Honouring different cultures a matter of ‘respect’
Ottawa LTC home celebrates Chinese New Year
Monday, February 27, 2006 -- Natalie Miller
Celebrating the diverse cultures and traditions of residents who live at Ottawa’s Carlingview Manor keeps life “normal” for seniors and is a matter of “respect.”

That rationale led to the recent Chinese New Year celebrations for the 15 Chinese residents at the 303-bed long-term care home in the nation’s capital. Carlingview Manor hosted in late January an authentic lunch for Chinese residents and their families.

“It’s very important for individualization and to carry on traditions,” says Carol Lavoie, volunteer co-ordinator at Carlingview Manor.

“You want to keep life normal and that’s normal for people. It’s a tradition they’ve had every year,” says Lavoie.

“It’s respect too.”

A staff member in the home’s rehabilitation department, the recreation department staff and volunteers from the Asian Culture Community Centre helped organize the event. Lunch was served a-la-carte in a lounge decorated in red and gold and Chinese lanterns set the mood. Staff served seasonal Chinese pastries with green tea for dessert. Each resident and family member received a traditional red envelope with chocolate coins. A choir, karaoke and musicians from the local seniors’ centre provided the entertainment for the afternoon. The event provided an opportunity for residents to “get together and socialize and speak Chinese,” says Lavoie.

Jan. 29 was the first day of the Chinese New Year. It is the year of the dog.

For residents who aren’t Chinese, Chinese food was ordered in on another occasion so they could take part. Lavoie says Carlingview Manor is fortunate to have a diverse culture. Both residents and staff are of a variety of different backgrounds. Celebrations to mark their heritage are held throughout the year at this Central Park Lodges home.

“It’s very educational for other residents,” says Lavoie about the home’s various cultural celebrations.