Retreat offers residents and staff chance to see each other differently

Something special happens when residents and team members leave the everyday routines of home behind and spend a few days together out in nature.

They sing and dance, watch movies, fish, share meals and stories around the campfire. They try new things and rediscover old favourites. They even bunk together in shared sleeping quarters. And along the way, they often get to see a completely different side of one another.

That’s part of what makes peopleCare’s annual resident retreat, fondly known as “Camp peopleCare,” such a meaningful tradition and a great example of how we’re transforming experiences for both residents and staff through emotion-based care.

Emotion-based care builds on peopleCare’s person-centred approach by focusing on how people feel, nurturing connection, honouring life stories and creating meaningful moments every day.

“Camp peopleCare really is emotion-based care brought to life,” says Stella Annan, Executive Director at Hilltop and senior lead for the annual retreat. “When residents and team members step outside their normal routines and spend this kind of time together, they get to see different sides of one another. We learn more about who people are, what brings them joy and what matters to them. Those are the things we can take back home with us.”

For Jane, attending for the first time meant plenty of music, dancing and a chance to satisfy her curiousity. “I love all the people here and the fun we’re having,” she said. “I’m enjoying the singing and I like to dance. I also want to try something new while I’m here, like fishing.”

There was plenty of bopping and swaying from fellow AR Goudie resident Billy Boy too.

“My favourite experience so far is pretty much everything,” he said. “Did you see me at the karaoke? I was dancing up a storm.” Next on his list was the evening campfire, something he recalled enjoying in the past.

There’s research behind some of this Camp magic, too. Studies have found that spending time in nature can support older adults’ well-being, social connection and quality of life. It can also bring back memories of past experiences, places and people, helping older adults maintain an important sense of identity and connection to who they are.

Sometimes the connections are unexpected and organic says AR Goudie Director of Programs Tonya Claydon. “Camp peopleCare is such a unique opportunity for staff and residents to bond. Whether it’s through structured activities or the residents showing you a side of themself you didn’t know existed, you end up feeling just grateful to be a part of it,” she shares. “One of the residents this year brought his camera equipment and became the unofficial trip photographer – which created a connection with a team member from another home who also does photography. Those natural connections exist, and this gives us a chance to foster them.”

Hilltop resident Cheryl had thought about attending last year but wasn’t quite sure what to expect. This year, she asked PSW Diana to come with her and took the opportunity to put her feet in the water for the first time in many, many years. Sitting lakeside in Algonquin chairs the pair were clearly embracing the Camp experience. “We’re loving it,” Diana said.

Not every meaningful Camp moment involves trying something new. Margaret was perfectly content to spend time sitting and knitting. First-time camper Lonnie enjoyed the campfire, although he joked he wished he’d brought some beer.

Every year, residents set the itinerary, with the freedom to spend their time doing what they enjoy most. Team members are there to help make those experiences possible and sharing them together creates some pretty special memories.

“Being at Camp is amazing because you get to see residents in a new environment enjoying the fresh air. You meet new staff and residents from other peopleCare communities that you’d never get to work with or care for if not for this amazing experience,” says Lucas Hepditch, Behavioural Support PSW at Hilltop Manor LTC. “Seeing residents sitting by the campfire, singing songs and telling stories about their past just warms your heart. I love Camp because it gives us the chance to get out of the daily routine. I’ve made friends with staff and residents from previous years, and getting to see them each year at Camp is something I look forward to.”

This year, approximately 72 residents came to Camp, with some staying overnight and others coming up for the day from peopleCare homes in Tavistock, Delhi, Hilltop and AR Goudie. More than 100 team members joined them over the four-day retreat.

Creating an experience like the retreat takes a tremendous amount of planning and teamwork. Behind all the activities is a team working to make sure residents can enjoy the experience safely and with all the support they need. That support extends to many of peopleCare’s partners too. For example, Sysco once again donated the food and equipment for Camp, while ProResp helped with oxygen and related supplies and CareRx Pharmacy supported medication and treatment needs on site.

“From the photos and videos, it can all look effortless, but there is an incredible amount of work happening behind the scenes,” says Stella. “Our team puts so much thought and care into every detail, from creating a fun experience to making sure residents are safe and well supported. It really is a team effort, and I’m so proud of what we create for our residents year after year.”

Eventually, everyone packs up and heads home. But the stories shared, the things they’ve learned about one another and the connections they’ve made come home too, along with a deeper understanding that becomes part of how residents and team members connect every day.

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Transforming experiences through emotion-based care