Meet the Expert
Although Renee has been the LivingWell Manager at Delmanor Elgin Mills for the past eight and a half years, she didn’t start out her career working with seniors. When she first went to university, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in drama and education in the community, with a minor in child psychology.
However, she soon went back to school to learn recreational therapy. While in this program, she completed a placement with seniors, and this is where Renee says, “I found my love.”
What Does a Typical Week of Social and Wellness Programming Look Like at Delmanor Elgin Mills?
Delmanor Elgin Mills has three separate communities: Independent Living, Assisted Living, and a MemoryPlus neighbourhood. Therefore, there are two separate calendars created, one for the Independent and Assisted Living group and a second one for the MemoryPlus neighbourhood. Although there are some differences, in general, the two calendars are the same, with just a gentler approach for those in MemoryPlus.
Fitness Programs:
- Advanced Fit: A fully standing exercise class offered once a week
- Stay Fit: A combo seated and standing exercise class offered four times a week
- General Seated Fitness: Offered every day
- Drum Fitness: Offered once a week
Social, Spiritual, and Cognitive Programs:
- Bocce ball, offered twice a week
- Java Music: A program focused on singing and musical discussions, offered once a week
- Bridge and Euchre, offered twice a week
- Church service, once a week
- Trivia
- Excursions, such as Ripley’s Aquarium and Windreach Farm
To see how these programs come together across a month, view a sample LivingWell calendar for Delmanor Elgin Mills.
What Programs Are the Most Popular Among Residents?
“Bocce ball for sure. Also, our Thirsty Thursday pub nights are very well attended. Seniors can get $5 drinks. They push the tables together, have a drink and socialize.”
Are All LivingWell Programs Included in the Monthly Fee?
For the most part, all programs are included. Some trips, however, may require an additional cost, for example, paying for a theatre ticket.
How Does the MemoryPlus Programming Differ?
Although most of the programs are the same between the two calendars, there are a few differences in the MemoryPlus neighbourhood.
|
Independent / Assisted Living |
MemoryPlus |
| Type of neighbourhood |
Open, seniors can come and go as they please |
Closed, restricted for the safety of the seniors |
| Programs |
Covers all five domains: social, emotional, spiritual, cognitive, and physical |
Covers all five domains: social, emotional, spiritual, cognitive, and physical. Same programming as the Independent/Assisted side, with a gentler, more focused approach |
| Excursions |
Multiple big trips a year, such as Ripley’s Aquarium or Windreach Farm. In some cases, this group can do more or different trips than the MemoryPlus group |
The team tries to do most of the same big trips (such as Ripley’s Aquarium) as the Independent/Assisted Living side, with more supervision. Some trips are replaced with internal events, such as pub lunches at the Delmanor Elgin Mills Pub or backyard patio lunches |
Some MemoryPlus exclusives:
- Painting therapy
- A “My Story” form, which family members are asked to fill out about their loved one to help the team get to know each person
- Memory tools on each resident’s door to help with remembering, such as pictures of their family
How Does the LivingWell Team Ensure That Every Resident Feels Included?
When a senior first moves into Delmanor Elgin Mills, the LivingWell team gives them some time to settle, and then they meet with them to create a resident profile. This involves sitting with the resident, asking them about their interests, and highlighting things on the calendar which that person may be interested in. If a senior likes doing something that isn’t in the calendar, it will be added in for the next month.
Additionally, each month a meeting is held with the LivingWell team and the residents, which is for calendar planning and Q&A. Specifically, they go through the new month day by day, going over each program, explaining what each one is, and all the necessary details. At the end, the next month’s calendar is planned so residents can say what they want to see, what time of the year they want to do that activity, and so on.
What Would You Tell a Family Who Is Worried Their Parent Will Become Isolated or Disengaged After Moving In?
For Renee, the most important thing is validating the family’s feelings.
It is very common to be worried or nervous. It is a scary thing, and it’s a big change. But I let the residents and family members know that they are not alone. I will check in. I will make phone calls.
Once a resident has moved in, Renee and the LivingWell team will help them get involved in programs. If a resident has an interest in a particular program but is hesitant to join, Renee and the team will call down for them and help introduce them to other residents.
The team also makes it a point to call family members often and keep them updated with what is going on.
Can Family Members Participate in LivingWell Programs or Events?
Definitely. Family members are always allowed to participate in the LivingWell programs, events, or bus trips.
What Makes the LivingWell Program at Delmanor Elgin Mills Truly Unique?
Renee believes it is the resident-centred focus that really makes Delmanor Elgin Mills stand out from other retirement communities in the area.
She also loves the community that is built here.
The team and the residents have such a good, warm vibe here. When we have music and dancing, it’s not just the residents, the nursing team sometimes will come and dance. We are all celebrating every day together.
Learn More About Retirement Living at Delmanor Elgin Mills
To find out more about Delmanor Elgin Mills, you can visit the website or explore the LivingWell program page.
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