People, Care, Quality: LIVE from Operational Planning

An exciting episode for you as hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle had the pleasure of hosting a LIVE recording at the Schlegel Villages Operational Planning Conference in Niagara Falls, where we explored the theme of "People, Care, and Quality."

First to join us on the Green Bench is Ann Baxter: Anne is a resident at The Village of Wentworth Heights in the Egerton neighbourhood, where she has come to value the kindness of the team that helps support her, even as her care needs have lessened over time. She values the polite approach of the Village team, and appreciates how everyone takes the time to bring a smile to the faces of all residents, and she has also become a strong support for her fellow residents.

Secondly we invited Tam White and Barb Merkley: Barb first stayed at The Village of Riverside Glen as a temporary measure to convalesce following a medical procedure, and has now lived at The Village of Riverside Glen for nearly eight years. She came to be good friends with Tam when they met at The Center for Innovation’s Ready to Impact Conference in Pittsburg in the summer of 2023. Tam has a long history at Schlegel Villages, first as a Village Team Member before eventually joining the Support Office as a key member of the People Team. Both Barbara and Tam share a combined perspective on how the people who live and work within Schlegel Villages truly do become an extended family.

And third we welcomed Royal Hamel to the green bench: Royal makes his home in Long-term Care at The Village of Winston Park, and he shares his perspective as someone who has faced significant changes in his mobility in recent years. As a retired minister, faith and spirituality are close to Royal’s heart, and this certainly helps shape his world view. For Royal, exceptional support can be found in simple moments in time that connect team members with residents, regardless of the level of care required.

Here are three key takeaways from this insightful episode:

1️⃣ Community and Connection: Our guests, Tam and Barb, shared their inspiring story of how they became fast friends at a conference in Pittsburgh. They emphasized the importance of connecting with people and making anywhere feel like home. Their experience highlights the power of building meaningful relationships and finding a sense of belonging.

2️⃣ Sharing Personal Stories: We were honored to have Anne, Barb, Tam, and Royal join us on stage to share their personal stories in front of 500 people. It takes tremendous courage to open up and share vulnerable experiences, and their willingness to do so is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Their stories served as a reminder of the value of storytelling and the lessons we can learn from one another.

3️⃣ Learning and Growth: Throughout the episode, our co-hosts Evelyn Brindle and Kathy Buckworth expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from our guests and the entire Schlegel Villages community. We believe that every conversation holds the potential for growth and understanding. By actively listening and engaging with others, we can expand our knowledge and perspectives, fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Don't forget to use the hashtag #ElderWisdom when sharing your thoughts on social media. Let's spread the wisdom and insights shared on the Green Bench!

Lastly, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our guests, Ann, Barb, Tam, Royal and everyone who contributed to making this live recording a success. Your stories and experiences have touched our hearts and inspired us all.

Remember, your seat on the Green Bench is always ready and waiting.

Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us.

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The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages Retirement & Long-term Care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions

Learn more about our host, Kathy Buckworth, at kathybuckworth.com

Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca

Learn more about Schlegel Villages at schlegelvillages.com