ACTIVITIES
Our recreational and music therapists offer a wide range of programs to meet the needs of individual experience levels and interests of each resident. There are two different calendars for events, one for the villas on the first floor and Villa Milano and another for the Unit for Special Care (SCU).
RECREATION THERAPY
Recreation Therapists provide specialized programs that seek to encourage, promote and restore residents’ abilities, interests and independence. Focusing on physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual domains, residents are engaged in both group and individual opportunities that strive to improve the quality of the resident’s lives. Recreation Therapy is covered seven days a week on both floors at Villa Carital.
SOCIAL LIVING
We understand how important it is for our residents to keep being active, involved and stay connected. Having a busy social life is vital and we take great care to ensure that all of the residents have many opportunities to be among friends, meet new people, and feel part of the community.
Some of the structured social activities that are available at our facility include:
- Welcome Teas
- Bus Outings and Scenic Drives
- Live Entertainment
- Cappuccino and Tea Times
- Happy Hour
- Spa & Massage
- Birthday Parties
- Summer Barbeques and Family Picnics
- Holiday Celebrations
- Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale
- Sing-a-longs & Karaoke Lounge
- Special Social Meals
- Baking Groups
- Gardening
We also host intergenerational programs for the residents to enjoy together with children. “Music Together” is a weekly children’s music education program for all generations. Our Grandmas and Grandpas help teach songs and rhythms to children ages 6 months to 5 years. Once a week young children from neighbour, Stratford Hall Montessori School visit our residents and once a month, another nearby elementary school joins us for an interactive afternoon program.
RESIDENTS COUNCIL
Once a month a group of residents meet to discuss upcoming events and any issues of concern that they would like to have addressed. This is an active group of residents who are able to clearly state their likes and dislikes and thereby help us to continuously improve. The Resident’s Council helps enable Villa Carital to remain resident centered and resident directed.
ACTIVE MINDS
Residents have a choice of many programs to keep healthy, happy and intellectually stimulated.
Some of the these activities include:
- Bingo
- News & Views
- Trivia
- Card Games
- Poetry Readings
- Quizzes & Word Games
- Music Appreciation
- Creative Expression
- Woodworking
- Puzzles
- Full Circle
KEEPING FIT
Our therapy programs and activities are designed for residents requiring every level of care.
Some examples of the health and fitness activities we offer include:
- Daily Exercises
- Tai Chi
- Bowling
- Bocce
- Badminton
- Golf Putting
- Shuffleboard
- Walking Groups
- Stretch & Dance/Movement
THE SENSES
Sensory stimulation for sight, hearing, smell and touch can enrich the life of those who need assistance. We provide a variety of programs to stimulate the senses.
Some of the activities we offer include:
- Spa & Massage
- Ladies Luxury
- Gentle Touch Soothing Song
- Pet Therapy
- Lifting Spirits
- Gardening
CULTURE
Many of the programs and activities focus on the Italian culture and traditions but we also ensure that we celebrate other cultures as well. Special holidays are always observed. In addition, we are very fortunate to participate in the Arts Way Classical Concert Series who visit us once every three months with a variety of professional musicians performing for the residents.
Specific programs are:
- Italian Music
- Cappuccino
- Italian Dinners
- Italian Cards
- Carnivale
- Italian Cooking & Baking
SPIRITUAL
For many residents this remains an important aspect of their lives and we do our utmost to ensure that spiritual needs are provided. Many volunteers are involved with this program as well. Once a week the residents meet to pray the rosary and have communion together in our chapel. Those unable to come to the chapel are visited and given communion at their bedside. At least once a month (twice in the warmer months) we take residents to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church to attend a Sunday morning church service. Every few weeks an Italian Mass is held in our chapel at Villa Carital and presided by one of the Fathers from Our Lady of Sorrows. We also have interdenominational services once a month. Memorial services are held as needed to remember each individual resident. Families and friends are always invited to attend these services as well.
COMMUNITY OUTINGS
Villa Carital has a large wheelchair accessible bus that transports our residents on outings into the community.
Regular outings are:
- Scenic Drives
- Shopping
- Luncheons
- Swimming
- Church
- Bingo at The Italian Cultural Centre
In the summer we go for:
- Picnics
- Carriage Rides in Stanley Park
- Visit a Farm and Berry Patch
- Take a Trip to the Beach
- Bocce in the park
- Horse Races at Hastings
In the Winter we go for:
- Christmas Lunch at The Bayshore
- Tea at Hycroft Manor
- Christmas Light Tour
- Pumpkin Patch
MUSIC THERAPY
Music Therapy is the skillful use of music by a trained Music Therapist to promote, maintain, and restore metal , physical, emotional and spiritual health. Villa Carital has two music therapists on staff and we are fortunate to regularly have students and interns in training.
Programs include:
- Let’s Make Music
- Lifting Spirits
- Soothing Song
- Sing-a-longs
- Resident Bell Choir
- Residents Ukulele Band
- Worship and Song
- Music Appreciation
- One-to-Ones
VOLUNTEERS
Our volunteer program consists of an amazing group of over 100 committed volunteers who enhance the quality of our resident’s lives. They are an integral part of the Care Team at Villa Carital.
Volunteers:
- Assist the residents to come to and engage in the many programs
- Extend the arms of our therapy staff
- Provide one to one visiting
- Accompanying residents to appointments
All volunteers are given a Volunteer Orientation to the facility, undergo a police record check and receive training for the specific tasks required. See LaRee, our Manager of Therapeutic Services, Music Therapist and Volunteer Coordinator to set up an appointment for an interview and to fill out a volunteer application form.