Connections to friends, family and our community plays an important role in our well-being and healthy aging. As we get older, the ready-made opportunities to connect with others through children’s activities or work are often no longer part of the routine. Add into the mix family who live out of town, or health issues that limit mobility, it can be tough for older adults to maintain their social connections.
Serena Slonowski grew up seeing first-hand how difficult lack of connection can be for older adults. “My mom is a retired healthcare aid, and when I was little, I would spend a lot of time going to work with her and hanging out with the residents,” shared Serena. “I would spend time getting to know the seniors, and would notice the rooms with cards, pictures and flowers. It always made me sad to see rooms without those important reminders that someone cares.”
Over the years, Serena has continued to witness this trend. Her mom now works as a private companion at various care homes and she tries to tag along whenever possible to spend some time with the residents. Through this, she has noticed a certain level of stigma associated with care homes and the seniors who live there. “Far too often people fail to acknowledge those living in care homes,” continued Serena.
So when Serena, an Interior Savings member, received an email with information about our $10,000 Local Give campaign, she jumped at the opportunity to do something special. “I wanted to find a way to show those living in care homes that there are people out there thinking of them.”
How did Serena make an impact?
Serena approached Lakeview Lodge — a care home located in West Kelowna – with a wonderful idea to brighten the day of those living there. Her random act of kindness recipe included purchasing almost 50 cards, and with a little help from Bylands Garden Centre, individual flowers to accompany each of the cards. Serena took great pride in personalizing each one with kind messages, drawings and stickers. She then worked directly with the nursing staff at Lakeview Lodge to select those who they felt could benefit most from this gesture.
As she delivered these unexpected surprises, Serena spent time with each person, chatting and learning about their lives. “Seeing their smiles brightened my day. “We’re all going to be seniors one day, and I’m hopeful that when that day comes, someone will be there to reach out to me.”
Serena also hopes that others will follow her lead and consider visiting someone they know — or even a stranger — living in a care home. “Taking 10 minutes out of your regular routine to spend time with someone else has a huge impact on their entire day.”
Well said, Serena! From all of us at Interior Savings, we thank you for your kindness and compassion, and for helping us create a wave of local good!