Since their start in November 2014, the volunteers from the Friends of Moose Mountain Lodge have made it their mission to “enhance the everyday lives” of Lodge residents and by doing so, also lend support to the staff who care for those residents.
“We have a wonderful facility here,” says FMML president and Lodge staffer Bertha Isleifson. “We have 40 full-time residents and two respite beds that are always full. But there is always room for improvement and there are always things that can improve our residents' quality of life and we're happy to provide things that are fun for them.”
“I've said from the start that we're not here to complain or pick apart what's already put in place by the health region,” adds Isleifson. “We only want to add some excitement and engagement to the daily lives of the residents.”
“I think our residents can get so cut off from life in town and what's going on. It doesn't take a lot to make a huge impact in their daily lives.”
“We've been able to make real progress in that area in just under two years,” says Isleifson. “And the Friends of Moose Mountain Lodge have so many people and groups that have stepped in and supported our mission. We really can't thank them enough.”
“And we're especially touched by donations we've received in memory of former residents that help us make things better for future residents.”
“Friends of Moose Mountain Lodge-our volunteers and our supporters-have brought in special entertainment, held social events, purchased new equipment for the Lodge, carried out beautification projects and have implemented ongoing projects. Even simple, regular things like providing 'Welcome to Your New Home Bouquets' to new residents and twice a month, providing fresh fruit to our residents-Fresh Fruit Fridays-make a big difference for them.”
“With 'Fresh Fruit Fridays,' Friends of Moose Mountain Lodge purchase fresh fruit and the Legion shares the cost with us. Volunteers come in and wash and prepare the fruit for our residents. It was one of the first things we did as a group and it's one of those small, simple things that makes a big difference to them.”
“The Friends of Moose Mountain Lodge have also stepped in to help sponsor monthly birthday parties-if needed-but fortunately, many individuals, families and organizations usually do a great job of making those happen,” adds Isleifson. “And this summer, the camp kids from CFY (Cornerstone Family and Youth) will be helping us with the birthdays.”
“We also hosted a barbeque and just generally try and lend a hand where it's needed.”
Isleifson says the group has-often with the assistance of other organizations and individuals-taken on bigger projects, too.
“Either on or own or with other groups, we purchased a new hair dryer so all of the residents are able to have their hair dried,” she says. “When I visited Redvers' new home back in 2014, I saw they had a big hairdryer with a big arm mounted on the wall. For our ladies who are in big whhelchairs, that's such a nice thing for them and it makes the experience of geting their hair done so much easier on them.”
Other purchases and projects include: new audio visual equipment and some new furniture, improvements to the flag area at the front of the facility (with the History Book Committee) and ongoing beautification of the Lodge's outdoor courtyard-a project started in 2015 with the repair and painting of the gazebo and the addition of picnic tables, courtesy of the Carlyle & District Lions Club.
To celebrate their first year, the Friends hosted a pub night at the Lodge last November, with musical entertainment by Michele Amy and her troupe of fiddlers.
The volunteer group managed to bring Elvis to the building, too, when they brought tribute artist Rory Allen to Moose Mountain Lodge for a surprise concert.
FMML member Carolyn Shirley is credited with the idea of Allen appearing at the Lodge, but says: “I'm just part of the group. But I was brainstorming one night, trying to think of something that everyone might enjoy. I met with Rory a while back and I knew he did shows at nursing homes. I just tried to think of what I would like to see if I were in (the residents') place.”
“I saw so many smiling, toe-tapping people that day,” says Isleifson. “It was a really good show and it was fun for everyone.”
Isleifson says: “Beyond special treats and big events, we like to do things like arrange visits from younger members of our communities and even have people bring in their pets. We're trying to give our residents the chance to do some of the things they used to do. Along with visits that involve kids and animals, we'd like to take an individual approach to things for our residents.”
“Someone might be a flower person, someone else might like music and some of the men might like tinkering and working on something,” she says. “It can be as simple as a resident getting the chance to help arrange flowers or listen to some music or even just seeing some books with pictures of trucks or farm equipment if that's their area of interest.”
“It's about making them feel valued, but it's also about alleviating the boredom,” adds Isleifson. “Especially, with people with dementia, it's important to respect them and let them have their feelings. They may act out, but because of their illness, we may not understand where that's coming from. But one thing we can do is try and prevent them from getting bored.”
“In all of us, boredom has the potential to lead us to two types of action: constructive and destructive.We all look for some kind of excitement when we're bored and by adding things that are enjoyable and interesting for our residents-whether they are someone with dementia or not-we'll improve their quality of life.”
“These people have helped to build our communities and make them what they are today,” says Isleifson. “They're valuable members of our community and they should have the opportunity to participate in and enjoy the life of the community.”
“Our ultimate goal is to make the last part of their journey as comfortable and as good as it can be. That's what Friends of Moose Mountain Lodge is trying to do for our residents.”
The Friends of Moose Mountain Lodge welcomes assistance, ideas, and monetary contributions to help them continue their work. Tax-deductible donations can be made by making your cheque payable to: The Town of Carlyle (P.O. Box 10, Carlyle, Sask. S0C 0R0) with “Friends of MML” in the memo line. To volunteer or to learn more, contact: Bertha Isleifson (306-577-9644), Marsha McLean (306-453-2503), Myrla Holland (306-453-6087 or Christy Jarvis (306-453-6172).
Meetings are held at Moose Mountain Lodge on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. There are no meetings in July and August.
