Programs and Services
Recreation Therapy
At Louis Brier Home & Hospital, residents are encouraged and supported to be active participants in their home in a way that is meaningful to them. To support this process, residents are offered a wide range of opportunities to choose how and what they want to participate in each week. This intention is based on a holistic program designed to support personhood and dignity, quality of life, opportunities for self-determination, building community, spirituality, the pursuit of life-long learning and the utilization of strengths while engaging in meaningful leisure activities.
Programs and activities are designed to support residents’ interests and abilities. With an average of 350 robust programs offered monthly, residents are encouraged to attend the programs that are of interest to them anywhere in the facility.
Residents are encouraged to contribute to the planning, development and evaluation of activities through regular surveys, Resident Council meetings and sharing their ideas with the Recreation Team. The Recreation Team offers programming six days per week and includes small, medium and large groups, as well as individualized and specialized one-to-one programming.
The Louis Brier is a Jewish home. Jewish culture, traditions and values are woven into programs where residents can explore creativity and self-expression within a variety of Jewish contexts. All major Jewish holidays and festivals are celebrated and life-long learning is integrated into the programs that are offered. Holiday and festival themes are infused into every aspect of programming, including music, food, horticulture, creative arts and special projects, lectures, workshops and discussion groups. Intergenerational programs flourish here, allowing visiting children, adults and groups to learn from the residents’ experience and wisdom.
Our Recreation Team is comprised of an Allied Health Services Manager, a Recreation Therapist Supervisor, a Recreation Therapist, Recreation Therapy Assistants, a Music Therapist Supervisor, a Music Therapist, a Jewish Culture & Traditions Program Coordinator and a Chaplain.
Music Therapy
Music Therapy is a discipline in which Certified Music Therapists use music purposefully within therapeutic relationships to support development, health and well-being. Music therapists use music safely and ethically to address human needs within cognitive, communicative, emotional, musical, physical, social and spiritual domains.
Music Therapists identify individual goals through conducting individual assessments and identify suitable programs for that individual. These goals are achieved through evidenced-based interventions in Music Therapy programs by focusing on residents’ needs, strengths and abilities to set them up for success in programs and to improve quality of life.
There are varied Music Therapy programs offered that meet the diverse needs and abilities of the residents. This includes one-on-one individualized sessions and small to large group programs. These are some examples of Music Therapy programs offered at Louis Brier:
Chime Times
Drum Circle
Beat Boxing
Movement to Music
Wake up to Music
The IPOD Program
Brier Choir
Melody Makers
Benefits of Music Therapy in Long-Term Care:
Maintaining memory recall and reminiscing
Maintaining fine motor coordination
Maintaining range of motion
Increasing creative expression
We are recruiting!
At Louis Brier Home & Hospital, we provide our residents with a life that is enriched in every way. Achieving this goal would simply not be possible without the support and commitment of our volunteers who offer their expertise, skills and companionship to enhance the quality of everyday living.
Volunteers provide innovative programs, assist with vital daily services and serve as a link to the community. Ultimately, volunteers are available to help our residents maintain those connections that they value and cherish. Volunteers also accompany our residents to concerts, synagogues and other organized outings. They teach computer skills, crafts and flower arranging to residents, as well as assist with exercise programs, holiday decorating and much more.
Ready to take the next step?
Volunteer Program
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Must be 16 years of age or older to volunteer without a guardian
A time commitment
Complete and send the Online Volunteer Application Form I
Complete any training, if required
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Making people’s life better
Enjoying a sense of purpose and personal fulfillment
Developing connections with residents, family members and staff
Enhancing a specific skill set and sharing your experience and expertise with others
Learning from a supportive and knowledgeable team
Having flexible hours adapted to your own schedule
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Jewish Culture Education
Shabbat Services
Letter From a Friend
Recreation
Beauty Day
Tell me a Story
Friendly Visitor
Baking Day
Concerts
Theatre Concerts
Companion Program
Our Companion Program was created in 2002 by families of residents who wanted their loved ones to have additional care and companionship beyond what is provided and funded through the Ministry of Health.
Companions are not regulated healthcare providers and, as such, cannot provide care services. They supplement the care that is provided by our care staff, but do not replace it. Our companions are carefully selected, they complete a comprehensive orientation process and they are offered a range of educational endeavors to help them support residents and families in optimizing the quality of life of the residents.
The range of services and companion involvement is quite diverse and can include any or all the following activities:
Social companionship
Accompaniment on outings and personal appointments
Personal meal assistance
Additional showers and/or baths
Additional personal assistance
Additional exercise assistance
Light housekeeping
Companions are independent contractors who are paid by the family. However, all administrative and management processes are done by the Companion Program Coordinator onsite at Louis Brier Home & Hospital. The Coordinator is responsible for the companion selection process, interviewing, on-boarding, orientation, scheduling and education of all companions. In some cases, the Coordinator also coordinates the compensation and is the liaison between the family and the companion, especially when family members reside outside of the city or province.
The added value of companions is insurmountable and, while our care staff are dedicated to providing quality safe care, our funding and resource limitations may not always consider opportunities for caring and service delivery that is not directly tied to health outcomes. We recognize that while being physically well, psychosocial, spiritual and mental wellbeing is as equally important. Our companions play a significant role in meeting those needs and keeping our residents achieve the quality of life that they desire.
For more information or to arrange companion services, please contact Myla Carpio-Pelayo, our Companion Coordinator:
(604)267-4688
