HMB440 Students Call The O'Neill Centre!

We are excited to announce that University of Toronto students taking the course HMB440 (Dementia) have been matched with residents at The O’Neill Centre for Long-Term Care for Companion Calls! In the month of February, 13 calls between HMB440 students and residents were facilitated. Students will continue with their placements at the home for the rest of the semester and can hopefully meet with their new friend in-person once it is safe. HMB440, a course taught by Dr. Franco Taverna, offers a unique community placement at a long-term care home where students can meet with an elderly resident. SAGE executive members who took HMB440 last year had to stop attending their placements when the pandemic began and, unfortunately, remote options were not available at the time. It was clear that residents in long-term care would be subject to isolation, making SAGE members determined to offer safe social programs to alleviate this concern. Through Companion Calls, residents can interact with students, reminisce about their most cherished memories, and make new friends. We thank HMB440 students for keeping the elderly community connected and for putting a smile on the faces of residents with each call!