Grade 6 students from Lac La Biche's Light of Christ Catholic School recently joined seniors at the William J. Cadzow- Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre as part of their Adopt a Grandparent program.
The program has given students from Grades 4 to 6 a chance to meet with the 10 to 15 seniors at the extended care unit every Wednesday from 10:30 am until 11:30 am.
Lucie Theroux's Grade 6 class recently finished their session with the seniors, making way for the school's Grade 4 and 5 students to start the program in the new year. Each class has a total of six visits with the residents, where they take part in various activities.
The students and residents can take part in board games, crafts, sharing memory boxes and opportunity that Theroux, who is also facilitating the program, says both groups cherish.
Theroux has noticed a definite increase in both her students' and residents' involvement with each other.
"Alphonse [a resident], would not talk for the longest time, and now he talks all the time. He loves coming," says Theroux.
Theroux and her class will miss their weekly visits but is delighted for the other grades to participate in the program.
"As I watch my students interact with the seniors, I hope that they share a connection, show compassion and gain confidence in interacting with the elderly."
Light of Christ student Olivia Dyment wrote a class article outlining her experience with the program. Dyment says she tries to be paired up with a different resident each time she visits, saying it allows her a chance to get to know everyone personally.
"The elders don't have that many visitors, and if people go and visit them, it'll make them happier instead of them having nothing to do," says Dyment.
Fellow classmate James Anderson enjoyed the visits.
"It allows us to be more social and learn from each other," he said.
The program has been running since May of 2018. Anne LeMay was the original creator from the hospital's side to link with the school's organizers. Lemay is on hand for each session with the students, along with her daughter Lenora LeMay and nurse Sandy Rogers.
With the help of the Lac La Biche Rotary Club and a Community Action Grant from the county, the program was officially rolled out in mid 2019. Other organizations such as the Lac La Biche County and the FCSS Advisory Board have also provided funding that has helped to cover transportation and additional craft supply costs.
The program will continue after the Christmas break, with students and seniors mixing together starting in the middle of January.