This summer, 28 students considering careers in health care and social services gave four weeks of their time to residents at Donald Berman Maimonides Geriatric Centre and Donald Berman Jewish Eldercare. They learned about older adults—and came away learning about themselves at the same time.
“The program often shows students a side of themselves they didn’t know they had,” says Lisa Patterson, Coordinator of the MISSIVE program and manager of volunteers. “There’s a lot of instant gratification, because students see the big difference a small gesture can make in the day and life of a resident.”
The MISSIVE (Maimonides Intensive Summer Session Volunteering Experience) program began in 1985 and, since then, it has been helping shed light on the realities of health care and social services of residents in long-term care. Students begin each day attending a lecture from health care professionals in different fields, ranging from nursing to occupational therapy, recreation to infection control. Over the course of the summer, they generally spend time in two or three different departments, providing hands-on help to staff and residents.
For Alexandru Tica, the experience confirmed to him that he was on the right path in choosing to pursue studies in health sciences. “My favourite part of the program was talking to the residents and seeing that, like everyone else, they need human warmth and connection.”
“Part of the connection was figuring out what I could talk to them about, and how I could contribute to their day,” says Mr. Tica, who begins CEGEP in the fall.
“It helped make me more autonomous and confident in myself.”
Alexandru Tica, volunteer
As a testament to its impact, several people who volunteered in the program over the years went on to build careers in the facilities of the Santé Québec West-Central Montreal Health and Social Services University Network. One is Stephanie Kapusta-Schipper. She started MISSIVE more than 40 years ago when, as a student, she was looking for a volunteering opportunity. Today, she’s a social worker at Jewish Eldercare.
“It’s extremely heartwarming to know the program continues all these years later,” says Ms. Kapusta-Schipper, adding that she believes the program is even more valuable today than when it began. At a time of computer use in learning, the program helps build human connections. “Eventually, you have to connect with real people. For that, this program is invaluable,” she says.
Ying Wang has been a Licensed Practical Nurse at Maimonides for nearly 20 years. She got her start in the MISSIVE program, enrolling at age 36 shortly after arriving in Canada from China.
“The program was eye-opening and beyond my expectations because it gave me such a clear picture of what health care was like here,” she says.
“By the time I finished the program, I had the confidence to know I would be able to become a nurse in Canada.”
Ying Wang, Licensed Practical Nurse
To this day, Ms. Wang says she carries life lessons shared with her by a 95-year-old resident whom she cared for as a MISSIVE participant. “When I began the program, I knew I would be giving to residents, but I didn’t realize how much I would be given in return. For me, I feel like I gained more than I gave.”
Stories like these can be a source of inspiration to the current crop of students, who volunteer three days a week.
Simona Strbova, an undergraduate science student at McGill University, says being part of MISSIVE helped improve her bedside manner. “I see how important it is to be a good and patient listener; to take the time to understand what my resident is asking for and how to make them more comfortable. This program has given me an appreciation for holistic health care.”
Lilia Zouiten, a health sciences student at Vanier College, says the program made her more understanding toward older adults. “I feel like the elderly are not talked about much and tend to be overlooked.”
Ms. Kapusta-Schipper admits the program can challenge participants, but their involvement can make a real difference. Their tasks include helping set up recreation equipment, guiding residents through physiotherapy exercises and accompanying residents on organized outings around the city. Students also help residents eat meals, participate in adapted sports and get to and from the on-site dental clinic.
“You’re outside of your comfort zone and you don’t know what to expect, but giving your time and energy is really very precious, and kids don’t realize the impact they can have until they actually engage themselves in this kind of environment.”
Ms. Patterson says that with the generous support of the Donald Berman Jewish Eldercare Foundation and the Donald Berman Maimonides Foundation, plans are underway to extend next year’s MISSIVE program to seven weeks. It’s free and open to students over 17 years of age who are curious, friendly, patient and exploring any kind of career in health care, and who want to make a difference in somebody’s life. For more information about the program, contact Ms. Patterson at Lisa.Patterson.chsldjuif@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
