By nature, generally, women are fonder of crafts and more prone to be socialites. Activities involving decoration-making or afternoon teas make sense for the female population in long-term care. Life enrichment staff at one OMNI home continues to brainstorm new programming ideas for male residents, who account for about 25 per cent of the home’s population of 70. Kathaleen McKeown, a Springdale Country Manor activity aide, says programming for men involves getting to know the residents first.

“We know what their likes and dislikes are,” she says.

“Some of the gentlemen really stick with the women.” For others, they won’t be inclined to join in activities unless “it’s a guy thing then they’ll come together a little bit more.”

Springdale’s male residents are spending more time lately playing pool on the home’s table and have expressed an interested in starting a weekly bowling league.

Now that the NHL season has begun, Springdale organizes hockey nights when the games are on TV. “They’re pretty happy to watch hockey,” says Kathaleen, regardless of which teams are on the ice.

She’s also beginning a woodworking activity to tie in to the home’s upcoming Christmas bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Springville long-term care home. The men are going to assemble wooden baskets that have been precut. “I’m going to have them paint them and encourage their participation in the Christmas bazaar.”

Kathaleen says she may also purchase other wooden objects including cars and planes which the men enjoyed staining during an earlier project.

Kathaleen raised funds for men’s programs by holding a number of car washes at the nursing home during the summer. The home’s male residents washed cars belonging to staff, families and visitors.

To entertain the men, Kathaleen also organized another automobile-themed event during the summer, a vintage car show at the nursing home.