New format helps Maplewood celebrate Christmas event to fullest

Mingle Jingle increases engagement quality for everyone

December 22, 2011 -- Deron Hamel

Rather than doing a traditional Christmas dinner for residents and families ahead of the holiday as done in past years, Maplewood staff members decided to change this year's format to include a day of entertainment and hors d'oeuvres.

The event, coined the Maplewood Mingle Jingle, increased engagement quality for everyone, because without having to prepare a major meal staff could spend time with residents and their families in a more meaningful way, says life enrichment co-ordinator Rachel Corkery.

In previous years the home had large Christmas dinners, but because Maplewood is small there was always a space shortage, which made the event challenging to co-ordinate, says Corkery.

The main entertainment for the event was provided by Adrienne and Sharlene Bernard, two retired personal support workers who provide entertainment to long-term care homes.

"(The sisters) are so lively and engaging, and they even had the residents and family up doing a conga line," says Corkery.

Corkery says the event was well-received.

"The feedback that we got from the family members that were there (was that) it was the most fun they had ever had at a Christmas party," says Corkery.

Of course, no Christmas party would be complete without a visit from St. Nick, so the home arranged for a Santa Claus to hand out candy canes to residents and their loved ones.

Corkery is also tipping her hat to life enrichment aide Roseanne Blackburn, who took Christmas photos of residents and their families.

"We had our little lounge set up so that they could go and have their picture taken in front of the Christmas tree, and most of the residents and family members took part in that," says Corkery.

The event was so successful that the home will likely continue with this format next year, says Corkery.

If you have a story you would like to share with the OMNIway, please contact the newsroom at 800-294-0051, ext. 23, or e-mail deron(at)axiomnews.ca.

If you have any feedback on this story, please contact the newsroom at 800-294-0051, ext. 23, or e-mail deron(at)axiomnews.ca.

Back to News