There are some special Kitchen Witches at Esterhazy Centennial Special Care home that make October a spooktacular month for residents and other staff at the home.
For the last number of years, Dietary department staff have decorated the home for the month of October, and added a special Halloween-themed visitor as well.
For the past three years, the staff have adopted a “skeleton on a shelf.” This rather thin character can be found daily in a new hiding spot, wearing a new costume, and residents are encouraged to be the first to find him.
On Halloween, staff and residents review the places where he’s hidden throughout the month, and the person to have found him first the most often receives a prize.
The pandemic could have gotten in the way of the fun this year, had the staff not thought ahead. They brought in all of the costumes for the skeleton a week in advance to follow COVID-19 guidelines for the home, and they often ensure the skeleton is wearing a mask, just to be safe.
“We are very fortunate to have such wonderful staff who go out of their way to have fun with our residents,” said Tammy Wolfe, Health Services Manager for the Saskatchewan Health Authority in Esterhazy. “Our residents love the skeleton, and our staff love our residents, so it’s just a great time for everyone.”