The life enrichment co-ordinator first visited a resident who has been feeling down lately because of a recent medical diagnosis. She approached him donning her foam clown nose and offered him one to wear as well. It truly brightened his day, says April.

She and two other employees have brought the spirit of Patch Adams to Burnbrae Gardens in Campbellford. April, Health Care Aide Ros Watkins and Office Manger Rosie Coppins were three of 20 OMNI employees to attend Patch Adams’ presentation at Showplace Peterborough Tuesday evening. Patch is a doctor, professional clown, author and social activist who brings fun and laughter to children, patients and others around the world.

Fraser Wilson, OMNI’s CEO, says Patch and the OMNIway have a lot in common, which is why he thought the event would be valuable to staff.

“Patch Adams and our mission, vision, values has a direct connection and a real synergy,” says Fraser.

“The foundation of our value of fun and laughter – people genuinely care for people with fun, laughter, love and compassion – came directly from Patch Adams through his literature. He was the inspiration for the quote,” says Fraser.

Fraser has seen Patch four times and had the opportunity to introduce him at an Ontario Long Term Care Association conference two years ago. “He really resonated with me,” says Fraser. When Fraser learned Patch was coming to Peterborough, he thought it would be a “phenomenal” opportunity to expose staff to the man who was “the source for our inspiration.”

Patch’s show also carried messages about not taking things for granted, living in the positive and making a meaningful contribution in life.

April says Patch’s presentation was touching, particularly when he showed videos of his travels to other countries and hospitals without food, medication or supplies. The video also had footage of a badly burned little girl whose spirits were lifted by the visiting clowns.

The show “was amazing,” says April.

“We learned how to light up the residents’ lives with a simple clown nose.”

April has already begun to introduce humour at work. On Wednesday, she and another employee raided the lost and found trunk at Burnbrae, dressing in straw hats and oversized clothes. She purchased 10 red noses at the event and distributed them to staff and residents. She also showed the Patch Adams movie starring Robin Williams.

The life enrichment co-ordinator plans to design a humour box filled with
wacky hats, clown noses, whoopee cushions, rubber chickens and other fun toys to keep at the nurses’ station. Staff can access it to cheer up residents or colleagues on a bad day.

April says the clown nose worked yesterday for a resident who was feeling nauseous at breakfast time. After one look at the employee’s goofy nose, she forgot she was feeling queasy at all.