Editorial
Making a difference travels two ways
Friday, September 15, 2006
In Campbellford, a member of the Burnbrae Gardens community browses through a garage sale. She walks away with a collection of easy-to-read books. She uses those books to start a reading program for long-term care residents with dementia. As a result, some residents who have said very little in the past become engaged in conversation about the content of the books.

In the meantime, in the small town of Almonte, a personal support worker takes on a new job as maintenance manager at Almonte Country Haven. His established relationships with the home’s residents quickly combines with his new role. Before long the men of the home are working together on maintenance and building projects to improve their residence. At the conclusion of one such project, Collins Ferguson says, he’s almost moved to tears by the experience.

A laundry aide watches how staff and residents interact in Kanata’s Garden Terrace. He trades in his old role for a new one that puts him in closer contact with residents. As a PSW he attends OMNI training and learns that many of the ways in which he relates to residents with dementia are in line with Supportive Measures. He tells us there is no right or wrong approach to supporting residents, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to care. Being attentive to the individual and being aware of the moment is the key to supporting residents.

After being cared for, then caring for others, including her own mother, a Springdale woman, finds a community, a second family in her co-workers and residents at the Springville long-term care home. “I love my job. I love my residents,” she tells us.

It has been said that personal development is the precursor to service. One might also say, given these stories, that service is the path to self-development. There can be little doubt that acting in the service of residents has enhanced the lives of those supporting them.

The inspiration sparked by our relationships with residents finds a resonant voice in Kevin Quinn’s letter on the reverse of this page. Kevin provides peek into the wonders, and life lessons, we can experience if we’re open to the moment as elders around us ‘grow lighter’.

While those who work in the homes are there to support residents, it’s clear there is often as much be gained for our lives as there is to be given.