March 16, 2022
New Montessori Kit activities are now available to continuing care residents at the Cold Lake Healthcare Centre thanks to a donation to Hearts for Healthcare by Value Master Homes. Celebrating are, from left: Wendy Campbell, recreation therapist, Cold Lake Healthcare Centre; Sharon Winik, area manager, Allied Health Services, Area 8; Kari Leiper, executive director, Hearts for Healthcare; and Grant Benoit, co-owner of Value Master Homes. Photo supplied.
Two new bariatric walkers for home care are displayed by Carrie Orser, occupational therapist, Cold Lake Community Health Services. The walkers were funded by Hearts for Healthcare as part of a gift from Michael and Agnes Chabaylo. Photo supplied.
Story by Amelia Schofield
COLD LAKE — The community of Cold Lake is improving the care and comfort of continuing care residents at the Cold Lake Healthcare Centre and clients of Home Care services through Cold Lake Community Health Services.
With support from Hearts for Healthcare, the recreation therapy department at the Healthcare Centre has received new Montessori Kit materials for residents with dementia. The half kit contains supplies for a series of activities with residents, including sorting, filling in the missing numbers, matching photos, painting/colouring and trivia. Each activity can be customized to meet client needs and, depending on the activity, can be used individually or in small groups.
“We’re always looking for new and innovative programming for our clients living with dementia,” says Wendy Campbell, recreation therapist, Cold Lake Healthcare Centre. “With this kit, we’ll be able to provide these individuals with cognitive and visual stimulation, while helping increase engagement, self-esteem and socialization with others.”
The purchase of the kit was made possible by Value Master Homes, who recently donated $2,350 to Hearts for Healthcare.
“Dementia and Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects people on a daily basis, preventing them from sometimes completing even the simplest tasks. It is our hope that this donation can help the people affected with this terrible disease,” says a statement from the Benoit Family, owners of Value Master Homes.
In addition, Hearts for Healthcare recently funded one junior and one regular bariatric walker for the Home Care department of Cold Lake Community Health Services. The walkers are specially designed to accommodate bariatric clients. Clients who are recovering from a fall or an orthopedic procedure will be able to benefit from these walkers through the Home Care short-term equipment loan program.
“The walkers are specifically designed with a higher weight capacity to help improve safety and quality of care for these clients,” says Trudy O’Shaughnessy, physical therapist, Cold Lake Community Health Services. “Previously, our clients would need to rent or purchase this equipment. By having these walkers available on loan, more community members will have access to the equipment they need.”
The walkers were funded as part of a $4,000 gift from Michael and Agnes Chabaylo. In addition to the walkers, the donation funded other pieces of equipment for Home Care including blood pressure monitors, stethoscopes, pulse oximeters and an otoscope set.
“The support we receive from our community is wonderful. It’s our primary goal to build relationships and continue to work together with our healthcare team to ensure that our community has access to the best care and resources,” says Kari Leiper, executive director, on behalf of the Hearts for Healthcare Board of Directors. “A huge thank-you to everyone who makes this possible.”
“With generous support from the community, Hearts for Healthcare has helped us tremendously in providing the best possible care to our clients,” adds Sharon Winik, area manager, Allied Health Services, Area 8. “We are incredibly grateful for their contributions over the past several years.”
See more information on Hearts for Healthcare.
