#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench

Dr. Jane Kuepfer on how spirituality in LTC & Retirement homes can build community

Episode #49 - Spirituality & Aging in Long-Term Care & Retirement homes can build connection and community.  Erin Davis & Doug Robinson welcome Dr. Jane Kuepfer, PhD, MDiv, RP to the green bench to share about her role as the Schlegel Specialist in Spirituality and Aging, her hopes for the future, how spirituality is embraced and supported in all homes, and why.
What is the difference between spiritual and religious?
"Spirituality is the capacity that we all have for experiencing meaning and connection in life." - Dr. Jane Kuepfer
We have come to miss the connection in our communities over the pandemic.  It is important to find that sense of belonging, the feeling of home.
Jane is the Spiritual Life Facilitator at The Village at University Gates in Waterloo.  She shares about her role and what qualities someone who may be interested in joining a team at a long-term care or retirement setting.
How do you approach your day?  "with positivity and honesty … we build each other up"
"Our faith evolves throughout life as we grow and mature.  That doesn't stop when we get to the later years." - Jane Kuepfer
Programs building community through spirituality at University Gates may include a Spiritual Life Gathering, Singing, Storytelling, Flowers, one-on-one discussions and more.
"I'd love to see what's happening in our home as we give permission to talk about mortality and to imagine." - Jane Kuepfer
Dr. Jane Kuepfer is the Schlegel Specialist in Spirituality and Aging with the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging. Join Jane at the 10th International Conference on Aging and Spirituality in June 2023: https://uwaterloo.ca/ageing-spirituality/
“a long-term care home is primarily the home of its residents and is to be operated so that it is a place where they may live with dignity and in security, safety and comfort and have their physical, psychological, social, spiritual and cultural needs adequately met.” - Ontario Long-Term Care Act
"Sometimes spirituality can be the word tacked onto the end of the list of the ways we want to care for people." - Jane Kuepfer
The Residents’ Bill of Rights (The Ontario Association of Residents’ Councils)#10. Every resident has the right to pursue social, cultural, religious, spiritual and other interests, to develop their potential and to be given reasonable assistance by the licensee to pursue these interests and to develop their potential.
"There is such strength in vulnerability, in opening yourself up and telling your story." -Erin Davis
We hear about the Dignity Walk at Schlegel Villages and the power of community as a resident leaves the village for the last time.
What's on your bedside table?Spiritual Resilience: 30 Days to Refresh Your Soul - Robert J. Wicks
“You are never alone. You are eternally connected with everyone.” – Amit Ray 
 
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Benefits of #ElderWisdom and the Role of a DLO with Branka Matijevic

Episode #48 - Learn about what the Director of Lifestyle Options role is within the Retirement sections at Schlegel Villages as Erin Davis & Doug Robinson welcome Branka Matijevic to the Green Bench.  Branka is a relationship-builder, and community-builder, proud to support green bench conversations, and a fantastic DLO at The Village of Wentworth Heights in Hamilton.
Helping seniors and their families not only to choose the right living environment but to help new residents find community, trust, friendship, and a real sense of belonging.
"No matter what age, there is always a chance for love to bloom." - Erin Davis
As a Director of Lifestyle Options, Branka's role is to get to know individuals considering moving into a retirement community such as The Village of Wentworth Heights and working closely with the Hamilton community to highlight what the Village offers.  
Her father's was living with Alzheimer’s and the way she was able to love and relate to him during this challenging time has helped her relate to people who are going through similar experiences.
"It has changed my life completely being able to sit on the green bench and meet so many interesting people." - Doug Robinson
"Having a level of responsibility is important as we get older." - Branka Matijevic
"Older adults have so much that we can learn from. It's great to watch the community gather this power and knowledge from the residents on the green bench." -Branka Matijevic
"We're turning things around.  We are having younger people take the time to sit down and to learn from elders on the green bench." - Branka Matijevic
History of the #ElderWisdom campaign
In 2016, we began a campaign to end ageism in our communities by highlighting the wisdom and talents of seniors all while using the #ElderWisdom tag on social media.
2016 - Throughout June, we brought the green bench to 13 cities across Ontario where local seniors shared their wisdom withkey influencers and community members.
2017 - On June 6, 2017, 80 seniors shared #ElderWisdom on the green bench with students at 16 different high schools across Ontario.
2018 - In June, 41 seniors from 19 villages participated in #ElderWisdom in 15 cities with the green bench.
2019 - Throughout the month of June, 50 seniors shared their #ElderWisdom in the community for 49 hours on the green bench. A Twitter chat with Ron Schlegel and Instagram experience was held on social media as well!
2020 - During June, Seniors Month, residents from Schlegel Villages share their #ElderWisdom digitally through our Stories from the Green Bench videos and our LIVE Facebook events on Tuesdays.
2021 - Our focus was on this Podcast.
2022 - Green Benches returned to the community visiting 6 locations across Ontario  hosting over 114 hours of conversations with 44 Schlegel Villages residents.
End ageismAgeism is a form of discrimination, often experienced by older adults. Our elders have a great deal of wisdom to contribute to their communities. However, societal norms marginalize seniors, treat them with disrespect, make them feel unwelcome and generalize as if they were all the same.Ageism robs seniors of choice, independence, dignity and negativelyimpacts their quality of life. Let’s use social media to end ageism and celebrate the great things seniors have to offer by sharing #ElderWisdom.
"My wish is that people would have more compassion, patience and to be more inclusive to all ages." -Branka Matijevic
"What I've seen to be most important is the relationships not just amongst residents, but with team members and residents.  We've become one big family." -Branka Matijevic
 
Cultivate The Ultimate Team Member ExperienceAt Schlegel Villages, we have an amazing culture that stellar team members want to be a part of. We care about our team members as much as we care about our residents. As one family, we learn, grow, and move forward together. We are passionate and find fulfillment in making a difference in people’s lives. Our caring community honours and encourages well-being, and team members are appreciated in personally meaningful ways. Through mentorship, ongoing support, and education we are empowered to go beyond the status quo, and unleash our full potential.“You can be you while being a part of our family.”
 
"What the elders see while sitting the young ones standing on their toes won't see." - African Proverb
 
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Raising a musical family and quirky gardening with Angela Willis

Episode #47 - A woman who always has a song in her heart surrounded by music her whole life, Angela Willis joins Erin Davis and Doug Robinson from The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby.  Stories shared about quirky gardening, art, baking, and raising a musical family - with a special tribute from granddaughter and singer, Cadence Grace.
Erin shares a quote from Terry Tempest Williams, “Once upon a time, when women were birds, there was the simple understanding that to sing at dawn and to sing at dusk was to heal the world through joy. The birds still remember what we have forgotten, that the world is meant to be celebrated.”
Angela and Doug share quirky items that were added to their gardens including a bin for goldfish, a BBQ, a cement mixer, a carousel and more.  
"I just planted the flowers in strange things because I liked the look of them." - Angela Willis
Why wouldn't a neighbour take his shoes off?  "Because he was afraid I would plant flowers in them."
Angela was the winner of 'Best large garden' in Scugog
"When you get your garden finished and you sit back and look at it, and you say wow, that was worth it." - Angela Willis
"You enjoy the summer twice as much when you have a beautiful garden." - Doug Robinson
Angela has fulfillment in growing her family tree.  Growing up with music has been such a joy.
A special message to Angela from granddaughter, Cadence Grace, in thanks for the music.
Music feature: Don't by Cadence Grace
More about Cadence Grace and her music at cadencegrace.com
What advice would you give to someone who wants to bring the benefits of music into their lives.
"Sing! Just keep singing.  It makes you feel so good." - Angela Willis
Singing with her husband Jack in the County Town Singers for 20 years.  They toured Europe not long after they joined to share music as Canada's Singing Ambassadors. Her favourite venue to sing in was the Catherdral in York, England.  
Still 70 members in the County Town Singers in the Durham Region.   www.countytownsingers.com
Angela continues to try new things to excel at.  She found an art class and decided to start painting in her 50s.
"You can start anything at any age, anytime." - Angela Willis
Angela tried decorating cakes one day.  She enjoyed it so much that she made all of her children's wedding cakes.  She also loves to bake pies.
She agreed to make a cake to feed 350 people for the 75th anniversary of the cottagers association.  
 
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BONUS | Resident Voices in Long-Term Care with OARC’s Melissa McVie & Devora Greenspon

Bonus Episode - Erin Davis and Doug Robinson are joined in this special episode with the Ontario Association of Residents' Councils, Melissa McVie, Director of Education and Communications, and Devora Greenspon, LTC Resident and REAL Group Co-Chair.
Barry Hickling was our guest in Episode #5 speaking about ageism, living in long-term care, and his role with the OARC. We encourage you to revisit this conversation.
Devora was encouraged by the staff at her Long-Term Care home to participate in the Residents' Council.  Feeling of chaos in the meeting and not being shy, stepped in.  Before she knew it she was the president of their residents' council.
"There was absolute chaos during the meeting.  I'm not shy so I just took over.  Next thing I knew I was president of the Residents' Council." - Devora Greenspon
Devora’s Residents’ Council has adopted a Shared Leadership team model with residents from different parts of her home comprising a team that leads the work of Council based on individual strengths. She uses this inclusive team model in place of the traditional Executive model with a President, Secretary etc.
"Residents' Council is a great place for residents to express their hopes, their goals, their concerns with no fear of retribution." - Devora Greenspon
Residents' Councils are mandated to exist in every long-term care home.  A vehicle through which residents can speak about the good, the bad, the ugly, and collaborate with the leadership in their home.
"Residents' Councils welcome an open dialogue with the leadership team in their long-term care home." - Melissa McVie
"Council is a place for residents to meet one another and develop relationships.  So important when you live in long-term care." - Devora Greenspon
Learn more about OARC and access their newsletter, Season’s Magazine: https://www.ontarc.com/ 
"Everyone has a story, we cannot paint all residents with the same brush.  Take a little extra time to get to know one's story." - Melissa McVie
Doug learns how to say 'good morning' in different languages to be able to greet each resident.
"I did not go into long-term care to die, but to live.  To have a fruitful, happy, quality of life." - Devora Greenspon
What are your hopes for the future of long-term care?
Devora - To make quality of life better and better for each resident.
Erin Davis hears in our conversation, 'I'm still me, I will be heard, I want to be part of my community, and I want to help plan for the future.'
What is REAL “Resident Expert Advisors and Leaders”? Is comprised of members who are resident leaders living in LTC homes across Ontario. It is an advisory group; REAL members bring their own lived experiences and perspectives as residents helping to inform and guide OARC’s work
 
*An OARC legacy program is in the works to award a long-term care home in Ontario a green #ElderWisdom bench each year in memory of Sharron Cooke.
 
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Critical thinking, long-distance relationships and reading with Evelyn Brindle

Episode #46 - Evelyn Brindle lives at The Village of Erin Meadows in Mississauga with her husband David.  A conversation about critical thinking, long-distance relationships, and unexpected travel with Erin Davis & Doug Robinson on the Green Bench.
"If you just stop and talk with somebody. Everybody's got a story.  You don't have to have a movie of the week or a book made about you." - Erin Davis
The Village has a library that is well used.  The continuous increase of books that are brought in and mixed around.
Evelyn always snuck a book into her grandchildren's stockings at Christmas to encourage reading.
What are your book recommendations?
"It's so important to have the ability to read and to enjoy what you are reading." - Evelyn Brindle
Evelyn has 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren, with one daughter living in Hong Kong.  A conversation about staying in touch and how that has changed over the past 25 years.
“Everyone is a person, everyone is beautiful, and everyone has something to contribute.”  - Evelyn Brindle
Sharing some laughs as Evelyn shares about her honeymoon travel stories.
Reading the newspaper has been an enjoyment for husband, David living with dementia.  With discussing what he is reading and encouraging it, he has reclaimed his ability and joy to read and has moved onto a variety of books.
 
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Public Speaking and Being a Grandma with Shirley Arthur

Episode #45 - A pleasure to have Shirley Arthur from The Village of Tansley Woods Long Term Care in Burlington join Erin & Doug on the Green Bench to share her #ElderWisdom about public speaking, being in the Salvation Army, and the role of a grandmother.
At the age of 14, Shirley joined the Salvation Army in Montreal.  Public Speaking came easy for her, speaks freely from the cuff.  Singing as part of a Trio all over her community
"You can't beat love." - Doug Robinson
Shirley shares about being a hands-on grandma to 5 grandchildren.
"I taught my grandchildren many many things, from the birds and the bees and the flowers and the trees." - Shirley Arthur
"There is no other great love than the love of a grandma." - Shirley Arthur
An honest conversation on the difference between a grandma and a great-grandma.
Shirley was a Girl Guide Captain for 17 years with a favourite camping grounds at a lake in the Laurentians. A great experince in 1943-1952.  A lesson to the Girl Guides to "Always be an example." 
If you had to stand up and speak for 5 minutes on anything, what would your topic be?
Shirley has shared her advice and wisdom with future PSW team members and students.
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Bucket Lists, Family Trees and Moving to Glendale Crossing with Ivan Siriani

Episode #44 - A lot of road to cover with 92-year-old, Ivan Siriani, from his love of travel and bucket list plans, family trees, and a chaplain chat that brought some peace to his heart.  Ivan is joined on the #ElderWisdom bench for a conversation with hosts Erin Davis & Doug Robinson.
What is on your bucket list?
"My bucket list included a train trip across Canada, Toronto to Vancouver.  I went with my son and it was the most wonderful holiday I've ever had." - Doug Robinson
Ivan's bucket list includes a trip to Newfoundland with his daughter.  She has always wanted to see icebergs. He also would like to go to visit relatives in British Columbia and Calgary.
Before Ivan's wife moved into long-term care, they enjoyed drives all over in the States and Canada, including a lot of the east coast.
Not a resident yet, but when the new Retirement phase opens at The Village of Glendale Crossing in 2023, Ivan will move in.  He has his suite picked out, a two bedroom complex.  Family has done cut outs of furniture and created the full layout.
"My only wish is that they could move the date up on the opening of The Village of Glendale Crossing." - Ivan Siriani
Wife Marjorie lives in long-term care at Glendale Crossing.  Ivan looks forward to being in the same building and being able to see her more often.  
"I saw her and I asked her for a dance.  I think I had an hour with her as her guy was getting a little upset, and then we were politely asked to leave the premises." - Ivan Siriani
"Everybody's journey with dementia is so different and we've had the honour of people sharing their stories with us." - Erin Davis
"I find tracing my family tree keeps me going and is so refreshing. An interesting hobby that fills my time with enjoyment." - Ivan Siriani
Ivan put a letter with contact details in a bag at a distant relative's headstone in hopes to connecting with family.  He got an email a couple weeks later sharing family information and growing the family tree.
“Some family trees have beautiful leaves, and some have just a bunch of nuts. Remember, it is the nuts that make the tree worth shaking.” – Unknown
"Don't worry if the work is hard and your rewards are few. Remember the mighty oak was once once a nut like you." -Unknown
Learn more about The Village of Glendale Crossing and it's opening in 2023 contact Carole Metron at 519-668-5600 or visit schlegelvillages.com/glendale-crossing-london
 
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Dr. Bob Bell - Expert on healthcare for an aging population and prolific author of fiction

Episode #43 - Author of medical-based thriller fiction, an expert on healthcare for an aging population, and former deputy minister of health in long-term care in Ontario, Dr. Bob Bell shares his Story from the Green Bench with Erin Davis and Doug Robinson.
During his years at McGill University, Bob crossed paths with our episode #29 guest, Dr. Rea Brown through sports and medical school.  Stumbled into medicine after a knee injury playing football as a linebacker at McGill- this injury got him interested in bones.
Bob's hero is Terry Fox, who suffered osteogenic sarcoma. Terry’s example inspired Bob to pursue a career in orthopedic oncology (bone cancer). Fun Fact: Terry & Bob share the same birthday July 28.
Get involved in your local Terry Fox Run and programs: https://terryfox.org/
Author of medical based thriller fiction
1. Hip: A NovelAbout the benefits and risks of medical innovations, when a brilliant but unscrupulous scientist uncovers a breakthrough in hip replacement by coating it in a special substance. 
2. New Doc in Maple RidgeThe doctor is injured and returns to America from Afghanistan and has to start over. He chooses Maple Ridge Arkansas, to start a practice.
All proceeds from these books support medical research at University Health Network and at Princess Margaret hospital.    Books are available at https://drbobbell.com/
Our aging population is increasing (over 75 years old) by 4% and higher annually as baby boomers reach their golden years.  How will we care for them, how will we afford it, and will that crowd out other spending?
"Schlegel Villages, where the most up to date standards in long-term care and retirement living are observed." - Dr. Bob Bell
"We can be proud of the way our health system responded to the pandemic." - Dr. Bob Bell
What is your hope for the future of healthcare in Canada?
"Where have you seen a fax machine except in a doctors office in the past 10 years?" - Dr. Bob Bell
 
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