Inspiring Impact: Happily Ever Older - Stories of seniors living with purpose and energy and love

Healthcare Change Makers

For this special series, Inspiring Impact, HIROC is partnering with AdvantAge Ontario to highlight the work of several of the presenters at their online education and networking event in May.

Today we’re talking with one of the session presenters, reporter Moira Welsh, author of the recent book Happily Ever Older. For close to two decades Moira had been investigating the negative aspects of long term care homes. On a tip from someone at AdvantAge Ontario, she started exploring one progressive model of care in Peel Region. The outpouring of excitement around that story made Moira start thinking, maybe there are other stories out there of seniors living with purpose and energy and love.

Quotables

“It was simply leaders of individual homes who saw what was possible and saw that people could live in a way that eliminated the anxiety and aggression that people experience, especially those with cognitive decline.”

“In these homes they’re really focussed on removing loneliness as a consistent part of people’s lives.”

“For me what it comes down to is great leadership. People who are not afraid to innovate, who are bold and don’t mind taking risks – that can change everything.”

“What I learned from this is the concept of potential. No matter our age or our vulnerabilities, we can actually live up to our potential at any stage in life.”

“It matters immensely that homes can attract good staff and keep them. That’s what these programs are finding – people want to work there because they feel value in their work.”

Mentioned in this Episode:

Happily Ever Older

The Butterfly Home

Sherbrooke Community Centre

Dr. Bill Thomas

AdvantAge Ontario

AdvantAge Ontario Annual Convention

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