Residents' wishes granted at Fergus LTC home

Wishes aren’t only granted in fairy tales. They come true for residents at Wellington Terrace in Fergus too.

From meeting the Guelph Storm's mascot to attending a professional wrestling match, residents are seeing their wishes come true thanks to an in-house initiative called Wellington Wishes.

Now in it’s second year, the program was created by life enrichment staff. As budget and capacity allow, special events are planned to grant resident's wishes, with inspiration from friends, family and residents themselves.

“About a year ago, we discussed ways in which we could celebrate our resident's 100^th birthdays. It’s such a special celebration, so we started brainstorming ideas,” said Heather Karrow, recreation therapist at Wellington Terrace. “The idea of granting residents a wish was something we were all really excited about.”

Karrow says the program has grown to include all residents, not just those turning 100.

“We have such a diverse population right now, and they’re not always with us until their 100^th year, so we thought let’s open this up to all residents,” Karrow said.

The goal is a team approach where residents, all interdisciplinary team members, family, volunteers and the community bring ideas forward to honour a resident’s goals and interests.

The Wellington Terrace team of recreation therapists lead, coordinate and facilitate Wellington Wishes, using their assessments, resources and relationships with the residents to establish a goal, implement a plan and enable wishes to come true.

“A huge part of this program is empowering residents living at Wellington Terrace, who will spend the last years, weeks, and moments of their lives with us,” said Tiffany Wurdell, Wellington Terrace life enrichment manager.

“Through Wellington Wishes, we give residents the opportunity to pick an adventure or activity that helps them to feel fulfilled, find joy and know that their personal interests and wants matter to their caregivers.”

Since the program began in 2022, there have been 14 wishes granted and 12 are currently being planned for 2023.

“The benefits are huge and quite diverse. Our main priority is how these wishes impact our residents. We find that it really does help them feel empowered,” Karrow said.

Wellington Wishes helps support all aspects of a resident’s wellbeing.

“We often focus on their physical health, but it’s also important to support them socially and emotionally. And we are finding that this program, really supports all of this,” Karrow said.

“As a care team, it helps us get to know the residents on a deeper level and we really get to know their families as well through this program. It provides us with an opportunity to involve families in the wishes and build relationships with them also.”

Last November, a wish was granted to an avid Guelph Storm hockey fan.

“He really wanted to meet Spike, the Guelph Storm mascot. So we reached out to the Guelph Storm and they were able to bring Spike right into the home for us. Spike brought this resident so much joy,” Karrow said.

“It was so amazing to watch. His family came and for them to see his response to Spike, it was huge. Spike also continued to make rounds and visited other residents too.”

Karrow says it really does take the whole care team, personal support workers and nurses to make the program a success and that everyone plays an active role in granting wishes.

“We are so thankful to the community in supporting us. This program involves all aspects of the home, the family and the community,” Karrow said.

Wishes in the works for this year include residents who would like to take a sailboat trip, a night out at a World Wresting Enertainment show, a visit to the Donkey Sanctuary, and Wellington Terrace is also trying to connect with Murdoch Mysteries to fulfill another wish.

“It’s great to bring some positive news to the community. It’s been such a tough couple of years,” Karrow said.

“Being able to shine some inspiration and light on what we are doing here, it's so special for our residents, staff, and the community.”

The not-for-profit municipal long-term care home was honoured for its Wellington Wishes program with the Supporting Seniors Award at the AdvantAge Ontario annual convention earlier this month.

For more information about Wellington Wishes and past wishes granted, visit here.