UNITY — Smiles were everywhere when a new partnership between Unity’s Parkview Place and Long-Term Care Centres provided another opportunity for residents to interact and engage, as part of regular scheduled visits between the two centres.
With winter soon upon us, options of outdoor visiting are reduced, and social engagement is vital for seniors. It’s no secret that the more frequently our community’s seniors receive visitors, or have the opportunity to visit others, the more often they’ll experience the restorative benefits of socialization. This creates a positive impact on their mental well-being, warding off feelings of stress, isolation and potentially even depression.
Parkview Place manager, Paula Sittler says, “Brianna sets up these visits once a month. Our residents have travelled to LTC and sat with everyone on the patio this summer.”
Parkview Place has been participating in this partnered activity since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. Even pre-COVID-19, Parkview would often invite LTC residents to join them for entertainment, many of whom were former residents at Parkview Place.
“Everyone benefits from these visits,” exclaims Sittler. “So many personal connections.”
Social visits for seniors create the perfect opportunity to reminisce about happy times in the past, sharing nostalgic memorable experiences thus generating feel-good moments. These visits also create new friendships and memories.
Former Parkview resident, Marjorie Worman, commented,” It feels like coming home.” Worman lived in Parkview Place for six years and now her daughter, Dorothy, and husband Rod, call Parkview Place home.
Unity Long Term Care recreation co-ordinator Brianna Heck, adds,” Once a month or so, we take the opportunity to connect with the residents and staff at Parkview Place. It’s an excellent opportunity for residents to get out in the community, connect with friends and family, and spark new connections. Parkview Place is always so inviting whether it’s been for music entertainment, or coffee and visiting.”
While Heck says she is not always able to participate in the outings or visits, she loves hearing the joy and cherished times shared that these outings bring the residents at LTC.
