Library, theatre partnerships a hit at Willows
Wednesday August 22, 2007 -- Deron Hamel
Two partnerships Willows Estate has with community members for the past few years have been especially beneficial to residents, says Teddy Mazzuca, life enrichment co-ordinator at the Aurora long-term care home.

Events created through Willows Estate’s partnerships with the Aurora Public Library and Theatre Aurora are enjoyed by residents, says Mazzuca. These events also hit the mark when it comes to fulfilling residents’ emotional, social and cognitive needs, she adds.

Mazzuca explains the relevance of these partnerships.

“(They are) extremely important, because they allow residents to continue to get out and about within the community,” she says.

Willows Estate’s partnership with the Aurora Public Library began about four years ago when the home contacted the library to inquire about programming possibilities for residents.

Library staff members come to the home twice per year to talk to residents about the services they provide. Library staff brings several books with them, as well as library card application forms to these meetings.

Library staff also visits the home to deliver books to residents who are avid readers.

“We have a great partnership with (the library),” says Mazzuca. “A few of the residents enjoy reading, so they really benefit from this program.”

This partnership also allows residents to continue with an aspect of their lives they had before entering long-term care.

“It’s especially important to the residents who used to use the services, plus it’s great because (library staff) get to know us well and we get to know them well.”

The partnership between the home and Theatre Aurora, a community theatre group, began a few years back when the group phoned Willows Estate to suggest a partnership.

Theatre Aurora offers residents a free showing of its play rehearsals.

The theatre group sends the home brochures so residents can choose the show rehearsals they would like to see. Mazzuca then talks to residents about the types of plays they would enjoy and then they decide as a group.

“Most of the time it’s a comedy,” says Mazzuca.