YORKTON — The Yorkton District Nursing Home is fostering a sense of community for its residents through its bi-monthly Farmer's Market events.
The events offer an accessible way for seniors to enjoy food, fun and family.
Karen Delong, recreation supervisor at YDNH, said the initiative is designed to bring a vibrant, communal atmosphere to residents while welcoming visitors from outside the facility.
"Every second month we host what we call 'Farmer's Market,'" said Delong in an interview with 蘑菇视频短视频.ca
"We have 220 residents, so we're trying to make it feel like they're part of the community. They can come out today from wherever they live in this facility—which is huge—and come to the downtown area and enjoy a barbecue," added Delong.
The event provides an accessible way for residents—many of whom use walkers or wheelchairs—to enjoy a meal without the logistical challenges of leaving the facility.
"To go out for a barbecue or out for a meal can be very difficult for them if they have a walker or wheelchair. So this is just easy access," said Delong.
Families of residents are encouraged to attend and join their loved ones in the festivities.
"We're encouraging families to come and bring their people down and enjoy," said Delong, "it is open to the public."
The next Farmer's Market is scheduled for July and will take place in the parking lot, with expanded attractions more reminiscent of a fair.
"That will be our big one. We have a big one in the parking lot," said Delong said, adding that the event will feature animals, vintage cars and music.
The goal of the Farmer’s Market events extends beyond the nursing home walls.
"We really want the community to know that we are here. We have a food court here open every single day and it's wheelchair friendly," said Delong
"Anybody can come. This is community," added Delong.
She emphasized that despite residing in the nursing home, seniors still want to feel integrated within the broader Yorkton area.
"We host these events in the hopes that others will come and people will just pop in and enjoy the barbecue and the farmer's market," said Delong, "I'm just excited to get it out there to the community."
The efforts of YDNH staff and volunteers ensure that residents not only enjoy the event but eagerly anticipate future ones.
"They absolutely love it," said Delong, adding, "if their friends and family come along with—that's just a bonus. It makes it that much more enjoyable for them."
Delong credited the success of these gatherings to the volunteers who help make them possible, with about 20 regulars assisting with events.
"They're excellent," said Delong.
