Carlyle's Bertha Isleifson had a dream- to form a group of dedicated volunteers who would work to enhance the everyday lives of the residents of Moose Mountain Lodge (MML). As the founder of the volunteer group, Friends of Moose Mountain Lodge, Isleifson and her fellow “Friends” have succeeded far beyond what they had envisioned just over two years ago.
“I never imagined it would go as well as it has gone,” she says. “The support and interest has been incredible.”
Since it was founded in late 2014, the Friends of Moose Mountain Lodge have made improvements in almost all aspects of the resident's lives.
Inside the Lodge, a new TV-with improved programming- has been placed in the Activity Room, along with new tables. The common area has also been upgraded with new dining tables, new loveseats and new pictures on the walls and both the family room and the palliative care room have new furnishings and other decorative improvements- all added with the intent of making the spaces more comfortable and pleasant for both the residents and their families.
And one item on Isleifson's original wish list was granted, too: “A wall-mounted hairdryer so people confined to wheelchairs can have their hair done, too.”
“A few years ago, when I visited the nursing home in Redvers, I saw that they had a big hairdryer mounted on the wall, with a big arm,” she says. “I remember thinking that for our ladies who are in big wheelchairs, that would be such a nice thing for them. It would make the experience of getting their hair done so much easier on them. And now we have one.”
Isleifson has worked as a licensed practical nurse in this area since 1985- mostly at Moose Mountain Lodge- and says: “We have a wonderful facility here. But there's always room for improvement and the Friends of Moose Mountain Lodge are committed to improving the quality of life for our residents and providing things that are fun for them, because who doesn't like to have fun?”
Improvements have been made to areas on the Lodge's grounds, by the Friends of Moose Mountain Lodge with assistance from other groups and individuals, including the Carlyle & District Lions, the Dickens Festival Committee, residents' families and others.
The Lodge's outdoor patio has been re-carpeted, the gazebo has been repainted and the Carlyle & District Lions have provided picnic tables that are more accessible for use by residents. Near the entrance to the facility, Carlyle's Dickens Festival Committee has donated a Victorian bench and the Carlyle History Book Committee has donated decorative ornaments. In both spaces, flowerbeds have been tidied and new plantings have been added.
The outdoor improvements have resulted in the revival of the traditional family barbeque, now held at the Lodge during the past two summers-with donated manpower, food and entertainment. Residents and guests also support the Carlyle & District Food Bank at the annual gathering.
Fruit, flowers and assistance at birthday or anniversary celebrations are also supplied by the FMML, but Isleifson says: “All of these things are really appreciated by the residents, but the events that stand out the most are outings for our residents who are able and entertainment that we bring to them.”
“In all of us, boredom has the potential to lead us to positive or destructive action,” explains Isleifson. “We all look for excitement when we're bored, and by adding things that are enjoyable to the lives of our residents-we can make sure their quality of life is better.”
“Our residents are people with disabilities of all ages,” adds Lsleifson. “And some of them are younger people. All of them really enjoy the special events here.”
Among those special events are: pie- and tart-making demonstrations by Carlyle's Dennis Feduk, pub nights and concerts by a roster of artists which include “Elvis” Rory Allen, country recording artist Eli Barsi, Michele Amy's fiddle troupe and Carlyle's Happy Wanderers.
FMML members and staff have also arranged transport (for residents who are physically able) to attend productions by Cornerstone Theatre.
“We're always working on new things,” says Isleifson. “And we welcome new members anytime. But people can also contribute in so many other ways, too.”
“We welcome donations of any kind. Right now, we really need donations earmarked for weekend entertainment,” she says. “ For some of our residents, the weekends are pretty quiet, so we'd like to bring in some entertainment for them. Or, if anyone out there can spare some of their time and talent for an hour on a weekend, they can contact our Activity Department and we'll make it work.”
“Something as simple as stopping in for a visit is huge,” adds Isleifson. “We have a wonderful facility here, but there are always things that can improve our residents' quality of life and we're happy to keep working to provide things that are fun for them.”
“We've been able to make real progress since Friends of Moose Mountain Lodge started,” she says. “We have so many people and groups that have stepped in and supported our mission. And we're also so thankful to our staff, because they've really got on board with everything the Friends have done.”
“We can't thank all of these people enough.”
For more information, contact Bertha Isleifson at: (306)-577-9644.
