Woodland celebrates nostalgic Christmas for residents with dementia
Friday, December 16, 2005 -- Natalie Miller
Residents who have dementia hung popcorn strings and homemade streamers on the tree as old music played in the background at Woodland Villa recently.

Held in Belle's Place, a room containing nostalgic furniture and knickknacks from an earlier time, residents and families gathered recently to decorate the Christmas tree. Eggnog and cookies were served to those gathered at the affair, a special old-fashioned Christmas, held specifically for residents with cognitive challenges, says Rita Tremblay, the Long Sault long-term care's home life enrichment co-ordinator.

The party is in addition to two others held for residents and their families to mark the holidays. On Saturday, half of the home's residents will gather for an afternoon with family, live entertainment and gift exchanges. An angel tree, bearing the names of the home's residents was set up earlier in the home. Staff, friends, family members and visitors selected an angel from the tree and purchased a present for that resident.

"It's a little token under the tree," says Rita. Items range from scarves and socks to cookies and chocolates.

A second, similar party is held the same evening.

Last year, the family member component of the Christmas party was cancelled due to an outbreak that kept visitors out of the home. Rita is hopeful that won't be the case this year.

On Christmas Day, the home's life enrichment department has one purpose, says Rita. "To make sure nobody is alone or opening a gift by themselves." The women's league in the Long Sault area purchased gifts to ensure that doesn't happen.