#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench

Latest Episodes:

Brendan Rossiter - Dublin to Canada, wisdom about work, kicking habits and being resourceful Aug 03, 2021

Show notes

Episode #22 - Brendan Rossiter chose Canada to move to 52 years ago. He joins us from The Village of Erin Meadows long-term care in Mississauga to share a lifetime of wisdom about work, kicking habits, and being resourceful.

Born in Ireland, Brendan is a natural storyteller, a perfect fit as Erin Davis & Lloyd Hetherington welcome him to the green bench.

"Born in a great country, now living in a great country."

Brendan had his own business as a sewing machine mechanic. He sold, rented, and fixed high-end sewing machines. Often supplying the movie business including Goodwill Hunting.

"I smoked 50 cigarettes a day." Realizing that smoking was the cause of his shortness of breath, he made the decision to quit and hasn't smoked for 43 years. Do you remember how much a pack of cigarettes was in 1978?

Brendan was the youngest of 6 boys and has one younger sister.

He talks about what he would change in his life if he was 21 today. Sharing about going into the trades and having apprenticeships.

"You have to use your head." -Brendan Rossiter
Saving a portion of your income is a great tool to support your future. "Take a look at your finances and control them, don't let them control you." -Lloyd Hetherington

A conversation about living at Erin Meadows and Lloyd at Riverside Glen.

"I like being treated like the president rather than the resident." -Lloyd Hetherington

"There is nothing that comes near this place, the food is excellent, the staff go out of their way." -Brendan Rossiter

"If you have spare time, you must remember that there is always something that you can find to do." -Brendan Rossiter

"The thing about Ireland, we laugh at ourselves and not get upset."

"There's 50% off the Irish that don't drink, the other 50% make up for it."

Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us.

----more----

The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions
Learn more about our host, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com
Learn more about co-host, Lloyd Hetherington
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca

Steve Smith - a fascinating career as Red Green, stories from beyond the show and goose control Jul 20, 2021

Show notes

Episode #21 - Steve Smith joins Erin Davis & Lloyd Hetherington to share his wisdom on the green bench, and today we're calling it the 'Red Green Bench'. He shares about his fascinating career as Red Green, stories from beyond the show, laughter, retirement, and a goose control project.

With 15 seasons aired on CBC & PBS and reruns continuing to play today, what are your thoughts about a Red Green Reunion show? "There is a long list of things that will never happen, and it's near the top." -Steve Smith

"If you don't have a Red Green in your family, it's probably you." -Steve Smith

Advice on aging - A story that has stuck in Steve's mind about Toby Keith and Clint Eastwood and this quote to live by; “I get up every morning and I go out. And I don't let the old man in.” -Clint Eastwood

Duct Tape. "Fixing it with duct tape is a glimpse of immortality." - Steve Smith

"Laughter is good medicine and we need all we can get of it." - Lloyd Hetherington

"When you are out of laughter, you are out of hope." -Steve Smith

Hear Steve's answer to this question: Would you rather be handy or humourous?

The experience of listening to stories and comedy on the radio was encouraged at a young age. Have you heard about his Possom Lodge Podcast? A scripted half-hour with all the characters you love.
Find it here: https://www.patreon.com/possumlodge

Career Advice from Steve Smith;
1. It has to be mostly enjoyable
2. It has to be a worthy challenge
3. You have to have a reasonable expectation of success
4. It has to be good for people, not just you

Learn about his latest project: Canada Goose Control - A Goose Repellent Laser (https://www.gc1goosecontrol.com/)

Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us.

----more----

The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

Beth Goodwin - Caring for a loved one living with dementia and being in the moment Jul 06, 2021

Show notes

Episode #20 - Beth Goodwin opens her heart and perhaps your eyes as she discusses being a caregiver to a loved one living with dementia. Beth's husband Ed lives at The Village at University Gates in Waterloo

Offering safety, security, & love; as a primary caregiver, it is a journey you go through with your spouse and it changes every day, you never know what the next day will bring.

Beth always involves Ed in the daily routines, as much as he wanted to be involved. "You need to be with them in that moment, and enjoy that time." -Beth Goodwin

"When we see a label like dementia, that's not the end, it's just the beginning of a new chapter." -Lloyd Hetherington

Upon the move to long-term care, there was the realization and relief that she didn't have to be on as a caregiver 24/7, and appreciated knowing the care and kindness he is receiving at The Village.

"As you become burnt out, your care and service diminishes." -Lloyd Hetherington

Where to go for information:
- Your Family Doctor
- Alzheimer Society
- LHIN/Home and Community Care Support Sevices

"There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers." -Rosalynn Carter

Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us.

----more----

The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

Kathe Kleinau - Importance of storytelling and a collection of interviews among neighbours Jun 22, 2021

Show notes

Episode #19 - A conversation on the green bench with Kathe Kleinau about her recent collection of interviews among neighbours at The Village of Wentworth Heights in Hamilton.

The first book called, 'The Founder's Circle', sold out, includes 36 stories, 2 poems, photos, and artwork by a fellow resident, Ann Wingfield. Book #2 is in the works and will be called, 'The Legacy Continues'.

"One day I got the idea of writing a book. These stories were so amazing and interesting that they needed to be preserved." - Kathe Keinau

"Kathe, you have the skill of extracting from them, those gems of wisdom that were buried in their heart." -Lloyd Hetherington

Erin Davis asks, what makes a good interviewer?
Kathe's reply, "you have to be a good listener"

A life full of new beginnings - Kathe shares her story starting out in Germany during the war, then moving to Canada, Marriage, having children and sharing time with grandchildren, teaching at Humber College, different careers, retirement, and moving to Wentworth Heights.

"I learned to play the piano at 78 and wrote my first book at 85" - Kathe Kleinau

"We're never ever too old to take on new experiences and new opportunities." -Lloyd Hetherington

Question: If you could interview anyone, who would you like to sit with for a conversation on the green bench?

Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us.

----more----

The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

Patricia & Dennis Bayley - A pursuit of passions, hobbies, poetry, traveling and laughter Jun 08, 2021

Show notes

Episode #18 - Patricia & Dennis Bayley live and laugh at The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby while sharing about their passions of poetry, chemistry, and traveling. Erin Davis & Lloyd Hetherington are joined on the green bench for some laughter and storytelling.

What are you passionate about? What are your hobbies?

Lloyd's hobby is words: a good pun, a game of scrabble, writing ... words, words, words. His passion is people.

In school, Patricia was not very good at English and Dennis was absolutely terrible at Chemistry - they both grew into those as interests to stick with them their whole life. "If someone says we can't do something, that is when we start doing it." -Dennis Bayley

Patricia's love for poetry began long ago right when she was able to print. Dennis shares his passion for science/chemistry.

"It's all about connection, especially now more than ever." -Erin Davis

Dennis - a left-handed child was hit over the hand in school every time he used his left hand so he became right-handed. After 80 years of using the right hand, Dennis shares about an experiment he did while in lockdown with Dr. Porac at Penn State University. His experiment to draw using his left hand again. Read the blog post here: https://sites.psu.edu/clarep/category/switching-handedness/

Patricia - Enjoys writing poetry with some rhyming, a theme, a beginning, and an end. Listen to the poet, Patricia Bayley read her poems: 'Life Cycle', 'Hope'

Another poem was a feature on CTV National News with Lisa Laflamme - You can find this video posted in the Wisdom Bank at elderwisdom.ca

Hear how Dennis supports Patricia with her poetry writing. "It's not only the writing of the poem. It's holding onto your breath while you think, rhubarb, rhubarb, rhubarb, I'll go back and have another bat at it." - Patricia Bayley

Our guests pull out their passports and share some stories from their travels. Holland, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Antarctica, South America, Brazil. Working in Thailand teaching in 1995 as part of a CESO Project (Canadian Executive Service Organization) as volunteers.

Dennis spearheaded an exchange program with first-nations students as literacy chair for district 707 Rotary Clubs and also working with the Durham Regional School Board. Now at The Village of Taunton Mills to involve all the seniors to provide school supplies and warm garments to send to the Schools in the First-Nations communities.

You get an airline ticket to anywhere in the world...where do you choose to go?
Patricia - England
Dennis - Italy

"I don't believe that vegetables should be put on this earth so I don't eat them." - Dennis Bayley

Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us.

----more----

The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

Deborah Bakti - Author of Now What? Managing the Emotional Journey of Long Term Care for Families May 25, 2021

Show notes

Episode #17 - Erin Davis & Lloyd Hetherington welcome Deborah Bakti, author of Now What? Managing the Emotional Journey of Long Term Care for Families. Designed to be a valuable resource for the families of new residents, while also supporting seniors’ care providers who want to develop healthy, productive relationships with their families.

Erin: Do you ever read a book and go, wow, where were you when I needed this?

"It was so down to earth, so practical. I wish I had found it years ago ... I just love it! It's well written, the very definite points so easily picked out and mastered. Every person considering long-term care should read." -Lloyd Hetherington about Now What? Managing the Emotional Journey of Long Term Care for Families

Written as a resource for family members who needed to make a decision to move a loved one into long-term care. The second audience is those who work in seniors care who want to have strong healthy relationships with the families of those they care for.

Now What? Managing the Emotional Journey of Long Term Care for Families - available at deborahbakti.com

Deborah shares her experiences working in senior living as well as her role as a family member with loved ones living in long-term care and retirement.

Learn about the Seven A’s families transition through – from awareness to appreciation.

"We don't have to like or love something in order to accept it." -Deborah Bakti

COMPLIMENTARY COPIES AVAILABLE! Contact one of our Retirement Villages' Director of Lifestyle Options to ask for a copy of Deborah's book. https://schlegelvillages.com/locations

Now What? covers some of the misconceptions families have of long-term care, to provide further insight and clarity. It’s designed to help both caregivers and families avoid frustration and disappointment.

Connect with Deborah on Social Media: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

"Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." -Viktor Frankl

"There are no slow days in long-term care ... sometimes we just have to step back and take a breath." -Deborah Bakti

We appreciate the work, dedication, and care that senior living workers provide our elders every day.

Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us.

----more----

The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

BONUS | Kaye Brown & Jeff Studman - Experience of Covid-19 in Long Term Care at The Village at St. Clair, Windsor May 18, 2021

Show notes

Bonus Episode - We turn our focus to Covid-19 and thank Kaye & Jeff for sharing in this important and timely discussion. The Village at St. Clair has recently garnered negative attention in the news and online media. Hear their stories about having covid, working/living in long-term care through the pandemic and their hopes for the future.

Erin Davis & Lloyd Hetherington are grateful to be joined for a conversation on the green bench to hear these stories.

Kaye Brown, resident of the Village at St. Clair and president of the Residents' Council following in her father's footsteps as he was the mayor of Winsdor, England.

Jeff Studman, Personal Support Worker at the Village at St. Clair joins us to share his experience in Village life and throughout this pandemic.

Kaye, as the President of the Residents' Council, plans to do lots for her neighbours including planting a healing garden in memory of those who passed away through Covid-19. A tree in memory of the residents, and a tree to honour the support that the Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare team offered the Village through their challenges.

"A caring attitude is so essential in leadership." -Lloyd Hetherington

Bryce McBain along with many other Schlegel Villages' team members joining forces with The Village at St. Clair team through their challenging outbreak.

Kaye's interview with Jenny Mitchell on CFRU radio, Guelph: https://bridgingthesocialdistance.substack.com/p/123-kaye-brown-the-village-at-st

Kaye Brown story with Anne Jarvis of the Windsor Star: https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/jarvis-i-dont-think-that-ill-ever-get-over-that

"We have a responsibility: to be sensitive and to follow the guidelines, and to look for the light at the end of the tunnel." -Lloyd Hetherington

A fine example of a community coming together in Windsor, Jeff returned to work to find Hotel Dieu Healthcare team and Agency team member working well together, he couldn't even tell them apart from the St. Clair team. We owe them all a huge thank you!

Jeff & Kaye share their messages to those who may still be holding onto misconceptions around Covid-19 and the effects on The Village at St. Clair and senior living in general.

What pre-covid things are you missing out on today, and what are you looking forward to doing when you are able?

"I think that we are getting closer, now that the vaccination has gone through, I'm getting that feeling of normalcy again. I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel." -Jeff Studman

Kaye and Lloyd share how safe they feel living in their respective villages. "We have been so shut away for so long, we do want a barbeque." -Kaye Brown

"We're in the same boat, so let's navigate these stormy waters together." -Erin Davis

Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us.

----more----

The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

Trish Baird & Merry Snider - roles of RPN & PSW in senior living, relationships and grief May 11, 2021

Show notes

Episode #16 - A conversation with two people who are the strong threads that bind this quilt of a caring community together. Celebrating team members at Schlegel Villages during Caregivers' Week we welcome Trish Baird from The Village at University Gates and Merry Snider from The Village of Winston Park.

Trish began as a Personal Support Worker and is currently a Registered Practical Nurse at The Village at University Gates in Waterloo. 'Behind every great nurse, there is a running PSW'. She shares the differences between an RPN and a PSW, but both rely on each other to fully take care of each resident.

Merry, found her calling to the PSW role working with seniors through her relationship with her great-grandmother. Learning the history of seniors she cares for allows her to better care for them. "Seniors give me joy, they give me so much comfort" - Merry Snider

A holistic approach to living where every team member is involved. What is best for the resident, asking; how would you like this done? what would you like today? what would you like to do today? Verbal and non-verbal communication, and building a lot of trust with each resident.

Working in senior care: how do you deal with the connections you make and how do you deal with the loss?

Learn about the Dignity Walk that happens across Schlegel Villages when a resident passes away and experienced grief.

Trish & Merry share advice to those interested in starting their career in senior living.

"We do it for those tiny moments of a nice warm handhold, a smile or a gesture that you take with you." -Trish Baird, RPN

"There's a way and then there's a Schlegel way" -Merry Snider

"You exemplify the culture of Schlegel Villages, where people are important." -Lloyd Hetherington to Merry & Trish

CULTIVATE THE ULTIMATE TEAM MEMBER EXPERIENCE

At Schlegel Villages, we have an amazing culture that stellar team members want to be a part of. We care about our team members as much as we care about our residents. As one family, we learn, grow, and move forward together. We are passionate and find fulfillment in making a difference in people’s lives. Our caring community honours and encourages well-being, and team members are appreciated in personally meaningful ways. Through mentorship, ongoing support, and education we are empowered to go beyond the status quo, and unleash our full potential.
“You can be you while being a part of our family.”

For more information about working at Schlegel Villages visit schlegelvillages.com/opportunities

Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us.

----more----

The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

Margaret Collard - a life given to ministry & outreach work, respect and care for everyone individually Apr 27, 2021

Show notes

Episode #15 - A sparkling chat with Margaret Collard who has given her life to ministry joins Erin Davis & Lloyd Hetherington from The Village of Winston Park in Kitchener to share her story from the green bench.

A Minister for the United Church of Canada in Scarborough, with a focus on street ministry in outreach projects, Margaret shares about the challenging work with her community. Her husband, former Waterloo Regional Police Officer, was also doing justice work on the streets alongside her. "it is better to work in pairs"

Margaret mentions the Rouge National Urban Park the work that she and her family did with people in the area. Agincourt Community Centre, churches and groups provided food and supplies within the community.

We learn about the importance to really listen to those around us and those asking for help.

"Just being in their presence saying, I'm here and I care." -Lloyd Hetherington

"When we really listen to their story, we can learn from that." -Margaret Collard

Margaret's children and grandchildren have been exposed to the way of life on the street as she teaches them the importance to stop and listen to people. Rather than just giving them money, offering a place to go get some food or get what they needed. Showing the children that these are people who deserve our respect, but also a warning not to bury our heads be alert to the risk.

"Children are really bright. We sometimes don't give them the credit." -Margaret Collard

"We must treat everyone with dignity & respect." -Lloyd Hetherington

You cannot just group everyone under the same umbrella. It takes the whole community to be alert and ask what can they do to make a difference. Churches and Community Centres play a significant role to support while transforming the caregiver and the individual being cared for. Important to try and understand where that person is coming from.

"Anyone can be an activist by writing letters, by not turning a blind eye." -Erin Davis

Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us.

----more----

The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

Bruce MacNeil - Growing a garden, a community and friendships through volunteerism Apr 13, 2021

Show notes

Episode #14 - Talking dirty in this episode, a conversation about soil. 81-year-old Bruce MacNeil joins us on the green bench in a conversation about his love for horticulture and for being a Volunteer at The Village of Winston Park in Kitchener.

"Come on in and make yourself homely." -Bruce

As we celebrate National Volunteer Week in April, this episode is a way for us to honour those who give of their time as volunteers in whatever they choose to do for their communities. "Thank you to all volunteers who make their contributions, so selflessly as they make our residences a real habitation of joy." - Lloyd Hetherington

Volunteerism has passed through generations in the MacNeil family as he shares stories of his parents and now his grandchildren.

"We plant in soil and we play in dirt." -Bruce MacNeil

Do you have a green thumb? (share with us on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag)

Bruce is not only growing a garden but growing friendships and relationships with everyone at the Village. He uses gardening as a therapy, including storytelling. He has also involved his grandchildren in his volunteering at The Village teaching them these skills.

When Covid hit, the residents were trying to make Bruce's volunteer work an essential service. Hear a few messages to Bruce from the residents at The Village of Winston Park.

"You are not just a volunteer, but a friend." -Bruce, resident at Winston Park

There are many volunteer opportunities available in every community. What are some of the opportunities that you have participated in or are interested in?

A special message from Bruce's granddaughter, Alexandra, about being involved in his volunteer work at Winston Park. He taught her about compassion, how to converse with someone new, and the importance of storytelling and connections.

*Get your pen and paper out as Bruce shares tips to grow your tomatoes at home

"Thank you to everyone who gives of their time, but more importantly of themselves to make the world a better place." -Erin Davis

Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us.

----more----

The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

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