Resident independence thrives at 3-day excursion
Trip to resort the perfect atmosphere for good times
Monday, October 29, 2012 -- Deron Hamel
Two Tavistock long-term care homes recently collaborated on a three-day outing to a resort in southwestern Ontario that proved to be the perfect background for residents’ independence to thrive.

Seventeen residents — nine from peopleCare Tavistock and eight from nearby Maples Home for Seniors, a Caressant Care long-term care home — were joined by several staff members from both homes at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp and Retreat Centre for three days and two nights.

But while residents enjoyed relaxing in the tranquil setting, staff members saw the key benefit they reaped — the motivation to do more things for themselves.

For example, those residents requiring assistance with their activities of daily living were seen performing personal care on their own, says director of programs and services Kristen Regan.

Residents were also more inclined to make their own decisions about things like when they wanted to go to bed and what time they wanted to get up in the morning, she adds.

“Everything was on the residents’ terms — the residents became very independent while we were there, and they had a fabulous time,” Regan tells the Morning Report.

This was the first time peopleCare Tavistock organized a resident outing to Hidden Acres but it’s something Regan says the home would do again.

“We’re going to try it again, as long as there is the interest from the residents,” she says.

She adds that there was a great “community experience” by having the peopleCare Tavistock residents and residents from the Maples Home for Seniors participate in the outing together.

To ensure the outing was as inclusive as possible, a day trip to the resort was organized for those residents who wanted to go but were unable to stay three days.

Additionally, Regan notes that residents did their own fundraising to pay for the outing.

Regan says a major reason for organizing the event is that the home strives to exceed resident and family expectations. Patricia Lawson-Wright, one of the residents attending the event, says the outing underscored the home’s commitment to quality.

Lawson-Wright says the excursion was a lot of fun for residents and that the weather was perfect for the three days they were at the resort.

“The facilities were just marvellous, and everyone (at the resort) was so accommodating,” she says.

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