Last summer, Andy Ferrusca, a Life Enhancement Assistant at the Gardens, became worried when one of Kensington’s long-term care home residents seemed isolated and withdrawn. He wasn’t interested in participating in group programs which provide a sense of community and connection.
Andy suggested to the resident that they create something together that he would enjoy. He came up with the idea of a book exchange to help his fellow residents keep their minds active and promote a culture of reading and knowledge exchange.
Together, Andy and the resident carefully selected a first round of books that he thought would suit the interests and personalities of the participants. Then, they laid out the books for each to borrow for a month before exchanging them for something new. In short order, the program expanded to welcome residents living on all the floors of the building.
Leading the creation, improvement and expansion of the program gave the resident a sense of purpose and pride, and a way to connect with his neighbours. And Andy, who believes in a person-centred approach to her work, was thrilled to finally find an activity he enjoyed. She’s grateful when residents speak up about their needs and interests because that feedback helps Kensington offer even better programs.
The founding resident has now passed away, but his legacy lives on in the book exchange program. It continues to encourage more introverted residents to engage with their neighbours, and they look forward to their monthly swaps. Their favourite genres include mysteries, thrillers and anything in large print.
Going forward, Andy would like to continue to expand the program – adding new titles, of course, and maybe setting up more formal book club-style discussions. An avid reader herself, she recently enjoyed a book that was recommended to her by a resident – “The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules,” a heartwarming novel about a group of friends living in a retirement home who rob a bank. Hopefully it doesn’t inspire any real-life white-collar crime!