Recreation therapy bridges gap between generations
At the Rosetown and District Long Term Care Home (Rose Villa), volunteers are vital to activity programming for residents.
"Volunteers in our facility are the heart and soul of our activity department,” said Jessica Elian, Recreation Coordinator. “They bring the planned events to life, enhancing the joy and experience of our residents. I have been blessed to have strong senior volunteers and a volunteer coordinator who is supportive and makes the vision of our home come true. We have become a great team and an extension of the residents’ families."
There are now 16 youth volunteers registered to assist with recreation programs. Those volunteers have been paired with residents with common interests and experiences, effectively bridging the generation gap.
The youth volunteers don’t just take part in what is planned; they offer their own ideas.
“Being flexible and allowing the volunteers to add their flair has made activities something to look forward to,” noted Elian.
"Our student volunteers shared that the Recreation staff at Rose Villa were extremely welcoming and accommodating to their schedules,” said Kristi Bell, volunteer coordinator.
This welcoming approach has expanded the students’ interest in volunteering and has grown the youth volunteer program over the past year.
This success is a prime example of staff living out the SHA’s CARES values (compassion, accountability, respect, equity, and safety) in the work they do, and demonstrates the important role our values play in our work.
Youth volunteers with residents of the Rosetown and District Long Term Care Home (Rose Villa).