Village Green meets the challenge of men’s programming
Wednesday August 1, 2007 -- Deron Hamel
Finding programs to suit the needs of men in long-term care homes can be a challenge, especially when the majority of residents are women. So how does activity staff at Village Green cope with this situation?
“The same question comes up everywhere, so that’s why most of my programs are geared for everybody,” says Sylvia Roetman, the Selby long-term care home’s life enrichment co-ordinator.
And it’s a concept which has worked well, notes Roetman.
“We have shuffleboard, we have table horse races, which (men and women enjoy),” she says, “and we have table-top bowling which men and women enjoy.”
While the home offers a few programs aimed at women, such as baking, cooking and sewing activities, the men traditionally have no interest in participating.
That said, men usually aren’t interested in male-oriented activities either.
Roetman points out that in her experience, male residents are more inclined to participate in activities involving everyone, rather than those which are solely aimed at men.
“The men that would be interested in the men’s programs are the three guys here who like to smoke together and (spend time together),” she says.
In summer, the home often has a camp day, which is something men enjoy, says Roetman. Activity staff sets up a tent in the home’s backyard and everyone enjoys traditional camping activities such as singalongs and roasting marshmallows.
“It’s for everybody,” but the men enjoy it most, she says, adding the program appeals to certain traditionally male roles.
“Men are supposed to start the campfire and sing camp songs.”
There will be new activities aimed at all residents introduced in August.
This includes a tropical program, where residents will be served non-alcoholic pina coladas. There will be a group of African missionaries visiting the home Aug. 13 to talk to residents about their work.
Also in happening August will be an art show put on by a local artist who volunteers at the home.
