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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1971-03-25, Page 9fURONVIEW OLD TIME ORCHESTRA plays for the weekly dance in the auditorium. Every day they play in different sections of the building for patients who cannot get to the dances. From left, Miller Adams, Norman Speirs, John Leeming, Mrs. Mary Alice Taylor and Miss Della Peart. Crafts help stiff hands • Mrs. Jen Bylsma, adjuvant, helps Mrs. Harriet Broom, Exeter, and Miss Almeda Miller, Dashwood, in one of the rehabilitation craft rooms. 1.4 Pretty good, really eft e Gil -qalowaeol Time§-,AtlYcKate ..25f Pain 9 4' Cassie Dougall, Hensall, enjoys a folk dance at the Wednesday _afternoon shin-dig in the auditorium. ti Henry Leishman is shown at his typewriter getting out material for Huronview News, a magazine he edits quarterly. D. C. Barker, father of Mrs. John Burke, Exeter, is one of the contributors to the magazine. Mrs. Florence Woods, mother of Mrs. Thomas MacMillan, Exeter, moved into Huronview last week. Administrator Chester Archibald checks to see if she's enjoying the food, craft program in a few weeks. The ladies adapt readily to the craft program because most of them have knitted, sewed and created other special things most of their lives. With the men, it is more dif- ficult to interest them in hand crafts. However, there is a large work shop on the lower floor for wood crafts and furniture refinishing. This winter some of the men have made rose trellises and garden ornaments which they will offer for sale in the spring. Another, brighter craft room will be opened soon where men will be able to persue many other types of crafts. Those interested in writing can show off their talents in the Huronview News, a quarterly magazine edited by R. H. Leish- man, formerly of Seaforth area. Besides an editorial, the magazine contains a message from the administrator, a welcome to newcomers, congratulations to birthday and anniversary celebrants, bits of philosophy, current events of Huronview, and items, such as poetry, written by other residents. + + Just as no woman feels right if her hair is a mess, so no man is in fine fettle with out a shave and hair cut. Huronview boasts a full time hairdresser, Mrs. E. Hugo, and a barber, Jake Roorda who work to capacity five days a week. Albert Wood holds a lamb lawn ornament made in the men's craft shop. Ornaments and rose trellises are for sale to the public. What's it like to be in Huron- view? Well, according to Della Peart, a former long-time resident of xeter, it's pretty good. "I haven't a moment's regret for deciding to come to Huron- view," she said as she took time- out from playing at the weekly dance held in the gymnasium, "There's something doing every day, and it's a good place to be," Miss Peart's sentiments are echoed time and again by other elderly folk who now call Huronview home. "All your needs are looked of ter." And certainly, there's lots of activities to keep most of them busy. The social events are headed up by recreational supervisor, Bob Taylor, of Brucefield. His position on staff just came into being last fall. Mr. Taylor first came to Huronview as an orderly but says he was upset to see many people doing nothing to fill days. "I wondered why we keep these older people living for another ten years if there is nothing for them to do but sit and stare into space," When the job as head of recreation was offered to him he decided to give it a whirl, and he's kept things whirling at Huronview ever since, His aim is to keep everyone moving to their full capacity. A gentle man, with a kind smile, he has the talent for persuading even the most reluctant to take part in activities scheduled for each day. Monday afternoon, there's the dance, when just about everybody gets into the act. Those in wheel chairs clap their hands while they're guided around the floor by staff and other residents dancing polkas and waltzes to the lively tunes of the Huronview old-time or- chestra. This includes three fiddles, piano, and a mouth organ played by a spry 92 year old lady from Blyth. There's Bible study, Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Mrs. Shirley Prouty of Exeter, followed by a hymn-sing in the auditorium, Every first and second Wed- nesday progressive euchre is played and the highlight of each month is the giant Birthday Party arranged for by Women's Institutes of the County on the third Wednesday. The visiting ladies present a concert, a huge birthday cake, and gifts for everyone celebrating birthdays that month. Another important date is Family Night each Thursday when families of Huronview citizens are invited to enjoy a variety program put on by volunteers. It's great to be able `to do something' with your family and share them with your friends. Friday, it's Bingo when everybody has fun watching for their numbers to come up and maybe win a prize or two. Presently, there's only one shuffleboard court but Mr. Taylor hopes to have more courts taped Off in the gym soon, Religion is important and is not forgotten. Every Sunday mor- ning Rev. Mayberry, a Baptist minister from Hayfield, conducts a service in the chapel, and the Christian Reformed Church presents a service of song once a month. It's a far cry from 'the house of refuge' of ages past when it was considered a disgrace to enter it, yet the old stigma still persists in the minds of some people. Chester A. Archibald, ad- ministrator, gets a little up-tight when ever someone refers to it as 'the County Home.' Politely but firmly he corrects them, "You mean Huronview." Mr. Archibald feels because many of the new homes for the aged are built on the same sites as the old county homes it is difficult to break down the feeling of humiliation connected with a former age. Huronview is a bright, cheerful, modernly decorated and equipped home for 255 persons who have reached the age when they can no longer care for themselves adequately. For people who can afford it, it costs $255 per month. For those who can't, Huron- view receives their pension cheque, gives the person $15.00 spending money each month and the deficit is picked up by the County and the Province. The affairs of those who pay their own way may be handled in two ways. A relative may take over the finances of the resident and sign a guarantee to pay the latter's expenses for the balance of his life Or the person coming into Huronview may sign over his assets to Huronview for administration for as long as he lives, The assets are invested to accrue interest. If they outlast the senior citizen the halance left after death is turned back to the estate. If the assets are used up before the person passes away, life goes on just the same. He will go on the county-province plan and will get his $15.00 per month spending money. Huronview's books are audited annually by private chartered accountants and by other ac- countants sent out by the department in Toronto. There is no way any `hanky- panky' can go on with funds as is feared by some persons. Huronview is owned and operated by Huron County under the jurisdiction of Department of Family and Social Services. Since the cost of adminstration is highly subsidized by the Bob Taylor pays a visit to Bert enjoys his dinner in his room. province, the department has a lot of control.- over ad- miniStratioii. Inspectors from Toronto are sent out to homes like Huronview at different intervals, and specialists come to teach new crafts and therapy to the staff and offer suggestions. A Committee of Management of seven members is appointed by County Council and meets once a month. This committee must approve all changes in routine, all accounts, and the addition of staff for new en- deavours. Clark of Exeter while the latter Huronview bazaars are famous throughout the County for the excellence of their hand crafts. Under the • direction of Mrs. Martha McGregor, Kippen, the craft room hums with activity as ladies and men turn out beautifully made articles. Cushions, hats, wall hangings, waste paper baskets, em- broidery, knitted wear are just a few of the items manufactured. In another section of the building a different type of craft is supervised by two adjuvants, Mrs. Irene Wild and Mrs, Jen Bylsma. These ladies received special training in Toronto to use very simple crafts to help rehabilitate paralytics. They aid stroke victims overcome both mental and physical blocks. Many of the people in their classes move into the regular Mrs. Albert Etherington, Exeter, pays a visit to the apartment of Mrs. R. H. Foresque Gairdner of Bayfield. Several couples live in apartments at Huronview. Two old neighbors, Mrs. Joe Finkbeiner and Mrs. Sam Baynham, both of Crediton, meet in the hall for a visit Administrator sa s 'we love visits' A Recreation supervisor Bob Taylor takes a patient for a swing around the dance floor for a 'wheel chair waltz'. Not a house of refuge of Huronview will give you a greater lift than you can ever hope to give them! Different types of care Administrator Archibald stated that unfortunately some people come to Huronview reluctantly. "Most of them change their minds after a few weeks .,. but a few never settle in." Those who adjust most easily are the ones who have made the • decision themselves and who feel they do not wish to live with their children, Sometimes it is the fault of the families that their old people are not contented at Huronview. Occasionally devious methods • are used to admit them and they feel betrayed and unhappy, The administrator says the best plan iS to bring yoUr old people to visit Huronview several times and let them talk to the residents and see what the place is like for themselves. 'They often get a dortipletely different outlook than they had before," Mr. Archibald took over his post in September, 1969. tie cattle from 13tantford where he had been city treasurer for 10 years. He also served on the city Welfare committee and it was here that he became engrossed with the problems of the old. When he heard of the opening at Huron- view he felt it was the kind of position he was looking for, Praises Staff and Volunteers He praises the rest of the staff, from the cleaners to the heads of the various departments, for their willingness to accept changes and work for the good of the residents. Volunteers and visitors are always welcome at Hutonview. "We love to see people come," says Mr. Archibald. "The staff, because of their familiarity, become part of the place, arid it takes new and different faces to liven things up, "We are anxious that the people of HuronvieW still be part of the community and not feel isolated here. Since it IS difficult for some to leave the pteMisieS the community must conic to them." So, here's a challenge to all individuals of groups with time Or talents. Go to Huronview. Get involved by visiting, by helping on a program. the staff to supervise activities, You'll love it, and the rewards or by getting your groups to put will be two fold, for the residents Administrator Archibald is high iri hiS praise of Iluronview staff. Shown here are only four of them: Mrs, Dick Jacob, director of nursing who has been at Huronview for over 2,5 years; Mrs, Gladys Coleman, kitchen staff; Mrs, Edith Landsborough, office staff, and Mrs, K, llanly director of food services, Pour types of care are offered at Huronview, Normal Care is offered for people who can look after themselves and walk to the main dining room for their meals. Minimum Bed Care people may require some assistance in getting dressed and getting in and out of bed. They eat their Meals in attractively decorated small dining rooms near their rooms. Full lied Care is for persons who need more assistance; who usually tat their meals in their own rooms and may require help in feeding themselves. However, they are still included in as many activities as possible and are wheeled to the auditorium to enjoy iheaction even if it's just as spectators, Special -Care is offered for persons who are not responsible for their aetiOna vilio4 through illness, have become incapable of planning their own movements, Dr, C. F. Doorly, Goderich„ visits four mornings each week and is always on call. An eight bed infirmary is used for those who come down with n temperature and requite a little extra tare but do not require • hospital attention. Extended Cate Who Can Be Admitted? In a recent visit to Huronview Those admitted to Huronview by the Chief Physician of the fall into four categories. Department, plans were I. Persons over 50 incapable or discussed for an extended care caring for thernselveS program, A simplified ap- is pa adequately, or tillable to support t polieation facilitate form the ad being mittanc repered of themselves. elderly persons whose families 2. Persons over 60 who require may be planning to be away for a bed and nursing care but who do few weeks. niaitbi,41474ACEMPSIMIMAttlelikkaltMEZZ:MIKERM.3 PHOTO « STORY PY GWYN WHILSMITII mracaulaBEZEMMANEMEIMMUM:::COVETZTZ:DIK11 not require hospital care. 3, Persons under 60 who require special supervision but are not eligible for admittance to a mental• hospital. persons under 60, who becatiO of special cir- cumstances, cannot be cared for adequately elsewhere.