Residents at Stettler’s Points West Living had plenty to keep them busy during Seniors Week.
“We are doing really well, and it’s wonderful how things are opening up. It’s wonderful for everybody,” said Carol Dyck, general manager at Points West. “We can also finally get some music back, which is really good - our residents have missed their music so much. Those live performances are so important.”
A lift in restrictions also contributed to a Seniors Week that had plenty for residents to enjoy.
“It’s been a real blessing,” she said, adding that singing group The Happy Gang was set to drop by last Friday afternoon for an outdoor show as well.
Another highlights to Seniors Week were gifts dropped off that were put together with help from the Town, the County, the Library and the community at large.
“There were a variety of things from word searches and crosswords, a game utilizing pictures of Alberta birds, and there was also a marigold in each one and our residents love plants,” added Lisa Smith, recreation therapist. “The most favourite item were probably the chocolate bars! They love their treats, so they were really excited about that as well,” she said. “They were so grateful and appreciative that people would be thinking about them.”
Gifts were also given out at other facilities around town as well,
Other highlights of Seniors Week included enjoying a cake which was donated by FCSS and fruit trays from the Town, said Smith. Delicious ice cream floats were served one day as well because of a request from a resident.
“We also had a church service - Pastor Ross (Helgeton) came and addressed the residents, too.”
Dyck said it was terrific to be able to host a number of things to pay tribute to such an important week.
“We try to pack it full,” she said, chuckling.
Another highlight in the works over the summer months includes a visit to Spirit’s Respite Ranch just outside of Stettler where the residents can get up close to lots of different animals that are actually used in various therapies for youth.
“The residents will be able to get out, pet the animals and go at a time when they are doing some sessions with the kids,” said Smith.
Closer to home at the facility will also be some campfires complete with roasted marshmallows, too. “We will probably do that later in the summer,” she added.
Currently, Smith said she’s also working on a video for the Grade 12 graduating students that will feature residents reflecting on their secrets to a happy life.