Long-term care home gives students ‘purpose’
Friday, December 2, 2005 -- Natalie Miller
A partnership between a long-term care home and a local high school is giving students purpose and seniors a chance to connect with a younger generation.

Maplewood in Brighton and East Northumberland Secondary School connected about a year ago through a co-op placement program for students who have disabilities. Educational assistant Shirley Dye approached the long-term care home to see if there was an opportunity available for some of the students she supports.

“We’re a small town in Brighton and we were looking for work placement programs for our students,” says Shirley.

The ideal placement was within walking distance as one of the goals was to increase the students’ independence, she says. Heather Flindall, life enrichment co-ordinator at Maplewood, and Shirley forged a relationship and there are currently three students placed at the home.

“We all have co-op students but this (placement) is just special,” says Heather.

“It’s giving them purpose.”

The students, who attend a life skills program at the high school, take part in housekeeping duties like clearing and wiping down tables and they also visit with residents.

“We have a large spectrum of abilities and disabilities with our students,” says Shirley. She says the most social of the students enjoys pushing residents’ wheelchairs and talking with them.

Regardless of the role they have undertaken, the placement has boosted students’ self-confidence, community awareness and awareness of other peoples’ needs, says Shirley. “One student (is) very shy and uncomfortable with his environment.” At first, Shirley accompanied him on the one-mile walk from the high school to the long-term care home. He’s now making that trek on his own. For him to be able to do that, it is exceptional.”

Students also have more on-the-job independence as Shirley accompanies them but often leaves early.

Heather says residents benefit because they enjoy talking to the students. “It’s just a wonderful program.”