A place for seniors and their families to speak out, share stories and ask questions.
Once and a while I like to update all seniors on what is available in a care home. This year I want to tell you about Westminster House in South Surrey/White Rock BC, a Faith Based Home for seniors.
Westminster house is nestled amongst the tree at 140th and 16th Avenue and one would not see her if you did not know where to look. She looms upward in design like a large magical cottage with her small square windows that adorn the front of the building, and one would not think it was a care home upon entering as you see no seniors lingering about. They are all too busy enjoying the many activities put on by Nancy their Manager of Recreation & Volunteer Services.
Westminster House is unique as she is a non-profit organization and is a 117 suite home private pay home, fully accredited and committed to providing a warm, safe, comfortable home for seniors.
They had a dream and it was to create a Christian Village offering a faith based community of integrated housing. Although ownership changed over the years they have kept their promise through the years offering Christian love and values.
Pastor Walter Opmeer and his parents visit daily spreading joy, hope and encouragement to the many residents and leads Worship on Sundays.
General Manager Linda Fernholm tells me they had about 75 residences for their first Christmas, now 21 years later the Christmas spirit is once again upon them as their Tradition is alive with seasonal festivities.
Franken sense and Myrrh fill the air A Daphne their Director of Support Services offers up a lovely salad and soup bar alternating daily, giving the seniors choices and it is such a delight seeing the residents help themselves.
Westminster house just recently remodeled some of their suites and welcome all for a tour of their home,
Come and enjoy the Christmas Spirit with the Westminster House Team or Call us at 604-538-5291 for a meet and greet.
Yearly Poem.
Twiz the night before Christmas and all though the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse; but the room was full with laughter and cheer as seniors galore got together for a night of good cheer.
The stories then started as one by one they reminisced childhood and shared in the fun. The care aides served chocolate and the nurses danced around; bringing joy to the seniors here all around.
The stories were funny, some sad but some not and the simple sock with carrots & coal brought many to tell of this night since lost.
Someone sat at the piano and played a few tunes of the past but ones that they knew. Another year they say had come and gone and our hearts said “goodbye” to the ones that moved on. New faces entered and sang right along; yes another good year were the words in our song.
We all looked around and watched all the lights that twinkled and lighten our thoughts for the night. Now we are tired and ready for bed but our hearts are happy as sleep enters our head. Goodnight
A warm hello to you all and as it is that time of year once again let me offer some suggestion when buying gift for friends or family members who live in a care home.
While our hearts are always in the right place we need to look at what gifts are suitable and the most needed.
Residents responded with these suggestions:
Stamps, Pens (roller tip style)
Stationary
Photo albums
Mug with plate for night time snacks
Teapot with cup-individual serving type
Movies for VCR
Neck support pillows
Slippers with rubber soles
Soft throw blankets (washable)
Nice soaps
Subscription to favorite magazine (large print)
Gift basket with favorite jams or sweets
Books (large print)
Gift Certificates are always great for Pedicures, Manicures, or on site Hairdressers & Tuck Shops. A drive to see all the city lights is always a precious gift.
Gifts seniors found not suitable were bubble bath or oils, cosmetics and flowers. Enjoy the month, get together and give to the less fortunate.
December can be a time for joy a time to play and often a time of year that is lonely for some. I share this poem sent in by a senior.
I don’t chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn’t need, but looks so Avanti garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.
Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon?
I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the years past, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love.
I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful; there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. I eventually remember the important things.
One does not know all my secrets and sometimes I am lost in my memories.
Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody’s beloved pet dies; broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.
I am blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.
As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think and you don’t question oneself anymore. I’ve even earned the right to be wrong.
I like being old, it has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be.
May friendships never come apart especially when it’s straight from the heart!
So take this time of year to visit old friends, make new ones and reminisces over past ones. Visit those who cannot get out and share what is going on in your life.
Many seniors as they age lose touch with old friends and sometimes family members as they are no longer able to get out; or for many they just can’t remember.
Surprise someone this year with the unexpected; an old photo album, a story, or better still just pop in with an old friend.
Volunteer, spend time with others and share your stories.
Reminder Readers
Vancouver has many stories to tell and in the 30’s and 40’s she was a young and growing city. After the war and into the late 50’s she seemed to come alive and was unstoppable in her growth.
Now all the young people of those years are themselves in their late 50 – 80’s. These kids from that generation are now all seniors with stories to tell.
I myself came from the Project or Renfrew Heights area. While most of my school mates walked to Vancouver Tec High School I ventured on to Gladstone High.
My most precious memories are from Renfrew Elementary and I know that is what will fill my mind when I reach the age of reminiscing.
No matter what area of Vancouver you were from let’s hear from you and your most treasured memories.
Look forward to speaking with you all again next month. Let’s talk, mail your comments to:
cozycornernews@gmail.com
Cozy Corner
P.O. Box 1196
Metrotown RPO
Burnaby B.C. V5H 4J8