Residents at Parkland Place in Melfort can select their favourite treat from the newly implemented treat cart. (Facebook/Saskatchewan Health Authority)

By Angie Rolheiser

Smiles for treats

Staff at long term care facility in Melfort aim to lift spirits with treat cart

Apr 30, 2020 | 1:00 PM

Restrictions at long term care facilities in Saskatchewan due to COVID-19 have led to staff members thinking outside of the box for the residents.

Lori Hinz, the facility administrator at Parkland Place in Melfort, said the no face-to-face family visits also means families cannot drop them off goodies that often brighten residents’ days.

Hinz told northeastNOW the staff at Parkland wanted to do something to lift those spirits.

“We decided we would implement a treat cart and have it model the old ice cream cart idea where it would go around and play music and ring a bell and then residents could choose snacks off of that cart,” Hinz said.

The cart’s items include cheezies, chocolate bars, popcorn twists and drinks. Residents can often also make requests to change up the variety throughout the week. The North Central Health Care Foundation also got on board with the idea and provided confectionery items as well as puzzle books.

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“We just wanted to lighten up the mood of residents once we were told that family could no longer drop off things residents enjoy like treats,” Hinz said.

The cart is decorated with an umbrella to make it look unique and all treats are free of charge.

“Some residents clap and there are lots of smiles when the cart comes around,” Hinz said. “We have been doing smaller activities with them but we are very limited because there are things we can’t share but we are doing our best to keep them as entertained as we can.”

Residents do have access to three tablets so they can chat with family over video and families are also encouraged to visit through the window.

“We are always trying to come up with new ideas in order to keep things as positive for the residents as we can while keeping them safe,” she said.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser