I want to tell all of you about an initiative my mother (92) just told me about this morning.
For 10 years, my mother lived in a Rotary run seniors’ residence in Montreal – The Manoir Westmount. She loved it, was very engaged, successfully started various initiatives including 1. changing the dress code, 2. starting a looseleaf type book to include each new resident as they arrived and then alternate binders with those who left and 3. Running a current events club that met regularly.
Now, the Manoir Westmount has one rule my mother was not able to change. To be a resident you must be able to walk to the dining room. You can use a cane or walker but no wheelchairs or wheel chair equivalents.
My mother’s two major accidents – a fall from a horse and a skiing accident- caught up with her. At age 89, walking became a torture to her. So, she looked around, found a residence in the Laurentians, closer to her extended family and had the good fortune to be settled in there before COVID struck.
She has kept in touch with her friends from the Manoir through FaceTime.
Today, she told me that the Director of activities at The Manoir had contacted her to ask if she would once again lead the Current Events group but this time via Zoom. Sessions haven’t started yet, but are in the works!
This is an inspiring story in my view, which is why I’m sharing it.
Carla
(Thank-you to Carla Morgan for this terrific story)