Education/training
Gift of patience an asset in gerontology fieldTina Robeznieks always knew that she had the special gift of patience when it came to the caring of others. Her experiences as a single mother, as well as a main caregiver for her own mother who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, indicated to her that this gift should be put to further use. Sofia Pinellis-Sheikh |
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 [ 2005-08-17 ] |
Former nurse Tina Robeznieks came to Centennial College to study gerontology at night and became an activation co-ordinator at Belmont House with her newfound skills. She is pictured here (left) with nurse Adelina Devera.
Heading to school to achieve a nursing degree was the next step for Robeznieks. Right after graduation, she spent most of her early career caring for the elderly in various long-term care facilities in Toronto. Before she knew it, Robeznieks had landed a favourable position as a nursing assistant at the prestigious Belmont House.
Known as the seniors' home of choice, Robeznieks was sure that this was where she wanted to make her mark.
Not only was she enjoying her fulfilling duties at Belmont House, but Robeznieks was also thankful for all the new relationships she was able to build.
One particular friend -- Irene
Birtaland, a volunteer at Belmont House for more than 15 years -- encouraged Robeznieks to go back to school and pursue gerontology, the study of aging and the challenges facing the elderly.
Robeznieks started her hunt for a school that would be able to cater to her desire of furthering her career, as well as complimenting her nursing background. "My experiences and accomplishments at Belmont House were the reasons behind me gaining enough confidence to return to school," she says.
Centennial College's postgraduate Activation Techniques in Gerontology program seemed to be ideal for her. At the time, Centennial was the only school that offered a post-graduate program for working nurses. Robeznieks quickly found herself immersed in the courses and was set to excel from day one.
Belmont House was eager to congratulate Robeznieks on her newfound expertise by offering her the position of Activation Co-ordinator for more than 60 residents, the majority of them in various stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Robeznieks co-ordinates stimulating activities for her clients -- events such as outdoor picnics, guest speakers and workshops, trips to the theatre and to many of Toronto's various festivals and art shows. The position is hands-on: Robeznieks obtained her bus license to transport the residents around herself!
When she does find time in between events, Robeznieks speaks at various conferences on behalf of Belmont House, sharing her ideas as to what specific activities she finds work best with Alzheimer's patients.
"There in no greater reward than planning a task with the residents and watching each of them follow through and completing it," Robeznieks says. "I feel such fulfilment in my work."
Writing articles for Alzheimer's Care magazine and training newly graduated gerontology students are among the tasks Robeznieks counts beyond her regular duties at Belmont House.
She is a great example of the adage that no matter what stage you may be in your career, there's always room to grow with knowledge. Robeznieks has made remarkable improvements within the home -- not only with the residents but within herself as well.
"If I had one person, place or thing to thank for the advancements in my career, it would be Centennial College."
Fast facts
- Centennial's Activation Techniques in Gerontology is a post-graduate program aimed at working health-care professionals, taught part time during the evening hours.
- The program prepares you for employment in an activation role with the elderly, learning how to assist a multidisciplinary team in achieving optimal physical, mental, social and spiritual functioning in the elderly through individual and group activity programs.
- Part-time students can arrange a field placement in a two-week block.
- This certificate program is taught through Centennial's School of Continuing Education. For more details, visit: http://www.centennialcollege.ca/future/schs_ce_cc_act.jsp.
Sofia Pinellis-Sheikh is a student in Centennial's Online Writing and Information Design program.
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