Donning colourful leis, residents at Meadow Park Nursing Home in Chatham recently set off on a day cruise without ever having to leave the comfort of their home.“Activity directors Brenda Lucier and Joanne Jones prepared a unique day of games and food fit for any cruise ship,” says Lydia Swant, Volunteer/Family and Resident Services Co-ordinator. “We felt that it would help to beat the winter blues,” explains Joanne, adding that the activity staff joined the fun by wearing beach hats.
From shuffleboard and trivia games, to fish and chips, fruits, cheeses, and desserts, the “passengers” enjoyed the fun and variety. “Overall, the day was a huge success,”
Lydia says. “Residents, family and staff continually commented
how unique and fun the idea was. Residents couldn’t believe
the amount of choices of food for the day. They were pleasantly
reminded of how vacations and cruises are famous for such a variety
and abundance of food and fun.” Resident Marjorie Japp recalled her memorable trips to her summer trailer off Lake Erie. She says it was a place she could relax with her family and enjoy the sunshine.
Resident Betty Parrish reminisced about her move from Scotland to Canada in 1946. A war bride, Betty came over on a ship. “It was a very memorable trip across the ocean, but I enjoyed my return trips later on to visit relatives much more,” she says. Both women agreed that Cruise Day was wonderful, full of fun, laughter and excellent food. In fact, the event was so well-received that the activity department is planning a program called “A Cruise A Month.” Residents will “go to” a different “destination” each month, enjoying shuffleboard, special food and information about the destination country, explains Joanne. “We will be keeping track of where we have ‘sailed to’ and where we are going by displaying a cruise ship on a large map in our front lobby,” she says.
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