Cedar Gorge and Maple Ridge Kate T – No One Dies Alone Programme Elizabeth W – Sing Along for Maple Ridge Tina T – Neighbourhood Volunteer for Cedar Gorge Rachel G – Dining Room Assistant for Maple Ridge and Cedar Gorge Aimee O – One to One Visiting Volunteer for Maple Ridge Steve G – Pool Games with residents from Apple Valley and Walnut Grove Mariah C – Dining Room Assistant for Maple Ridge and Oak Glen Jenn M – Dining Room Assistant for Walnut Grove and Birch Dale Victoria C – Dining Room Assistant for Maple Ridge and Cedar Gorge; Sunday Church support Korey V – Euchre Afternoon and Dining Room Assistant for Walnut Grove Nam N – Dining Room Assistant for Maple Ridge and Oak Glen Ron B – Pet Therapy with dog Gunner Karen S - Neighbourhood Volunteer for Cedar Gorge Rachel D – Dining Room Assistant and Bingo for Birch Dale Alida R – BSW Student Placement with Social Services, January to April 2018 Angela M – One to One Visiting for Maple Ridge and Oak Glen

WELCOME!

We are sorry to share that one of our former Pet Therapy visitors, Bo (Bulwinkle) passed away in early December.

Our thoughts are with Nancy and the rest of her family at this difficult time.

“No matter how or when we lose our furry friends, their love lasts a lifetime.” ~Anonymous

Music and Memory Exerted from a note from Peg Muhlbauer, Director of Care: Music and Memory is an individualized programme to help people living with a wide range of cognitive and physical challenges to find renewed joy in life through musical favorites.

Individual, personalized playlists are created and downloaded to iPods or Mp3 players. In addition, books, radio shows, faith-based messages, personal messages from family members, and other media can also be downloaded. Music can transport an individual to another place and time, often unlocking fond memories from our youth or special events in our lives.

We are approaching this initiative from an interdisciplinary perspective, with staff members from all departments, volunteers and family members participating. To learn a bit more about this programme please watch the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyZQf0p73QM “Alive inside” on Netflix is another inspiring video to view as well.

If you are interested in finding out more information, or how volunteers can support this project, please contact Mary!

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Looking for Assistance?

Treats for Residents

We encourage you to speak with any nursing staff when you have questions or concerns about residents.

Just a reminder that you should always check with our staff if you want to give a resident any kind of food or drink.

When you see a Registered Nurse working on the distribution of medications from her cart in the dining rooms or in the hall, we ask you to approach another staff person at that time. This allows complete concentration for all nurses at medication times.

Thank you for your assistance.

So many of our residents living here at the Terrace have dietary restrictions or special textures that they require.

For their safety we ask that you always consult with staff before giving them a snack or beverage.

Thank you!