Activities at Eden Villa are planned on a monthly calendar which is given to residents at the beginning of each month. Scheduled activities are designed to target a variety of aspects of well-being and overall health. Programs are also strategically placed on the calendar to give residents variety and ensure their social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs are being met.
Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts are very popular at Eden Villa, taking place once weekly. Arts and crafts provide residents with opportunities to engage in unique creative tasks, challenging both their minds and physical abilities. These activities focus on fine motor skills, skill development, emotional expression, and social connection.
Sing Alongs/Music with Emma
Music is always a hit at Eden Villa. Our Wellness Coordinator, Emma, loves to sing and will often host Sing-Alongs with a collection of spiritual and secular music. Residents are provided with a list of songs which they are to select from, so they oversee which music is played. Residents are encouraged to sing, clap, and dance to the beat! In addition, Emma will on occasion perform solo for the residents.
Entertainment
At Eden Villa, residents can watch musical performances from a variety of entertainers. Eden Villa hosts big bands, barbershop quartets, cello musicians, guitar players, singers, and much more! Entertainment takes place at least twice per month and is one of our most attended programs. Music can be very therapeutic as it can help residents to reminisce, reflect, and create connections with others. This helps in improving emotional well-being.
Ball and Resistance Band Exercise
In these activities, residents complete a seated full body work-out using small exercise balls or resistance bands. Exercises are evidence-based and designed to target strength and mobility. Residents are to follow along to the best of their abilities, focusing on movement rather than perfection. These activities focus on gross and fine motor skills, aiding in both physical and mental health.
VON Exercise
VON (Victoria Order of Nurses) Exercise provides another opportunity for residents to get active. These classes take place once weekly and allow residents to exercise their entire bodies from a seated position.
Nursing Rehab Programs
Nursing Rehab programs are designed by physiotherapists who come into Eden Villa and complete initial assessments. The physiotherapist then creates a personalized plan which is communicated to our Wellness Coordinator who then facilitates exercises 1-1. Programs typically include standing, seated, and supine exercises, based on the resident’s abilities and goals.
Games
Eden Villa provides a variety of games such as Bowling, Beanbag Toss, Balloon Volleyball, Bingo, and Big Yahtzee. While these activities provide the residents with joy and fun, they also help to provide a sense of accomplishment and skill. In addition, these games promote teamwork and help to create a sense of community.
Outings
Since the end of the pandemic, Eden Villa has been returning to providing residents with opportunities to go out within Chatham-Kent. One of our recent trips was to the Capital Theatre to watch a film on the big screen. Residents enjoy a change of scenery, feelings of independence, and engaging with new people in the community.
Spiritual Programs
At Eden Villa we provide several spiritual programs to ensure this aspect of wellbeing is being cared for. Some of these programs include Hymn Sing, Mass, Communion, and visits from local parishes. Residents are always grateful to have these programs as most are unable to attend weekly services at their previous places of worship.
Seasonal Events
Eden Villa loves to celebrate, so residents are always treated to themed events based on the season. Some of these programs include Leprechaun Games for St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day Tea, Father’s Day Brunch, a Trick or Treating event for Halloween, and a Christmas Party. Residents enjoy getting into the spirit of each season, and in turn are provided with social connections, time with family, and memory-making.
Therapy Dogs
Some residents, especially those who have owned pets, really enjoy the weekly visits from our St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dog, Kiwi. Kiwi and her owner Beverly are very friendly and love coming to visit the residents of Eden Villa. Kiwi loves to snuggle, give kisses, and receive pets and treats. Kiwi is a very calm and well-trained canine who gets along famously with our residents. They always look forward to her visits.
Resident Council
Emma Herron Wellness Coordinator at Eden Villa
Resident Council provides residents with an opportunity to voice their opinions, concerns, or questions. In these meetings are the residents, our Wellness Coordinator, as well as a member of the management team. These meetings take place once a month and suggestions are always welcome. Resident council is also an opportunity for the Wellness Coordinator to review the calendar, ask for suggestions, and provide necessary clarifications. This program assists residents with a sense of control, community, and independence.
About Emma Herron, Wellness Coordinator
Hello there! – My name is Emma Herron, and I am the Wellness Coordinator at Eden Villa. I have been working with older adults for the past seven years and have completed my degree in Therapeutic Recreation at the University of Waterloo. I am very passionate about working with seniors and do my absolute best to provide meaningful therapeutic activities for all the residents of this beautiful home. In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, making jewelry, painting, singing, and playing ukulele. If you have any questions, or concerns, and would just like to chat, feel free to send me an email anytime at eherrron@edenvilla.ca. Also, check out our Facebook page to stay up to date with your loved ones, near or far!
All the best,
Emma.
