Remember us?
We are the Bluebird Volunteers from New Denver. If you happened to read our previous article you will know our goal is to enrich the lives of the residents in our long term care facility, the Pavilion. Equally important in these days of staff shortages and programme cutbacks, we like to think we relieve some slight pressure from our beloved and dedicated staff.
One of our initiatives is a weekly art class. Our facility has a great activity room and on Wednesday mornings the Bluebird Gang sweeps in (numbering anywhere from 3 to 8) and gathers up any and all available residents and head down there. They’ve come to watch for us, expecting to enjoy and be surprised with what we’ve come up with this week. It’s touching how willing they are to try anything and how hungry they are for outside stimulation. Over the course of months we’ve noticed a considerable increase in their confidence, attention span and interactivity.
We work with 8 to 12 residents each session. At best we try to be one on one, resident to Bluebird. It’s still works well with 1 Bluebird to 2 residents. Now we are more familiar with their individual capacities and inclinations we can get by with as few as 3 Bluebirds if the project is relatively simple. The more Bluebirds, the better because the social connection in the end is why we are all there. It’s satisfying to look down the long stretch of table and see alternating residents and volunteers chattering happily together. Trust us, this type of interaction means the world to these folks.
We have become more skilful both in choice of project and in interacting with our resident buddies. The biggest learning is that it’s incredibly fun, playtime for all! We Bluebirds always come away laughing and we return the residents sparkling to the dining room ready for lunch. Often we also have something quite special to display in the halls.
Our facility staff have been working under gruelling conditions, staff shortages on top of all the pressures brought by COVID. What small rural health centre in BC is not feeling up against it? We trust it’s a boost for Pavilion staff to have us joyfully occupy this number of residents and then bring them back happy? It’s often reflected back how positively it affects the moods and attitudes of the residents. Of course it does! They are reassured that they are loved and valued by their community.
Now what have we learned that we can share with you? A lot.:
- You don’t need to be a professional to do this. Some creativity, solid teamwork and the ability to find joy in making someone happy is pretty much all it takes. The momentum will build organically.
- It’s ok to challenge them. You might be surprised at the range of skills and the degree of their dedication. The more challenging the project the prouder we all are to display it in the hall when completed. That being said, complex projects need to be meticulously prepared in advance. And each participant needs to feel supported by an attentive Bluebird. (See illustrations.)
- Working side by side is a wonderful way to get to know a senior. It’s a privilege to spend quality time with these ranging up to 90 and even 100 year old treasures.
- Keep a few easy (no prep necessary) projects on the back burner for days when your volunteers are few. Colouring together is a very calming social activity. Dot to dot and then colouring the image works well. We continue to research possibilities. I personally find great ideas on Instagram and other volunteers like Pinterest.
- Be Safe! Learn the proclivities of any high risk residents and make sure they have the sole attention of a watchful volunteer. Stay away from sharp things and be careful with articles that might look like food but aren’t. If in doubt consult in advance with staff. Ours are very willing to help us in every way possible.
- Know where the big red emergency call button is and don’t be afraid to use it.
There’s so much more we could passionately say about our Bluebird Art Programme discoveries. We’d love to think that by sharing our enthusiasm we’ve fired up other potential volunteer groups across the province. It’s so much fun, so intensely rewarding and once you get a bit of experience you will be surprised at how simple it is in execution and how little time it takes.
We’ve recently received a small Neighbourhood Grant from the Vancouver Foundation which is facilitated in our area by the Nelson Osprey Foundation and dispensed through WE Grahamin Slocan. It has allowed us to branch out for supplies. We thank them.
