#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench
Society & Culture
Episode #36 - A conversation that is raw in its emotions, very honest and open with Jack Paleczny of The Village at University Gates in Waterloo. A beautiful example of the connection among us all as he shares his story from the Green Bench.
Jack lives at The Village with and cares for his wife Diana Lynn who lives with both dementia and Parkinson's disease. He lives a life of service first as a leader to his community, serving God, serving the people around him, and today, serving up a whole lot of wisdom and perspective.
The 12s in Jack's life:
12 Years of Education
12 Years of Graduate Studies
12 Years as a Priest
12 Years as a Hospital Chaplain
12 Years as a Pastor of the United Church
His sister is a nun who just returned back from 12 years in Africa.
Learn about the decision Jack made to leave the priesthood and how his mother stood up for him among his 8 siblings.
"The big part of chaplaincy training is that although you are grounded in your own faith, you are able to walk with others in their faith." -Jack Paleczny
"Chaplaincy is a beautiful experience." -Jack Paleczny
"Our higher power is GOOD." - Erin Davis
"The meaning/value of life is the very goodness of people and the desire of people to do good." -Jack Paleczny
When Jack first got to The Village at University Gates, everybody he met he would ask them their name. "It was important to greet people by name and to hear their stories at The Village at University Gates."
Jack shares his tips to being an effective listener.
"If you can stay with the person and ask a question that unfolds their story a little bit more. They feel a connection, a bond, and trust in sharing their story." -Jack Paleczny
How do you remember people's names?
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The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.
It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.
"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel
This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.
#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions
Learn more about our host, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca
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Dr. Rea Brown - McGill University student, professor & athlete, remarkable medical career and surgeon during the Montreal massacre
Donna Duncan - reimagining long-term care, building community, and combatting ageism
Sheri Noecker - A story of sudden illness, inspiration after a stroke, and the Program for Active Living
Korleen Schmidt - the full circle of life, combining love for geography & theology
Ross C. Morton - Stories of a one-room schoolhouse, importance of sharing history, and reflections of time in the RCAF
BONUS | Jamie Schlegel - What is long-term care, an inside look at the Schlegel Villages organization, and the importance of community
Betty Anne Millar - A fairytale career in the shopping mall industry, dressing to raise your spirits, and planning for later stages of life
Annie Whittle - connection to Harry Styles through a passion for knitting, keeping busy, and how to eat a pomegranate
Brendan Rossiter - Dublin to Canada, wisdom about work, kicking habits and being resourceful
Steve Smith - a fascinating career as Red Green, stories from beyond the show and goose control
Beth Goodwin - Caring for a loved one living with dementia and being in the moment
Kathe Kleinau - Importance of storytelling and a collection of interviews among neighbours
Patricia & Dennis Bayley - A pursuit of passions, hobbies, poetry, traveling and laughter
Deborah Bakti - Author of Now What? Managing the Emotional Journey of Long Term Care for Families
BONUS | Kaye Brown & Jeff Studman - Experience of Covid-19 in Long Term Care at The Village at St. Clair, Windsor
Trish Baird & Merry Snider - roles of RPN & PSW in senior living, relationships and grief
Margaret Collard - a life given to ministry & outreach work, respect and care for everyone individually
Bruce MacNeil - Growing a garden, a community and friendships through volunteerism
Ruth White -Canada road trips, living and sailing in Bermuda, and a spirit of trying new things
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