Ireland’s programs stimulate residents
Veronica Ireland contributes to Rosebridge with lively programming and a caring personality
Tuesday April 15, 2008 -- Camille Jensen
Ireland says she is yet to find a word that can stump a certain resident, who remains Rosebridge Manor's spelling bee champion.

“I try to keep up,” laughs Ireland.“One fellow there can spell anything I throw at him.”

Volunteering during the week at the Jasper long-term care home, Ireland helps entertain residents with creative programming, like spelling bee contests and other games.

To honour the hard work of volunteers at the home, Rosebridge Manor will be hosting  an upcoming luncheon April 29,  as part of National Volunteer Week, which runs from April 27 to May 2. 

Ireland, who is 83, has been volunteering at the home for three years and enjoys interacting with residents and helping out. She says volunteering is a benefit to her because it gets her  out of the house and keeps her busy. 

Working with residents has also helped her better understand the needs of others and ways to get people engaged. Ireland says residents thrive when given attention and that most just want someone to talk to.

“Put an arm around them or something like that,” recommends Ireland. “Talk to them and they really appreciate it.”

Kathy Barr, life enrichment co-ordinator, says Ireland’s programming stimulates the residents who enjoy being challenged. She says its volunteers like Ireland that make Rosebridge Manor a great home.

“There are part of the community and they bring their community spirit into the home,” says Barr who adds that staff also appreciate the help.

Currently, the home has four volunteers that help out several days a week. In total,the home has more than 20 volunteers, which includes five different musical groups who entertain the residents.

New volunteers are always needed at the home and anyone interested can call Barr at (613) 283-5471.

The gala lunch to thank volunteers will be held at 1 p.m. April 29 and will feature home cooking by nutritional care manager Kori Bigelow. Barr says Bigelow has put in extra effort to make the event special for the volunteers, cooking favourites like barbecued ribs and scallop potatoes. 

Do you know of a volunteer who has made a difference at one of the homes? Stories are often generated by the feedback we receive. Please share your thoughts by calling the newsroom at (800) 294-0051 ext. 24 or e-mail camille(at)axiomnews.ca.