DSW student appreciates small home
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - OMNIway staff
SELBY -- A college student brought music and Christmas cheer to Village Green recently with an impromptu concert for residents.

Developmental Services Worker student Susanne Jacques strummed her guitar and
sang Christmas carols when a local fiddlers' troupe cancelled due to inclement
weather.

Susanne brought her guitar to the Selby long-term care home to play to a
particular resident who enjoys music. She soon found herself performing before
a larger audience.

The Loyalist College student is in the midst of a four-week placement at Village
Green. The Napanee resident chose the 66-bed home for a particular reason.

"I've heard a lot of great things about the activities program here," says
Susanne.

The department is run by Sylvia Roetman, life enrichment co-ordinator.

Susanne says she also chose Village Green because of its size. She notes some of
her classmates at larger long-term care homes primarily have cleaning duties.
"I thought I'd get a lot more one-on-one time in a smaller nursing home," says
Susanne. "There are always activities for the residents," she says, noting
that's something in which she has taken part. "I'm really lucky."

Susanne helps Sylvia and the restorative care aides plan for each day.

Although she's unsure of her career plans, Susanne is pleased with the
experience she has had at Village Green.