The cost of renting a property was a concern for Paul Anderson and Mike Marshall when they considered relocating from Regina to Kelowna to attend UBC Okanagan.
“It was looking really bad,” Anderson remarked.
The 25-year-old eventually learned about a local seniors’ home with university dorm rooms from a relative, though.
Anderson stated, “I thought I liked the idea of like the intergenerational mingling. I’ve always gotten along well with senior citizens.
”
The proposal sounded a little odd, but as Marshall outlined it, the old pals were interested.
But after doing it for the previous three months, Marshall thought it was strange that it wasn’t more well-liked. It’s wild; it feels like a blessing.
The Vineyards Residence long-term care facility in Glenmore had some dorm living in the original plans when it was constructed during the epidemic.
Jenelle Hynes, community relations and marketing manager at The Vineyards Residence, stated, “This is something that’s done throughout Europe. I am not aware of any other people who are carrying this out.
The five-story facility’s dorms have room for up to four pupils.
In addition, there are four dorms on the lower level, according to Hynes. “We have 134 flats for our tenants.”
According to the proposed arrangement, students would pay $500 a month in rent in exchange for performing a minimum of 10 hours of volunteer work.
Marshall, also 25, added, “For Paul and me, it’s a dream come true.
It makes it possible for us to attend school, invest in our futures, and give back, which is ideal.
The two participate in the facility’s recreation programme as volunteers.
“Bowling, baking … we made little pumpkin pies a while ago. Marshall stated, “We baked sugar cookies.
“Magnetic darts exist. A lot of exciting things are done by us.
They serve workers and residents in numerous other ways as well.
“They’re doing one-on-ones,” Hynes added. “They might take them on walks or look through a photo album.”
“A new resident in the neighbourhood or one who has moved into the building is one of my favourite things that I always love to assign students to.
Find out their favourite TV shows, the channels they air on, and other information so you can set it up and write it down for them. ”
They even created a men’s club that meets twice a month.
“OK, like where are you from? ” we ask a select selection of the men. What did you do before you came here? What did you do for work? How was family life for you? And just (learn their history) through a conversation,” Marshall said.
The arrangement is giving the student options for employment in addition to volunteering.
They can step in and assist with housekeeping and the kitchen, according to Hynes.
They both have backgrounds in the kitchen, which is fantastic, so that’s been amazing.
While there is room for up to four students, Marshall and Anderson are the only ones currently living in the home as the facility puts the unique model to the test.
These men in no way take the position of our personnel. They assist in providing for our personnel, so although this is good for them, it’s also good for us, added Hynes.
We share their sense of having won the jackpot, I believe.
Two university students from Kelowna who reside and volunteer in a long-term care facility say it is a blessing.
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