The Golden Age Social saw young and old come together for refreshments, entertainment and to connect with friends Wednesday afternoon at the Civic Centre.
This event was organized and sponsored by the CNC healthcare assistant program in collaboration with the Prince George Council of Seniors and the City of Prince George.
Jocelyn Bergeron, CNC healthcare assistant program coordinator and instructor, said she saw it on Facebook that the Prince George Council of Seniors couldn’t find hosts for the Golden Age Socials.
“We were given the opportunity to put forward a proposal to obtain some grant money,” Bergeron said. “I thought there’s no better way to showcase how CNC gives back to the community and it also allows the students to come and host such an amazing event where they actually achieve several learning objectives. They learned team work, collaboration and communication with the seniors – some of the students have never set foot in a seniors care facility so this could be their first interaction with potential clients.”
Once the students graduate from the healthcare assistant program they will work in the community and at long term care facilities. Their duties will include chores like basic cleaning and laundry and personal care.
One student said she always thought about going into the program but there was a downside for her that kept stopping her.
“I was worried about the emotional side of it,” Shaylene Glaicar, CNC healthcare assistant program student, said.
But a family member set her straight.
“My auntie said to me that it isn’t about you, it’s about them in their last moments and that changed my entire perspective,” Glaicar said. “You’re just giving back. It’s not about me - it’s about them in their last days, weeks, months or years and what I can do to help them through it.”
During the event the students welcomed, chatted with and served a luncheon to seniors in attendance while the Sweet Adeline’s Prince George chapter provided musical entertainment.
"It's about getting together with friends and enjoying yourself, listening to music and having a nice luncheon," Cris MacDonald, a guest at the social event, said.
"It's just nice to get out and say hello to everyone and see all their happy faces."
