Baycrest

Clowning around brings joy to residents by Caterina L. Valentinto, Caring Clown B ringing a smile to the face of a Baycrest resident is the ultimate reward for volunteer Elaine Lithwick, also known as Sunbeam the Caring Clown. Lithwick is a graduate of the Caring Clown Program at Ryerson University, which trains volunteers age 50 and over in clowning techniques to bring cheer to residents in long-term care homes. "When you see a resident tapping to the music or a finger going up and down, it's very fulfilling," says the retired social worker who volunteers at the Apotex Centre, Jewish Home for the Aged. "I always leave feeling happy that I have left someone smiling." Lynda Del Grande, aka Lulu, Caring Clown is the academic coordinator and course instructor at Ryerson, remembers the first time she encountered a Caring Clown. "My mom was in critical care and not doing well," she explains. "A clown visited and her presence had a powerful impact on all of us." Over time, Del Grande became a volunteer clown in a long-term care facility and came up with the idea for the Ryerson program, which has graduated close to 50 Caring Clowns since 2008. Students learn basic clown skills and gain knowledge about aging and dementia. "Caring Clowns bring a person- centred approach to client care," says Baycrest recreation therapist Karen Grauer. "They lighten the atmosphere and create a fun, humourous and playful environment for residents and staff." For information on Ryerson's Caring Clown Program, contact Lynda Del Grande at ldelgrande@rogers.com or visit: ryerson.ca/ce/caringclown. Visits could preserve thinking skills for older adults with dementia B aycrest scientists and clinicians are teaming up with long-term care homes across Toronto to explore how volunteer visits could help older adults with dementia preserve or improve their thinking abilities. "Recent evidence demonstrates that we can stimulate, maintain and even improve the thinking and memory skills of people with dementia, which can help slow down the disease and have beneficial effects on quality of life," says Dr. Nicole Anderson, a clinical neuropsychologist, senior scientist at Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute and associate professor at the University of Toronto's Psychology and Psychiatry Departments. According to Intellihealth Ontario, more than half of long-term care residents in Ontario have dementia. Impairments to residents' thinking abilities impact their overall health and quality of life. Participants at Baycrest and other homes will receive friendly visits from youth volunteers (aged 18 to 25) for 20-minute sessions, three times a week over three months. Volunteers will chat with residents and engage with them through activities meant to stimulate their thinking abilities. Through this research, practical "kits" could be developed to help long-term care communities with limited resources deliver this unique program. "Youth volunteers who participate will be in the position to cultivate a relationship with residents in long- term care homes and develop an understanding of aging, dementia and personhood," says Janis Sternhill, director of volunteer services. This intergenerational study is supported by the Retired Teachers of Ontario Foundation and retired teachers are conducting pre, post and follow up assessments of the residents. For more information email volunteer@baycrest.org or contact 416-785-2500 ext. 2572. 8 Volunteer plays residents' favorite games. Caring Clowns help improve a client's mood

• Cover