An exhibition at a Richmond community centre is showcasing the artwork of seniors and is raising awareness for Alzheimer's Awareness Month.
The Better Together program, based near the Richmond Olympic Oval, is currently holding a month-long art exhibition at Thompson Community Centre, its first-ever exhibition.
"I feel so good (seeing my artwork)," said Jarina Ahmed, who has been attending Better Together for the past two years.
Ahmed explained she was able to show her work to her family after always talking about her experience at the program, especially her granddaughter, who also likes to draw.
"My grandson, he always says, 'Oh Nanny, you're so good. You're doing so good,'" she said, adding she is enjoying doing activities that she never did when she was younger.
Sally Kong, manager of the Better Together program, said the inaugural exhibition is special because it shines a spotlight on the participants.
"We need to recognize all our participants have led very full, productive lives. And even in old age, we should never forget that folks like to contribute in some way," she explained.
"It's been really amazing to see how excited about the art exhibition our participants have been, just because it's... their way of being in the community again."
Serving older adults with 'highest needs'
Ahmed is one of the 40 participants of the Better Together program, a relatively new program that began just before the COVID-19 pandemic.
She first heard about the Better Together program after her husband passed away, and she has been enjoying the opportunity to get together with program staff and participants.
"Every week... I wait for this day to come here. And when I go home, I feel peace of mind," she said. Her favourite activities are chair exercises and art projects.
"(The program staff) are really nice, helping us. I feel (like) they're my daughters," she added.
Better Together is an integrated program that caters to older adults with mental health issues and cognitive impairments such as dementia.
The program operates four days a week and offers a group setting for older adults to enjoy therapeutic activities to improve their physical, social, emotional and cognitive health.
Apart from chair fitness and art sessions, the program also includes activities such as trivia, news sharing and virtual tours.
Kong explained the goal of the program is not for participants to stay forever.
It aims to help individuals with the "highest needs," such as those who need reminders to attend activities, to build skills and routines that will allow them to move on to other programming and activity options.
For example, the art exhibition serves as a way for participants to connect with the community centre should they wish to check out its catalogue of programming.
To cater to individual needs, the program offers reminder calls at a personalized frequency and works with individuals and caregivers to find a way for them to attend the program comfortably.
Zoe Chen, a recreation therapist who leads Better Together, told the News participants have been able to foster a sense of belonging in the community and stay active. Some have also become more confident."
"I know some of them have some memory issues, but emotion stays with them," she said.
Since the program is a half-day activity, caretakers also get some respite with time to run errands and take care of themselves.
Increasing demand for adult day programs in Richmond
While there are no plans in place to expand the Better Together Program, Kong said there is a growing need for programs catering to older adults in Richmond.
"The population of Richmond is aging very rapidly, and there are folks that are moving into Richmond that are also in the elderly demographic," she explained.
"We do hope that maybe in the future we can meet the needs of the population."
Richmond currently has three adult day programs, all funded by the Ministry of Health through Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH).
Apart from the Better Together program, the Jackson Lam Adult Day Centre at S.U.C.C.E.S.S. helps connect seniors to the community and prevent premature hospitalization and institutionalization.
The Richmond Kinsmen Adult Day Care offers support, therapy and education around meals, health and wellness for elderly, disabled and cognitively impaired adults.
According to VCH, which provides access to the programs, there is currently a two to three-month waiting time for adult day programs in the city.
Referrals for the Jackson Lam and Kinsmen programs are made through VCH home health case managers while Better Together participants are referred by mental health and substance use teams.
To request an assessment for services for a Richmond resident, check out VCH's guidelines.
Better Together's exhibition at Thompson Community Centre can be viewed from 6 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The exhibition will run until Jan. 31.
January is Alzheimer's Awareness Month.
Got an opinion on this story or any others in Richmond? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected].
