News

'Coffee House' becomes the social hub
of PWL Red Deer

January 25th, 2017

What started as a simple offer from a family member has grown to become the social highlight of the week for residents of Points West Living Red Deer. Every Wednesday, residents gather in the 4th Floor living room to visit with each other, share food and music, and even get up dancing. 

Music, coffee and visiting

“The idea actually came from Jenny Beeton’s daughter Jackie,” says recreation coordinator Kendra Joyes. “She offered to come in every Wednesday at 3-o’clock to bring her mom downstairs from memory care, and play the piano for her and other residents while they have coffee and visit in the main dining hall.”

Numbers grow; social opportunities multiply

“The first time we held the event we only had a small group of 6 or 7 people but everyone really enjoyed it,” Kendra continues, “The next week our group almost doubled in size.” It was getting a little too noisy, and people couldn’t hear each other very well, so for week three, Kendra says, “We moved it to the 4th floor where we have another piano, and had around 20 people.”

Ironically, it’s been Jenny Beeton, not her daughter Jackie, on the piano. “By ear; no music book!” says Kendra. And on the third week, resident Eileen English’s daughter came and played the fiddle and sang for everyone.

Friendships growing

Kendra is excited by the friendships she sees growing during these afternoons. “It is great for residents to have this opportunity to socialize with one another and enjoy their neighbours’ talents; there’s dancing, coffee, snacks, visiting, trivia, music and lots of smiles and laughter!”

Photo: Jenny Beeton plays the piano (“By ear; no music book!”), while fellow resident Dorothy Nourse listens and visits over coffee at the impromptu Wednesday afternoon ‘Coffee House’ at PWL Red Deer.

More photos at Flickr: ‘Coffee House’ becomes the social hub of PWL Red Deer