During the dark winter months, many cultures incorporate candlelight as a way of bringing a little hope to the season. This year Mr. Shim found a way to bring the light and prayer associated with candles to his home at Amenida Seniors Community — with a Korean twist.
Using a traditional Korean rolling paper technique, Mr. Shim created an intricate candle piece he calls ‘Lighting the Darkness,’ which now sits proudly at the community’s reception desk.
“Mr. Shim does amazing paper artwork and is a good saxophone player too,” says Rosa Park, General Manager, Amenida Seniors Community. “He made the paper candle lights piece by piece while praying for light in this world during the pandemic time. The creation took almost two weeks to finish.”
The impressive work of art brings beauty and optimism to the seniors residence, and it’s not the only sign of hope in the community.
‘Tis the season to be jolly
While Mr. Shim was focused on crafting paper candles, other staff and residents were busy decking the halls. Amenida Seniors Community is now sparkling with Christmas lights inside and out, and residents had a blast with the Decorate Your Door contest. The community has been able to bring back physically distanced recreation programs including gingerbread house making, creative classes, and everyone’s favourite: BINGO!
The leadership teams remains vigilant, with enhanced sanitization and cleaning processes. Gatherings are small and physically distant, and all residents and staff receive temperature screenings twice a day.
Church services resumed in mid-December, with extra precautions to keep everyone safe. All worshipers wear masks and stay two metres apart, and they’re holding off on singing until public health orders change. That hasn’t stopped some residents from lip-syncing along to their favourite hymns, under their masks of course.
Visits with friends, from a distance
Amenida Seniors Community celebrates residents from a range of cultures, and has extra services in place to help Korean seniors feel at home. Residents can enjoy traditional Korean meals as well as Western cuisine, and this Christmas there are two opportunities for a festive dinner. On both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day guests will celebrate in small groups, spaced apart to keep everyone safe.
Residents are once again able to host indoor visits once a week. Everyone (including Santa and his reindeer) must make an appointment and complete vigilant screening before entering the facility. One visitor is allowed per resident in an effort to continue the joys of connecting with friends and family members over the holidays.
Rooms are still available! Choose from independent living or assisted-living services, or take advantage of respite care for a short term stay while recovering from surgery or giving a caregiver a break. Visit homecareliving.ca to learn more, or call 604-597-9333 to book an appointment.