Residents of four long-term care homes in Ontario’s Niagara region recently had the chance to relive their high school days at a special seniors prom. The event, held at Linhaven long-term care home in St. Catharines, brought together residents and Brock University students for an afternoon of fun and nostalgia.
The prom featured classic high school elements such as balloons, music, dancing, and delicious food, but without the typical teenage drama. Heather Wild, the program manager at Linhaven, shared that many residents had never attended their proms before, making this a unique and unforgettable experience for them.
The intergenerational event was a huge success, with more than 60 residents and 25 Brock students in attendance. Emily Poole, a third-year concurrent education student at Brock, expressed her excitement about volunteering at the seniors prom, highlighting the positive energy and amazing turnout.
Residents from three other long-term care homes in the region were also bused to the prom, making it a community-wide celebration. The event was part of the Brock Cares outreach program, where students engage in various community service activities across Niagara.
At the prom, residents dressed up in formal attire, enjoyed sweet treats, and danced the afternoon away. The atmosphere was festive, with residents requesting their favorite songs from the DJ, including special wedding tunes that held personal significance for some attendees.
Wild mentioned that the dance floor was lively, and emotions ran high, with some residents and family members getting teary-eyed during the heartfelt moments. The event was a first-time collaboration between Linhaven and Brock Cares, marking a meaningful milestone for many of the long-term care residents.
Looking ahead, Brock students are set to return to Linhaven for upcoming events like Halloween and Thanksgiving, continuing their partnership with the care home and creating more memorable experiences for the residents.