The BC Rural Health Network Member of the Month for October 2022

Member of the Month

The BC Rural Health Network Member of the Month for October 2022
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The Blue Birds of New Denver

The Bluebird Volunteer gang was an idea wanting to be born. It started when a couple of regular visitors to our ND long term care facility noted with shock when lockdown was lifted how much the residents appeared to have deteriorated both in demeanour and in sociability. At first, they barely lifted their heads when we came into the room. Now they perk up waiting to find out what sort of Bluebird fun has arrived today. That fun takes a variety of forms ever broadening in scope.

Currently our small flock weekly hosts an art morning, a story hour, a musical session (where we provide support for our talented musicians), random Sunday Socials and as many outings as we can find the time and the manpower to push. The Pavilion used to have a Recreation Director as a specific staff position.

That seems to be past history and now once in a while a single Recreation shift is scheduled. Staff who stop to thank us have also forlornly noted “You Bluebirds are their Recreation now”. While it shouldn’t be this way, we are passionately committed both for the residents’ well being and as a support our fabulous staff. Looking ahead here’s our wish list: more Bluebirds, more outings, more simple social sessions. We dream of a 50s music WC dance session. We plan on using the gym come winter as our facility gym is accessible under cover.

Glancing in the rear-view mirror, these are elements that contribute to both our team solidity and high morale:

• We look good. Thanks to the generous and talented Roni Jurgensen Design we have (and use often) a brilliant logo. We’ve personally invested in ID tags, shirts, caps and winter fleeces. Our Bluebird greeting cards mark birthdays and offer appreciation. We look like the committed team we are as well as being immediately recognizable for staff, family and townsfolk.

• We don’t care to over organize. We aren’t interested in becoming a society with the trappings of officers, meetings, fund raising, paid positions, etc. We don’t need to raise money; any we have needed so far (other than a small neighbourhood grant for art materials) we’ve found among ourselves. Planning discussions take place walking back and forth to the health centre, over the craft table or while pushing wheelchairs. We like simple and intend to stay simple.

 

• We continue to grow organically and by word of mouth because we look professional; serious about what we are doing and clearly having fun. That’s all attractive.

In summary we have created unwittingly a successful “brand” which could be imitated in any small BC town by a just a handful of caring souls.

Recently as we set off with a group of residents all sporting our rainbow coloured “bunny bags”, my wonderful 99-year-old companion said, “We sure are spoiled!” My response “That’s because we love you and we love you because you’re lovable.” All our seniors deserve to hear and see this demonstrated. It’s what the Bluebirds do.