Stories | - The Vital Beat

Residents play mahjong, a traditional Chinese game.

Lai Yung Choi playing mahjong on the Ming Ai unit at the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre. — Residents play mahjong, a traditional Chinese game.

February 27, 2017

Chinese culture and community enhance residents’ lives

Ming Ai is a special unit for Chinese residents at Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre

Robert N. enjoying the changes to the rehab programs at Villa Caritas.

Robert Nealy smiles during his Thinking and Memory Level 2 program. — Robert N. enjoying the changes to the rehab programs at Villa Caritas.

February 22, 2017

Mental health patients gain strength in mind, body and spirit

Music is medicine - music therapy for residents at St. Marguerite Manor.

February 15, 2017

Music as medicine

New music therapy program boosts the mood and memory of seniors with dementia

The Dons bond: Holy Cross Manor residents, both named Don, are regulars at the Men’s Breakfast Club.

The Dons bond. Holy Cross Manor residents, both named Don, are regulars at the Men’s Breakfast Club. — The Dons bond: Holy Cross Manor residents, both named Don, are regulars at the Men’s Breakfast Club.

February 8, 2017

Men’s Breakfast Club

Recreation program serves up food and fellowship

Meeting dancers from the Russian Ballet, after their production of Romeo and Juliet at the Northern Jubilee Auditorium, was a highlight for Joan McGregor.

Joan at the ballet — Meeting dancers from the Russian Ballet, after their production of Romeo and Juliet at the Northern Jubilee Auditorium, was a highlight for Joan McGregor.

February 6, 2017

Advocate changes outlook and purpose for resident

Students from Beaumont interviewed local seniors, wrote a formal script based on the stories they shared and developed a theatrical piece.

Students from École Secondaire Beaumont Composite High School interviewed residents from Chateau Vitaline, wrote a formal script based on the stories they shared, and developed a theatrical piece for them. — Students from Beaumont interviewed local seniors, wrote a formal script based on the stories they shared and developed a theatrical piece.

February 1, 2017

Students bring seniors’ stories to life onstage

Kevin Hermary hugs his mom Chris Hermary, who lives in a special memory cottage at Villa Marie in Red Deer. It is one of four sites in the country to offer the Butterfly Project.

Kevin Hermany hugs his mom Chris Hermany who lives in the memory cottage at Villa Marie in Red Deer. — Kevin Hermary hugs his mom Chris Hermary, who lives in a special memory cottage at Villa Marie in Red Deer. It is one of four sites in the country to offer the Butterfly Project.

January 30, 2017

A new look and feel for dementia care

The dining room in the dementia cottage at Villa Marie in Red Deer is painted to resemble a diner and drive-in movie. It is all part of the site's new approach to dementia care.

The dining room is painted to resemble a diner and a drive-in movie. Resident Cassie Johnson is ready for lunch. — The dining room in the dementia cottage at Villa Marie in Red Deer is painted to resemble a diner and drive-in movie. It is all part of the site's new approach to dementia care.

January 30, 2017

Transforming dementia care with a can of paint

Fourteen ways to keep your brain healthy

January 25, 2017

Fourteen ways to keep your brain healthy

Tips from Dr. Harry Zirk, Geriatrician at the Grey Nuns Hospital

Carla Genereux, RN and Elder Friendly Care Project Co-ordinator, removes Jim Wenger’s Broda chair lap belt restraint as part of the new least-restraint policy.

Carla Genereux, RN and Elder Friendly Care Project Coordinator, is removing Jim Wenger’s Broda chair lap belt restraint as part of the new least-restraint policy. — Carla Genereux, RN and Elder Friendly Care Project Co-ordinator, removes Jim Wenger’s Broda chair lap belt restraint as part of the new least-restraint policy.

January 23, 2017

Orthopedic team reduces restraint use by 84 per cent