#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench
Society & Culture
BONUS - In this podcast episode, hosts Kathy Buckworth & Evelyn Brindle introduce Heather Luth, the dementia specialist for Schlegel Villages. They discuss the philosophy and program known as "living in my today," as well as Heather's background and journey to her current position.
Heather shares her experience working with older adults and her passion for creating meaningful connections between different generations. She talks about a program she initiated called "Grand Friends," where a local school partners with their retirement home to engage in activities together. Heather also mentions using a puppet named Grandpa Ernie to help children feel comfortable when visiting the seniors.
The hosts and Heather emphasize the importance of intergenerational interactions and how they can enhance the lives of both older adults and younger individuals. They discuss the positive impact of the "Grand Friends" program and the ongoing friendship between the retirement home residents and the grade one class.
We explores the five pillars of the "Living in My Today" program. The first pillar emphasizes supportive approaches to care, recognizing residents as unique individuals with their own strengths and perspectives. The program teaches people how to connect with their loved ones living with dementia and create partnership moments that allow them to remain active in their care.
The second pillar focuses on empowered care partners, acknowledging the importance of family members, team members, volunteers, students, and residents in supporting people living with dementia. The program provides education and opportunities for connection and collaboration to empower these care partners.
The third pillar, thoughtful design, centers around creating an environment that is supportive and accommodating for individuals living with dementia. This includes considering factors such as layout, lighting, and sensory stimulation to enhance the overall experience and well-being of residents.
The fourth pillar, expressive creativity, encourages and celebrates various ways that people can express their creativity. This pillar is described as a fun part of the program, where individuals can engage in different creative activities and express themselves.
Lastly, the fifth pillar, education, is briefly mentioned in the transcript. Although not discussed in detail, it can be inferred that this pillar provides educational resources and information to support individuals and care partners in understanding dementia and its impact on daily life.
Overall, the "Living in My Today" program aims to provide a holistic approach to care for individuals living with dementia, focusing on understanding, empowerment, thoughtful design, creativity, and education.
Learn more about the Living in My Today signature program at https://schlegelvillages.com/signature/living-my-today
Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us.
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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, Kathy Buckworth, at kathybuckworth.com
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca
Learn more about Schlegel Villages at schlegelvillages.com
Felix Rommens - Living with hearing impairment, keeping hands busy with art, and growing up during WW2
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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