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10
Jul
17
Theatre show hits right button with resident
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Theatre show hits right button with resident Featured

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Irene Firlotte has been looking for her smile since she moved to a nursing home in 2016.

Almost one year later, she found it.

Waiting patiently in an activity room on June 20, Irene came to life during a performance by the Thousand Islands Playhouse.

“It was interesting,” said the 91-year-old about the play, Daisy Amazed Me. “When I lived in Kingston, we used to go to the playhouse in Gananoque. I loved it.”

Sitting in her room a few days later, Irene admits the performance has been the highlight of her stay at Helen Henderson Care Centre.

“I’d rather be home,” she says with a small smile when asked what she likes about the accredited home located in the heart of Amherstview. “I can’t say I like it (here), personally. I’d rather be home.”

Known for its excellent programs and beautiful gardens, in addition to 24-hour medical care, the home calls the response from Irene a breakthrough.


“Irene does not attend a lot of programs, but she came down and loved the play,” confirms Donna Joudoin, Activity Director. “She even told us she used to attend the shows at the playhouse. She was thrilled to watch another performance. It was an amazing transformation.”

“It was really interesting,” Irene says when asked to describe the play. “Three girls and three boys played all of the instruments.”

Speaking from her house in Kingston, Susan Hytonen is Irene’s closest relative. It is clear she cares deeply about her mother’s health and happiness.

“It’s been a long time since I have since her that animated,” says Susan, gratefully. “It’s nice to see when something hits the right button.”

Helen Henderson Care Centre would like to thank the Thousand Islands Playhouse for helping Irene Firlotte find her smile. We hope to see it more often.

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