Youth programs important for long-
term care
Wednesday February 6, 2008 -- Camille Jensen
Frost Manor life enrichment co-ordinator Vi O’Leary says developing relationships between youth and seniors is beneficial for everyone.

She cites the seventh annual Grandfriend program as an example of the positive benefits that youth programs create.

The Grandfriend program is a monthly visit that brings grade two elementary students to the Linsday long-term care home to spend time and visit with residents. 

The program is designed to split hosting responsibilities between the residents and the youth on a monthly basis. O’Leary says planning entertainment and guessing what the kids will do, gives residents something to look forward to.

The young students and residents also seem to naturally develop a buddy system, pairing up with specific residents once they develop a common bond.

O’Leary says the interaction is meaningful for the kids, too, who in previous years have bought Christmas gifts for the residents.

The program is also highly recommended by teachers.

“The teachers think it’s a wonderful thing,” says O’Leary. “They feel it’s important for young people to understand their elders.”

A high-school co-op program that gives Grade 11 students credits for volunteer work also contributes to new relationships and sometimes lasting bonds at the home.

O’Leary says the older students seem to really connect with residents, painting nails and helping write letters. She says the co-op program serves a really important purpose, companionship.

The residents will also be getting out to Parkview Elementary on Feb. 21 to attend a black light show.

Joining up with five other homes in the Lindsay area, O’Leary says the iridescent lights are always a crowd pleaser.