Muskoka Landing celebrates St. Patrick's Day.
Resident-run programs show leadership, boost esteem
Activation co-ordinator says resident is inspiration to others
Wednesday March 19, 2008 -- Deron Hamel
When it comes to empowering residents in long-term care, Pamm Griffin says nothing beats resident-run programs.

Griffin, activation co-ordinator at Jarlette Health Services-owned Muskoka Landing says the Huntsville long-term home encourages residents to not only create and develop programs and activities, but also lead the charge when it comes to bringing activities to other residents.

Just before St. Patrick’s Day, resident John Fuller approached activation staff with the idea for a program that was coined “Irish Malarkey.” In preparation for the program, Fuller arranged the time and date and booked the home’s piano player for the entertainment event.

The home’s sit-and-dance group was also invited by Fuller to help with the entertainment by performing an Irish jig.

Muskoka Landing resident John Fuller hosts St. Patrick's Day celebrations at the Huntsville long-term care home.

From there, Fuller got down to work writing a script for the 40-minute set he was planning that included jokes, Irish blessings and, of course, Irish songs. When March 17 arrived, Fuller was already.

Keeping true to the day, Fuller wore a large green bowtie and a green hat adorned with a shamrock as he entertained 37 residents and 17 family members, volunteers and staff, who had come in on their day off.

Griffin applauds the effort Fuller put into the day, which was a happy experience for residents.

“He did all the advertising, he did the whole preparation, he did everything, and it was such a success,” says Griffin.

Adding to this, Griffin says having Fuller lead the program set an example for other residents and hopefully served to inspire them. And Fuller says he hopes others will follow in his footsteps.

“It takes something like this to kind of warm things up,” he chuckles, adding he wasn’t going to let stage fright get in his way.

“I told them I wasn’t a good singer, but I’d do the best that I could.”

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