A unique Olympic experience for residents at Extendicare Columbia Forest

It has been an Olympics to remember for residents at Extendicare Columbia Forest, who have been experiencing the Paris Games in a unique way, from the comfort of their long-term care home in Waterloo.

With the help of a little paper cut-out figure they call Flatt Jack, and the magic of social media, residents have seen Olympic competitions, up close. Photos of Flatt Jack at events such as rowing and volleyball, and the Eiffel Tower

“I have never been to Europe or the Olympics, and I loved seeing Flatt Jack travel the world,” said Theresa, a resident at Columbia Forest. “I really enjoyed it. It was fun!”

Shaylene, a Recreation Aide at the home, had plans to travel to Paris for the Olympics and wanted to share this once-in-a-lifetime adventure with residents and team members back home in Waterloo.

Prior to her departure, the Recreation Team at Extendicare Columbia Forest came up with the idea for Flatt Jack, a play on the popular children’s book series, Flat Stanley.

“We wanted to show our Canadian spirit,” said Shaylene. “We realized ‘Flatt Jack’ also sounds like the word ‘flap jack’, another word for ‘pancakes’ - so it was perfect. We drew him holding a stack of pancakes and maple syrup!”

Olympic connection and social media experience for residents

While abroad, Shaylene sent photos to Shalagh, the home's Recreation Manager, who would post the images online, and print them to post on a board at the home for residents to enjoy without a device. It became a daily highlight for many, offering a glimpse into the Olympics through Shaylene’s lens.

“It was nice to have the pictures on the wall for people to see and to help them remember what Flatt Jack has done at the Olympics,” said Laurenda, a resident at Columbia Forest.

For some residents it was a chance to learn about social media as they were also able to interact and participate in photos holding up signs that asked Flatt Jack questions such as, “have you seen the Olympic rings?”. Flatt Jack would respond and post photos from requested locations. post photos from requested locations.

“Flatt Jack was a way that I could take the residents with me on this Olympic journey,” explained Shaylene. “It was great to be able to share this with the residents. A lot of them were very excited for me to be able to do this and go on this trip and have this adventure so I was eager to keep them feeling connected.”

“It's great because some people don't have a way to watch the Olympics, but we were connected through Flatt Jack and able to see them in a different way than ever before,” says Jamie, President of the Residents’ Council at Columbia Forest, who was singing French songs and cheering on Flatt Jack throughout the adventure.

“Flatt Jack helped bring residents together and be social while looking at the photos from the trip,” said Shaylene. “It was one of the coolest experiences ever to attend the Olympics. I am a huge sports lover and to see the best in the world compete was incredible.”

Shaylene also met many people from around the world and in addition to letting them know about Flatt Jack, she also shared special Canada pins that had were created by Shalagh’s father who, before he passed away, was known as the “Pin Man” in the Waterloo region.

“Each of his pins had a stamp on the back that said, ‘Made in Canada’,” explained Shalagh. “I found the pins at home and knew that sending them with Flatt Jack would be the best way to share them. Sort of like sharing our little bit of Waterloo Region with the rest of the world. Several of the residents here also have these pins.”

Return to Canada

While residents enjoyed Shaylene’s trip through Flatt Jack, they were happy to have her return home.

“I am proud of Shaylene for going to such an event – the stadiums and places she has been seem amazing,” said Marg, a resident at Columbia Forest. “But as exciting as it was, I missed having her here.”

For Shaylene, this Olympic journey with Flatt Jack has left a lasting impression.

“I learned how inspiring it is to have that human connection with others even far from home,” she explained.

As for Flatt Jack, it is hoped that his future travels will be shared with the home and beyond, while residents and team members at Extendicare Columbia Forest continue to celebrate the Games and reflect on the lasting memories of this golden Olympic experience.