Antonina Di Lisi was born in Sicily in 1931 and arrived in Canada by ship in 1951. As a young woman, she settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba, living with her aunt and uncle, who had immigrated to Canada a few years earlier. Eventually, Antonina married Peter, started a family and moved to Toronto eight years later.
Having raised their family, Antonina and her husband were enjoying their grandchildren and family, as many seniors do. However, Peter noticed that she was having some memory issues, such as forgetting where she had put things, or whether she had added salt to the food or not.
Peter passed away in October 2016, and Antonina moved in with her daughter Josie Badali. She started attending COSTI’s CBAO Seniors Day Program more than a year ago. “We had a caregiver at home right after my mom moved in with me, but she didn’t like that situation. She was very bored,” says Josie.
“The caregiver didn’t drive, so they didn’t do very much. She was sitting at home all day and wasn’t stimulated enough. It just was not working for her. Now she comes to the centre four or five times a week, from 10 am to 4 pm. We have breakfast together every morning, she gets ready, and I drop her off on my way to work.
“I chose this program because she needed social stimulation, and the CBAO Seniors Day Program offers lots of activities for seniors, like baking, cooking, crafting, games, exercises and live music. It’s also because of the Italian component. She’s very fluent in English, and I think it is good for her to speak English because it keeps her mind going, but keeping the Italian is important too,” comments Josie.
“I am very happy and I have friends!” says Antonina with a big smile on her face. Josie explains, “One of the many benefits is that it has given my mother a purpose, something to look forward to.”
“Every morning, she gets up, takes a shower, and does her hair. She has somewhere to go and looks forward to socializing. She’s much happier and calmer. It’s been very beneficial for her and she enjoys it very much. She is always mingling and talking with the other ladies and gentlemen. Her favourite activities are cooking, baking, dancing and exercising. She is very healthy and fit, and I think she enjoys moving around more and having some extra physical activity. The live music concerts are also among her favourite things – and mine too! I try to attend every time program staff invite us, because it is so much fun and I always find my mom dancing with her friends.
“This program has been a godsend for us. It is such a blessing. My mom enjoys it very much, and the staff, they are kind and gentle. When my mom comes here, as soon as she walks through the door, everyone is so positive and inviting. It is invaluable!”
This article was featured in the commemorative evening program of Una Serata in Calabria.