Meet the LivingWell Team
Jordyn Echlin, a registered kinesiologist, has been the LivingWell manager at Delmanor Glen Abbey for the past two years.
While attending university, she completed a co-op at the Oakville Trafalgar Hospital in the cardiac rehab program and at Schlegel Villages, a retirement community in Etobicoke. Jordyn loved being able to affect real change in a vulnerable population and having the opportunity to give back to people who needed the most help.
As a result, shortly after graduating from Guelph Humber University, she accepted the joint role of LivingWell Coordinator and LivingWell Coach at Delmanor Glen Abbey. She excelled in her role and, within a year, was promoted to LivingWell Manager.
Jordyn’s passion for her role is infectious,
“I love so many things about my role. I really do. But I most love interacting with the residents. They just make my day.”
Jordyn does not run the LivingWell program alone. Every Thursday, a LivingWell Coach is on-site to lead programs and complete one-on-one exercises with residents. That role is filled by Joan, a retired physiotherapist with experience working in long-term care.
The team also includes a LivingWell Coordinator, a role currently filled by Liz, who works closely alongside Jordyn to monitor how residents are experiencing the program day to day. Together, Jordyn and Liz are known around the community as a dynamic duo.
A group of dedicated volunteers rounds out the team, supporting programs and one-on-one time with residents throughout the week.
What Fitness Classes are Offered Through the LivingWell Program at Delmanor Glen Abbey?
Delmanor Glen Abbey offers a variety of fitness classes Monday through Saturday. The programs offered are all about choice, variety, and “trying something new.” Some of the programs offered include:
- Virtual exercise classes that run twice daily, which residents can access on their TV from their suite
- Fall prevention classes and advanced pump it up are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays
- On Tuesdays, there is chair yoga, which focuses on stretching and breathwork
- Bi-weekly tai chi classes on Saturdays (NEW!)
- A standing exercise class as well as a seated exercise class are offered on Thursdays. As well as a balance program in the afternoon
- Cardio classes are available on Fridays and Saturdays
- Walking programs to encourage being outside as much as possible in the summer
- Outdoor bocce ball and mini golf
- A fully equipped gym
What options are available for residents with limited mobility?
As Jordyn says,
“Any program can be adapted to be accessible to someone with limited mobility. I’m always looking for ways to adapt programs and make things more accessible.”
Some specific ways she has done this:
- Exploring arm ergometers, which are great for wheelchair users or anyone with heart and lung issues who don’t have great circulation
- Using long-handled trowels and raised garden beds in the gardening group, to allow for sitting and reduced bending
- Vision Loss Group, a support group that meets once a month, with presentations organized through CNIB (the Canadian National Institute for the Blind), along with activities such as learning to use e-readers
What Brain Health or Cognitive Programs are Offered Through the LivingWell Program at Delmanor Glen Abbey
There are many opportunities for learning and growth at Delmanor Glen Abbey. A few examples of programs aimed to promote brain health and cognitive function are:
- Monthly trivia game, with constantly changing topics
- Jeopardy
- Brain games on Mondays
- Life-long learning lectures. Topics include stroke awareness, preventing heat exhaustion, and the history of Oakville
- Coffee and conversation every Monday in the pub
What Creative Arts Programs are Available Through the LivingWell Program at Delmanor Glen Abbey
Delmanor Glen Abbey offers a wide variety of creative arts programs, such as:
- Alternate bi-monthly with acrylic and watercolour painting class
- Live music every Monday evening
- Monthly crafting classes
- Held the Glen Abbey Exposition last year to showcase works of art by Glen Abbey residents
- Support local artists by attending gallery shows, museums, and musical performances
What Regular Day Trips or Outings are Offered at Delmanor Glen Abbey
Delmanor Glen Abbey offers many regular and specialized day trips and outings. The LivingWell team is always receptive to resident suggestions and will adapt the calendar as much as possible to accommodate residents’ requests.
What Delmanor Glen Abbey offers:
- Every Monday morning, there is a trip to the Sobey’s plaza nearby. This includes an RBC, CIBC, pet store, beer store, pharmacy, Tim Hortons, and McDonald’s
- Shoppers Drug Mart trip on Wednesday mornings
- Trips to Oakville Place, Burlington Mall, Winners, Home Sense, Walmart, LCBO, Dollarama, and Superstore
- Monthly trips to Mohawk Casino
The LivingWell team is always trying to incorporate new and fun seasonal activities. For example, this month, residents will have the opportunity to attend a Cabaret Show at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre, and a pontoon boat cruise along the 16-Mile River is scheduled for July.
How Does the LivingWell Team Ensure That Every Resident Feels Included?
For the LivingWell team, communication is key. When a resident moves into the community, a member of the LivingWell team will reach out to them within the first few days. They will ask the resident what their interests are and what their goals are for retirement living. The LivingWell team will also teach them how to read the program calendar, how to stay organized with daily updates, and how to sign up for bus trips.
“We try to find out what the resident is interested in and invite them to that activity. For example, if we know that someone really likes art class or painting, we have a list, and we call those people to come when the program is on.”
Learn More About Retirement Living at Delmanor Glen Abbey
To find out more about Delmanor Glen Abbey, you can visit the website.
Delmanor Glen Abbey also offers a lunch and tour for seniors and their families to experience the Delmanor difference for themselves.
