The iCare team was honoured and excited to celebrate Seniors’ month with such a beautiful display. But we also realize that Seniors’ month needs to extend beyond one short month or even shorter day every year – senior appreciation needs to extend into the values and norms of everyday society and interaction.

1. Celebrate Seniors Every Day of the Year
October 1st is National Seniors Day in Canada. No question, this is and should be a very
important day! In this case The Government of Canada proudly and justifiably so pays
tribute to the seniors who have helped build our country and continue to make valuable
contributions to Canadian communities, workplaces and society.
The month of June 2013 marked Seniors’ Month in Ontario this year, and iCare Home Health
did something very special. We were granted full rights to a collection of photographs of the
world’s oldest people – super centenarians (individuals aged 110 and older). The photos are
the works of Jerry Friedman and were showcased in Canada for the first time in September
2012 by Sheridan College and the Sheridan Elder Research Centre. They’ve also been
displayed in various cities around the world, including Tokyo, Amsterdam, Washington,
Boston, and New York City. During Seniors’ month in June 2013, iCare exhibited this
collection at various venues in Burlington, Oakville, and Mississauga.
The iCare team was honoured and excited to celebrate Seniors’ month with such a beautiful
display. But we also realize that Seniors’ month needs to extend beyond one short month or
even shorter day every year – senior appreciation needs to extend into the values and
norms of everyday society and interaction.
Why?
Beyond the fact that anyone older than you has once been your age (and there’s something
very nostalgic and beautiful in that thought alone), seniors are a wealth of wisdom and
knowledge. They’ve experienced most of the things you’re experiencing, they can give tried
and tested advice to problems that need solving, and they have a treasure chest full of
stories and memories about a time that you will never experience.
So what are some things you can do to celebrate seniors any day of the year?
Listen to their stories
There’s no doubt that you’re busy with your own life and priorities – perhaps tasks such as
work, spouses, kids, finances, exercise, health, housekeeping, and an endless array of other
activities. If you find yourself pressed for time, the best thing you can do is to schedule a
block of time into your calendar – maybe it’s a few hours, maybe it’s a whole day – where
you sit down with a senior and simply talk. Ask questions about their life, ask for advice on
issues you’re struggling with, ask them to share the story of how they got married or what
happened during the war years…regardless of what you’re discussing, just dedicate the time
to listen. Go into the conversation with a selfless approach, knowing that this time isn’t
necessarily revolving around you but is dedicated on listening and learning from the
experiences of someone older, wiser, and more mature.
Know more visit: http://www.icarehomehealth.ca or Call: (905) 491-6941

2. Certain volunteer organizations are also dedicated to listening to seniors’ stories and
transcribing those verbal recounts into articles or novels. If you have a knack for writing,
perhaps this is something you want to try. You don’t need to do this through a formal
organization –you can simply listen and record your grandparent’s stories, compile them
into a short book, and save them for your children and grandchildren.
Cooking Lessons
You probably know a few seniors that make the most delicious meals you’ve ever had.
Perhaps your grandmother makes the best pumpkin pie in the world or your grandfather
has a secret recipe that got passed down from his mother. Whether the seniors you know
are seasoned chiefs or not, take some time to cook or bake something together. Let them
teach you a favourite recipe or pull out a new one from your favourite cookbook – just
dedicate some time to making a meal together. If you use the help of a home care provider,
then include your home care giver as an option. They too can be part of the family!
Have your own photo shoot
Dedicate some time every month to have your own photo shoot with some elders you know.
If everyone is interested, you can make it a different themed event every time: perhaps
outdoor photos with the changing leaves in September, Halloween themed in October,
same-sweater pictures in November, and so on. This is a great way to spend quality time
with seniors, such as your grandparents, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.
What’s your favourite way of spending time with the seniors you know? Share it with us in
the comments!
ABOUT iCare Home Health
iCare Home Health is a private boutique home health care agency operating in the
Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington and Milton communities. iCare Home Health is also a
member of the Ontario Home Care Association (OHCA) and provides a wide range of home
health care services including Companion, Personal Support, Nursing and Handyman at
Home services. In support of the iCare philosophy of “Making a Difference” in our
communities, iCare Home Health is active in supporting local hospital fundraising events,
and most recently was actively involved in sponsoring community awareness events in
support of Seniors’ Month.
For more information about iCare Home Health services, please visit
www.icarehomehealth.ca
Know more visit: http://www.icarehomehealth.ca or Call: (905) 491-6941