Andrews of Summerside resident Joan DeNoon
UPDATE FROM PARK WEST
Dear family members and friends of Andrews of Park West,
We had a wonderful start to the new year at our home.
Residents enjoyed playing some new games and taking in live performanc
Our men ’ s group didn’t end up going to a hockey game but instead got together with the men ’ s groups from our Charlottetown and Stratford hom for a pizza and beer night. They had a great time!
This month, we ’ ve for live musical performances booked, a themed dinner planned and will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with a special party. It should be a lot of fun
I hope you all have a great February. Stay warm!
Sincerely,
- Karen
Team member Laura MacArthur, an LPN, and resident Anna Doucette share a laugh while walking to lunch at Andrews of Summerside
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E L E B R A T I N G 2 5 Y E
A R S
Andrews of Summerside celebrated 25 years of caring for Islanders on January 17. The home initially opened in January 2000. Residents, current and former staff as well as former residents’ families were invited to take part in the festivities. It was a wonderful afternoon.
“ S E N I O R ”
Andrews of Summerside residents were treated to a special prom night, courtesy of Three Oaks High School. TOSH students got dressed up and danced the night away with our residents.
F U N A N D G A M E S
Resident at Andrews of Stratford had fun playing games with Grade 6 students from Stratford Elementary. Students spent their morning playing cards, Jenga, checkers and even learning crib! Intergenerational experiences like this are so important and are a great way to connect with the community!
‘I found great treasures in it’
Art therapy and craft classes beneficial for seniors and people living with dementia
Andrews of Stratford resident Sarah MacQuarrie started painting after she had her first child and kept it up for most of her adult life.
“I found great treasures in it,” she said.
Now retired, Sarah doesn’t paint like she used to but instead finds creative release in art classes led by activity director Sharon Woods-Bryenton
“It gives me something to do,” Sarah said “I continue painting, in a sense, but I like to see little things come alive ”
Sarah is far from the only resident who feels this way Residents at all our Andrews and ProTem Memory Care homes find comfort, purpose and belonging in the art therapy classes provided
“Doing something creative can help boost mental health by stimulating different parts of the brain and provide a sense of accomplishment and improve self-esteem,” said Annelize Malan, activity director at Andrews of Summerside
Annelize organizes multiple art and craft projects a month and tries to mix up different mediums to keep residents interested
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Sarah MacQuarrie poses for a photo in front of some of her paintings at her room at Andrews of Stratford.
Annelize Malan instructs residents during a crafting class at Andrews of Summerside.
Komalpreet, activity assistant at Andrews of Summerside, helps residents during a recent craft class.
“Arts and crafts are not just painting a picture, but can be anything from knitting, sewing, painting to coloring,” she said. Most recently, residents worked on creating snowflakes using Q-tips and glue.
Andrews of Summerside resident Adele Gardiner was a professional quilter who ran a successful business selling quilts around the world She’s now a regular at art classes, always willing to try something new or challenge her skills
“I’ve done crafts all my life and I’m always looking for new ideas,” she said
Adele added, the social aspect of art classes is another positive
“I enjoy getting together with all these people,” she said
For Beulah Waite, who also lives at Andrews of Summerside, the classes are a great form of mental stimulation “You got to keep your mind working,” she said
The benefits for people living with dementia can be even more profound A report published in December in Scientific American showed working on an art project can lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels, improve cognition, sleep and mood
“There’s definitely a relaxation component,” said Adrienne Lacroix, activity director at our dementia care homes in Moncton “The after-effects are very beneficial ”
In addition to improvement in mood and overall sense of well-being, the art classes also provide a sense of accomplishment “They feel so proud,” Adrienne said “Just seeing that sense of pride is fantastic ”
Adrienne’s program focuses on learning about an artist first, then showing a documentary on the artwork and then providing an opportunity for the residents to express themselves. She plays classical or relaxing music and emphasizes the creative journey over the end result.
“We have residents who have their masters in art or were artists themselves,” she said. “But even residents who have no art background thoroughly enjoy it.”
Art and craft classes are a part of regular activity programming at all our P.E.I. senior care homes as well as our dementia care homes in Moncton. To see more about what each home has planned this month visit www.andrewsseniorcare.com or www.protem.ca.
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A L E N T I N E C O U P L E S
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we asked resident couples as well as residents and their spouses, what they appreciate most about each other. Here’s what they had to say:
Ron Burnell & Jean Proffitt - Andrews of Parkhill
“She’s very lovey-dovey.” – Ron “He has a caring personality. Good looks.” – Jean
& Mary
“What I appreciate most is all the years we spent together. Her smile, her looks of course, just everything about her.” – Bert
Roger & Lorraine Arsenault (Married 64 years) - Andrews of Summerside
“Sixty-four years and I don’t think we went to bed one night where we
Fred & Arlene Gallant (Married 70 years)Andrews of Summerside
Bert
Wilcox (Married 61 years) - Andrews of Summerside
David and Iris Rogers (Married 64 years) – Andrews of Stratford “His continuing sense of humour.” – Iris “Everything.” – David
Anita and Ivan Morrison (Married 63 years) – Andrews of Stratford
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Mike Perry & Shirley Gallant - Andrews of Parkhill
He’s a handsome son of a gun.” - Shirley “She’s good. She’s well proportioned.” - Mike
Charles & Erma Palmer (Married 70 years) - Andrews of Parkhill
He was always good to the children.” – Erma “She’s perfect for me.” – Charles
James & Brenda Burrell (Married 42 years)Andrews of Summerside
His sense of humour. Just his loving ways.” - Brenda “Her cooking. I taught her how to cook.” – James
David & Diane Hamilton (Married 64 years) - Andrews of Summerside
“She’s always been very caring and always puts others before herself. We have been married for 64 years.” – David
John and Anne Cameron – (Married 69 years)Andrews of Park West “We have an interesting and happy life together.” - Anne
Carl & Toice Millar (Married 59 years) - Andrews of Summerside
Her patience and understanding.” – Carl “He’s dependable.” – Toice
A L E N T I N E C O U P L E S
Clyde and Jeanette Pirkey (Married 61 years)Andrews of Stratford “She puts up with me.” - Clyde “How much he loved and supported me in our move to Andrews. I wouldn’t have done it without him.” - Jeanette
Sheldon and Ruth MacNevin (Married 67 years) – Andrews of Park West “She was the perfect wife as far as I’m concerned. No matter what I tried, she was always there.” – Sheldon “He was kind enough to hang on to me.” - Ruth
GAMES
Sudoku
The object of the puzzle is to fill the remaining squares, using all the numbers 1–9 exactly once in each row, column, and the nine 3 × 3 subgrids
Community Cash 50/50
Weekly 50/50 draw in support of support not for profit groups including Murphy's Pharmacies Community Centre and the Holland College Athletics Department Anyone can play for just $2/week
ABOVE & BEYOND
JANUARY
WINNER
Every month our team and residents recognize one team member for showing exceptional care
IRISH BAWAG : PARK WEST JOINED IN 2023
Irish was recognized for going above and beyond
Our Above and Beyond winner for January is Irish Bawag
Irish is a dedicated team member who is always willing to go the extra mile for our residents We are fortunate to have him at Andrews of Park West
Irish started working as an RCW at our home in 2023. Prior to joining the Park West team, he worked for a number of years as a paramedic in Dubai Currently he is an RCW and shift supervisor
The most rewarding aspect of his role is knowing he’s making a difference in the lives of seniors
“Just helping the residents,” he said. “As Filipinos we are close to our elders ”
Outside of work, Irish enjoys playing video games and basketball
Take a look at some of our activities planned for this month!
FEBRUARY
HAPPYBIRTHDAY