Darcy Jong became a dedicated 2SLGBTQIA+ ally after attending an education workshop identifying common fears elders may experience when being placed into long-term care homes and belong to the 2SLGBTQIA+ Rainbow Community.
In her role as a recreation therapist at David Lloyd Jones long-term care home, Darcy is responsible for completing assessments that gather valuable information about elders, including their past and present hobbies and interests, community supports, passions and culture. Gathering this information and working collaboratively with the elder guides her decision-making in creating their care plans. Care plans support the individual’s holistic needs and empower them to live and experience the best quality of life possible in a long-term care setting.
"I can’t recall the actual number of recreation assessments I have completed since my career began in 1991," says Darcy. "I can recall, however, the very small number of elders who felt comfortable sharing with me that they were part of the Rainbow Community. Knowing an elder’s true self allows us to honour, support and care for them the best way we can."
Creating a safe and welcome space in long-term care
For Kelowna Pride Week, Darcy hosted a Pride Day at David Lloyd Jones (DLJ). This was the fourth year that Darcy hosted a Pride Day at her workplace. Her purpose is to spark conversations that foster staff, volunteers, elders, and their loved ones to feel safe and welcome.
The DLJ Pride event was extra special this year with performances from Okanagan's famous Two-Spirt Drag Queen Ella Lamoureux, and Drag King, also known as Laura Mckenzie, a nursing assistant at DLJ.
The response to the event was so positive that staff came in on their day off and others invited their young family members. Together, elders, staff, volunteers and family danced, celebrated, and laughed with open hearts and smiling faces.
“Being at DLJ for their Pride event was beautiful," says Ella. "Seeing all the warm and smiling faces was truly a heart-warming moment. Definitely one of my best Pride moments ever!! Thank you for inviting me!”
When I first started working here, and heard we actually host a Pride Day, I thought WOW! I felt safe, warm & fuzzy! I couldn’t believe it.
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