Extra! Extra! Woodland Villa launches newspaper
Friday November 9, 2007 -- Deron Hamel
Supportive measures staff at Woodland Villa launched a monthly newspaper in October, acknowledging residents’ accomplishments in life and to profile upcoming events at the Long Sault long-term care home.

The front page of The Good News Paper says its mission is to give “the reader an uplifting experience, sharing a good story, a good laugh and a good wish with friends and colleagues.”

Included in the five-page November edition are tributes to residents who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as poems, activity listings and recipes.

The Good News Paper also features personal celebrations for residents, including birthdays and wedding anniversaries.

Debbie Harding, Woodland Villa’s clinical care co-ordinator and supportive measures specialist, explains how the newspaper is used as a supportive measure.

“I get volunteer staff to interview the residents. The one-on-one attention that the resident is getting when you are doing an interview with them . . . gives them the opportunity to reminisce. That’s definitely a supportive measure,” she says.

“Then, once the paper comes out, you bring it to them and they get to see that their name is there and this is about them.”

The result, says Harding, is that this recognition makes residents “feel special.”

Two men interviewed for the November edition are fairly quiet, reserved individuals, says Harding. Both men served in the military and were featured as part of this month’s theme of remembrance.

“This gives them five minutes in the spotlight, but it’s also the attention of having the discussion with the staff members and the co-residents get the benefit of saying, ‘Hey, I didn’t realize you were a veteran,’ and giving them a starting point for conversation.”

Listing events for the upcoming month is also important to residents, Harding points out. November’s edition features information about the Remembrance Day service on the 11th, as well as the return of the OMNI van during the first week of the month.

Although only two editions have been published, Harding says the newspaper has received some positive response.

“What we’re getting back is just wonderful, positive feedback,” she says. “That’s the main thing with it; that it’s a positive vehicle.”