Nursing home residents yearn for families

- WCR photo by Bill Glen Sister Norma Johnson with Capital Care Grandview resident Terri MacPherson.

By BILL GLEN
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

Once the Christmas festivities at Capital Care Grandview wind down, Terri MacPherson returns to her room and thinks about the centrepiece of the season - being with her family.

MacPherson has lived in the southside care centre for 21 years.

"When Santa and the reindeer are gone, I can sit and think of going to my daughter's for a good turkey dinner," she said. "There is lots of love and attention from my granddaughters."

Yet, for a variety of reasons, more than 100 residents are unable to go anywhere at Christmas, says Sister Norma Johnson.

For them, she will be on hand Christmas Day offering Communion to any Catholic who requests it.

"For those who stay, we will have a large Christmas meal," said Johnson, pastoral care coordinator at Grandview.

"We have sub-acute patients who come from different hospitals following surgery. They won't be going home."

In recent weeks, the centre has held several entertaining events, including a performance by the policemen's band.

Every year, the centre holds a pageant in the auditorium for residents and their families, complete with music and singing by the staff choir. Stories are told about the birth of Jesus.

Last year, Gerald Weisberger put baby Jesus in his manger.

"I was happy to do that," he said.

Weisgerber has lived in Grandview for six years following a stroke. He is one of 10 siblings. For him, Christmas was always a large occasion.

"When my brother comes to visit me at Christmas, it's part of the big celebration we used to have. This is my home away from home."

Many activities

The residents are treated to many different activities, Johnson said.

"There is a lot for them," she continued. "There is a wonderful spirit with the staff, whether it's with administration or housekeeping. They really do go the extra mile."

The spiritual aspect is the most important part of Christmas for Alexandra Moroziuk. She loves being with her family, but it is also important to remember why Christmas is celebrated.

"It's all because of Jesus that we celebrate Christmas. It's important that we remember," she said.

Moroziuk is going to her son's place for Christmas dinner.

"I think family is important - especially children," she said.

Grandview has been home for Doreen Hill the last five years. When she can, she attends Mass at St. Joseph's College at the U of A. "I like to go to church. I also read my missal at home," she said.

Son returns home

One of her three sons lives in B.C. Her face brightened when she said he comes home for Christmas every year.

"We say Grace before dinner. We light a Christmas candle. I've done that for years."

Every Sunday morning, Grandview holds a Catholic service with another worship service later in the afternoon.

Having people of different faiths celebrating Christmas together is a nice experience, Moroziuk said.

"It is God's house and that means anybody can come. It's always open," she said. "Sister Norma is so caring and so easy to talk to."

Johnson says the pleasure is all hers.

"It's a privilege to be able to share in the lives of the residents because of the loneliness and the need. We must realize their contributions to society, to our province and to what we enjoy today. To be with them in their golden years is a real gift from God," she said.

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