Exhibit challenges perception
of long-term care
Offers unique glimpse of aging from residents
Monday April 21, 2008 -- Camille Jensen
An upcoming photography and text exhibit hopes to dispel myths about aging and long-term care by offering the public a first hand account from residents who are living creative and inspiring lives.

Aging is Living, A New Perspective, by Irene Borins Ash, showcases the best of long-term care through a series of 25 photographs and texts that describe the life changes through a resident’s perspective.

Borins Ash travelled across the province photographing and interviewing residents, and says the exhibit challenges mainstream media conceptions of life in long-term care. 

Zev Selinger is one of the residents featured in the exhibit. As a younger resident, Selinger says he enjoys freedom and support at Lincoln Place.

“I hope this project will change people’s view of aging,” says Borins Ash. “Long-term care homes are not what people think they are, there is another side.” 

Borins Ash says she discovered many creative people living at the homes, who with the help of a supportive environment, were finally able to pursue their dreams.

“Long-term care homes give residents the time and the resources,” explains Borins Ash. “If you live in your own home you are so busy trying to go to doctor’s appointments, cooking – there are so many things you have to do in life and there is no time.”

Borins Ash uses the example of Alan Philp who played the drums as a young man and picked up a pair of drumsticks again after a volunteer at the Community Nursing Home in Pickering gave him a drum set.

“He spent his entire life wanting to play the drums and he finally got the chance at the home,” says Borins Ash.

Other examples include Andrew Roberts, who at the age of 98 first began to write. At 104, the resident from Bethany Lodge in Unionville continues to write daily and has won an award for a poem he wrote on age.

Zev Selinger, 66, is a younger resident who represents another side of long-term care. Selinger has cerebral palsy and moved from a group home to Lincoln Place Nursing Home in Toronto.

Borins Ash says Selinger found the group home isolating and enjoys the community and support he receives at Lincoln Place.

“He has a girlfriend, he goes to movies, shopping, he has a life and the home supports his ability to have a life.”

Gilbert Heffern, director of communications and public affairs of the Ontario Long-Term Care Association (OLTCA), says it’s important for people to see the other side to long-term care. 

“Irene's work will challenge many of the myths and stereotypes of life in long term care,” says Heffern. “The view through the eyes and words of the residents really is a different perspective.”

The exhibit, co-sponsored by the OLTCA, will be on display from May 1 to 15 at the Chang School at Ryerson University. 

Other sponsors include Christie Gardens Apartments & Care Inc., Extendicare Inc., Leisureworld Caregiving Centres, PointClickCare, Responsive Health Management and Revera Long Term Care.

Borins Ash will also be available to present and answer questions about the exhibit, with scheduled dates on May 1 at 2 p.m., May 3 at 11 a.m., May 5 at 5:30 p.m., May 8 at 2:00 p.m. and May 14 at noon. The exhibit part of Contact 2008, Toronto's Annual Photography Festival.

To see Irene’s work or to learn more about the upcoming exhibit, visit www.ireneborinsash.com.