Babcock Community Care Centre News – March 11, 2024

Cam Denomme visited and entertained residents with his musical program while playing guitar. He graciously accepted requests from residents and sang many of their favourite songs. A few of the residents were up dancing as well. Everyone enjoyed his visit. Remy the Golden Retriever came to visit everyone today along with his owner Sybil. Residents waited patiently for their turn to pet Remy and talk to his owner about his care. Photos were taken with him and will be displayed at the upcoming photo reminiscing activity. Residents are hoping he and his owner will return for another visit.

Bingo was held three times during the week with several lucky winners. Donations are greatly appreciated and add to the fun of Bingo playing. Checkers, Hoya cards, Connect 4, Duck races, Bean bag toss and Snowman toss was just a few of the games played throughout the week. Other residents watched a movie called “Riverdance”. The tea social was well attended. Residents really enjoyed having the butterscotch pudding cookies they had made earlier, along with other varieties. The Keurig coffee selection is also a favourite.

The magic train ride had residents travelling to the third smallest country in the world called Monaco. They viewed the most spectacular tour throughout the city from their arm chairs and were totally amazed at the oceanic graphic museum displays of all the marine life. Physiotherapy was given several times during the week from the Physiotherapist who visits from the local hospital. The Nu-Step cross trainers are always busy with residents exercising during their daily routine. They are able to watch the various species of birds, squirrels and rabbits as they wander through the patio area. The leaping frog game was a blast. The hockey table was set up with the pool noodles lining it. They had some great players and frog gummies were handed out to everyone.

The Star Bucks Copy Cat Social had residents preparing ahead of time for their customers within the home. They created their own version of the coffee along with macaroons for the event. Alan and his wife did the Dulce de Leche coffee, Doreen was in charge of the custard, J.D sprinkled the coconut on the assembled macaroon like bases. Gord did the cups for caramel macchiato iced coffee, John made over 2 pitchers of coffee with the new ice shaver recently purchased. Sharron was in charge of crushing the ice. In the evening John was in charge of the many selections and everyone was instructed to choose what they preferred. The macaroons were very popular with residents and anyone not able to attend the make shift Starbucks were served in their rooms with a rolling cart of treats and coffees.

One-on-one visits are always popular with residents. They can play games on the iPads provided with help, contact their family members on the Internet or friends, or just sit and visit. The walking program is patiently waiting for some warmer weather so they can venture outside around the village streets with supervision. The St Patrick Day Green Social will be held on March 17th in the Activity area. Window decorations along with Leprechauns all around the building will be showing up soon. The March monthly birthday party was held with Randy Grey providing the entertainment. Birthday wishes are sent to Doreen Getty and Linda White. Birthday cake, ice cream and refreshments were served at the party.

Babcock Community Care Centre News – March 1, 2024

Residents who enjoy playing cards gathered for a Euchre tournament in the activity area. Everyone had a good time. The Drum fit program had a great turnout. Residents used the drum sticks provided to keep beat with the music playing in the background. It was fun and provided great exercise for the participants. Residents appreciate their one-on-one visits.

Manicures, hand massages and foot care are administered on a regular basis. The Nu-Step cross trainers are used daily by those residents wanting to improve on their overall strength and health. The walking program also benefits residents with their mobility and as the weather improves it is great to be outdoors in the sunshine. The Physiotherapist from the local hospital visits regularly each week to provide physiotherapy treatment as needed for residents.

The Goldies entertained residents with their musical program. Everyone enjoyed their visit. Bingo was held three times during the week with several lucky winners. Family members and visitors joined in the fun. Thank you to everyone that donated extra cash to the Bingo games. The Family Feud game was a great hit with everyone. There were two teams, one called the “Bell Ringers” and the other was “The O’Hara Team.” The Bell Ringers ended up with the highest score with the other team only 3 points behind. Team leaders were Frances Bell and J.D O’Hara.

Music therapy with Jess is enjoyed by residents. Crystal St. Denis provided musical entertainment and residents enjoyed her visit. Family Day had several visitors. The pirate treasure hunt kept everyone busy as well as they gathered to find the hidden bags of treasure that held a variety of items, including money. Cards with common pirate phrases were inside the bags and with the assistance of family, friends and staff, each resident found a bag of treasure. The pirate crafts made previously were displayed on their walkers, clothing, and wheelchairs as they searched.

Balloon Toss is another fun activity residents like to play. Table hockey proved challenging with 3 tables set up using pool noodles to secure the puck. Wii bowling is another fun game where residents show off their bowling skills. The Java Music club met in the activity area and the theme was all about winter. Residents requested Tim Horton’s doughnuts for their next social gathering and milkshakes. Bev Close headed to the local Tims to pick up the doughnuts.

Residents had a social hour in the activity area while they coloured pictures for the Vatican board located in the hallway. Each resident signed their creation. Residents participated in word find, while others had their choice of looking through a large variety of magazines. Storyteller, Wanda Hazelwood and her helpers, visited and depicted a bible story on a flannel graph while guitar, violin and mandolin music played in the background. Everyone enjoyed their visit.

The activity department is assisting a few residents interested in writing poems using the topic “kindness.” The Family Council held their regular meeting in the activity area. All family members are encouraged to attend if they have any concerns or comments as to any changes they feel would benefit their loved ones. The March calendar is ready and looks like it is going to be a very busy month. You can download it off our website at babcockonline.com. Spring is just around the corner!

Babcock Community Care Centre News – February 26, 2024

The monthly birthday party was held for residents celebrating their special day in February. Randy Grey provided the entertainment at the party. Everyone enjoyed birthday cake and ice cream. Birthday wishes are given to Donald Earhart, Buffy Carroll, Bill Hanenburg and Geoff Ewing.

The Super Bowl fans gathered around the large screen television to cheer on their favourite team. Nachos and cheese, salsa and potato chips with a variety of dips were enjoyed during the game.

Valentine’s Day was a fun day at the home. Residents and staff received special valentines, bags of chocolate were passed out to everyone and the King and Queen of Hearts was announced. Residents, family members and staff have been casting votes daily up until the final day when all the votes were counted to see who had the most. Special hearts and other decorations were placed around the home adding to the party. Several residents worked very hard at stringing together hearts of lace using ribbon. Ron Garrison was crowned King of Hearts and Stella Grochocinska was crowned the Queen of Hearts. Congratulations!

Chinese New Year’s was celebrated with a delicious Chinese dinner prepared by the Dietary Department. Family day had lots of family and friends visiting and some joined in playing Big Buck Bingo. Bingo is very popular with several residents and it was scheduled three more times during the week with many lucky winners. Thank you to anyone who contributed extra money during the games. Viking Chess, Euchre, Hoya Cards, Connect 4, Charades, Trivia and a variety of media games keep residents very active and busy. Group exercises and using the Nu-Step cross trainers along with other exercise equipment gives residents a chance to improve on their overall strength and health.

Residents of the Catholic faith attended Communion held in the activity area. The Magic Train Ride this month featured a wall display showing the Vatican City, Rome. It included a walking tour through the city showing museums and other points of interest. The Vatican library houses over 1.6 million books, as well as 75000 manuscripts.

Pirate day was another fun activity program. Pirate eye patches were made for the activity and a treasure hunt was part of the fun. Name tags were made up for each resident with their pirate name. Everyone had a great time. The animal painting craft had residents painting wooden animals such as cats, owls, penguins, butterflies and porcupines. Everyone was given the choice of what animal they wanted to paint, as well as the colour.

The tuck shop cart loaded with a variety of treats and other items was moved around the halls for the convenience of the residents. Residents appreciate their one-on-one visits, where it is all about them. They enjoy hand massages, writing cards, or just visiting. Babcock Community Care welcomes Berdena Postman as their newest resident.

Babcock Community Care Centre News – January 26, 2024

During December and January we certainly have had a mixture of crazy, unpredictable weather. I know everyone is anxiously waiting for warm spring weather to arrive. December proved to be a very busy month for residents with lots of entertainment, great foods and visits from family and friends.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived on Christmas morning to pass out the huge bag of gifts for everyone to enjoy. Christmas music playing in the background set the mood for the day. Everyone enjoyed the traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Several residents watched a Christmas movie while others participated in word puzzles and Christmas puns. Christmas bobble-heads raced while residents cheered on their favourites.

Residents enjoyed playing media games such as bean bags, tic tac toss, lawn darts, hoya cards, snakes and ladders and Bingo. Gingerbread cookies purchased from the bakery in Thamesville had residents adding their own personal touch to each cookie. Butter cream, chocolate, sprinkles, or cream cheese were some of their choices. Of course they had to sample their creations when they were all completed.

Randy Grey entertained residents at the monthly birthday party. He had the place rocking. Everyone had a great day. Birthday wishes are extended to Richard Bliskis and Alan Gooding who celebrate their special day in January. Birthday cake and refreshments were served. Residents had fun creating an Oreo Christmas tree centrepiece. They then passed out the treat with various fillings to residents who love Oreos.

Drumfit had several residents in attendance. After the program everyone enjoyed a treat from the snack cart. Craft day had residents decorating ornaments, and was a big hit with everyone. Each resident received one to decorate and keep. The Java Music Club held their regular meeting in the Activity area. Each resident chose a song they liked to sing and shared their thoughts with others about topics of their choice. Bingo was held three times during the week with several lucky winners.

Residents thoroughly enjoyed the Magic Train Ride to the Principality of Sealand, the smallest country in the world. The video was very educational and they especially enjoyed watching the helicopter rides and boat rides to the final destination. The craft for the week had residents making a variety of cards to give to a few of the special people in their lives. They created birthday cards, cards to cheer you up, and special greeting cards. Residents appreciate their one-on-one visits.

Adam, our co-op student was recognized on his last day at the home. Everyone clapped for him telling him what a great helper he was. He finished off his day by calling the Bingo for the many players.

Residents really liked the variety of shortbreads served to everyone. Mary Lou DePelsmaeker and her helpers gave communion to residents of the Catholic faith. Mary Wootton played a variety of tunes from the sixties for everyone. The party chips, along with a variety of dips, were very popular with everyone. Pumpernickel bread topped off the treat. New Year’s Eve was a great celebration with horns, noisemakers and lots of special foods to eat. Residents continue to exercise on the Nu-Step cross trainers in the activity area.

Flu season is upon us once again. If you are not feeling well or are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please change your visit to another day when you are well. Face time visits are also available. Residents are looking forward to the upcoming Elegant Dinner event. They are hoping for the date preferably in early March when the flu season has slowed down. Deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the late David Ellis, Ken Ellison and Helen Johnson. Babcock Community Care welcomes Linda White, Stella Grochocinska and Ron Garrison as their newest residents.

Babcock Community Care Centre News – December 18, 2023

Residents were excited to go on the bus tour and experience the dazzling drive through the display of the “Magic of Lights” located at the Ska Nah Doht Conservation area. Special thanks to the volunteers and staff that have assisted during the trips. The weather has co-operated nicely and so far two separate bus loads of residents have enjoyed the beautiful display. Residents gathered in the activity room to create their very own Christmas ornaments for their own use to enjoy or give to a friend or family member. They had samples to look at as they worked away at their ornaments.

The mock evacuation by the fire department was cancelled due to another emergency and will be set up at a later date. Bingo was held several times during the week with a lot of very lucky winners. A large group of residents played “Bullseye.” Media pictures were displayed on the floor and they used pool noodles to interact with the reflections at their feet. Everyone had a great time as well as a good exercise program. The men’s club gathered and caught up on the daily local news. They also participated in a challenging game of table hockey. Some family members decided to join in on the fun. Treats and refreshments were served to everyone.

Reverend Deb Dolbear-VanBilsen held worship services for those residents wanting to attend. Mary Lou DePelsmaeker gave rosary to residents of the Catholic faith. A social time followed. Everyone enjoyed the entertainment program performed by Crystal St. Denis. The Java music club met in the activity area. Their topic for the meeting was “Learning and Growing.” Two family members joined the session and everyone enjoyed a variety of Keurig coffee, along with some special treats. Mary Wootton played a variety of Christmas tunes much to everyone’s enjoyment. The “word surf board” was set up in the large dining area so everyone could join in on the fun. The guessing game involved anyone who just happened to be passing by as well.

Jeremy Smith entertained residents with his musical program. He had the crowd really involved with his country and Christmas songs. The 12 days of Christmas giveaway prize draws for staff were made. One lucky staff member’s name will be drawn each day for the next 12 days and will receive a different gift each day. Each of the 12 days residents and staff are asked to wear a specific outfit relevant to the upcoming holiday celebrations. This coming week staff members will be treated to a Chinese food dinner along with a variety of cheesecakes.

Hoya cards are always popular with everyone. Jeopardy is also a favourite game played by residents and is always mind stimulating. On movie night “Christmas in Connecticut” was viewed by residents. Popcorn and refreshments were served during the showing. Wanda the storyteller and friends visited and depicted the story of Jesus being born by flannel graph. Residents already have had a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus to make sure they are being nice. They all passed with flying colours! Residents had pictures taken with the Claus family and really enjoyed their visit. Thank you to Nina and Ron Swackhammer for your visit.

The tuck shop cart was set up for residents wanting to purchase any items they may require. Everyone looks forward to the mail delivery each day during this time of the year. Christmas cards are still a popular item with families and friends.  Drumfit class was set up in the large dining area to accommodate everyone. Residents requested they have Drumfit and Christmas carols. The Nu-Step cross trainers are very busy in the activity area with residents using them to get in their daily exercise routine. Group exercise programs are always busy. One on one visits are always appreciated by residents as well as hand massages.

Birthday wishes are sent out to Jimmy Every, Norman Fenn, Ann George and Wilfred Driver who are all celebrating their special day in the month of December. The monthly birthday party was held on December 14th with Randy Grey providing the entertainment. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary wishes are given to Wilfred and Donna Driver on December 17th. If you are not feeling well or experiencing flu like symptoms please postpone your visit here. Deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the late Belmira Machado. Babcock Community Care welcomes Maria Oliveria as their newest resident.

Babcock Community Care Centre News – November 30, 2023

Residents enjoyed the Friday night entertainment program provided by Joe Horvath. Table hockey players formed teams of two and switched off and on during the fast paced game, so that everyone had a turn. The residents and staff worked at decorating the home for Christmas. The tree is up and decorated and residents wanting to decorate their rooms and personal space were grateful for the help.

Bingo was played three times during the week with a great game of Big Buck Bingo. Congratulations to the winners. Remi, the pet therapy dog, was a big hit with everyone. Several pictures were taken and you could see the huge smiles on resident faces when he approached them. They can hardly wait for his next visit.

Seven residents participated in a game called word surf. The magnetic dart board is a great hit even for residents who do not wish to leave their rooms to play. The board is taken to them on wheels and they are given a specific coloured dart showing what team they are on. They have 4 throws. The red team scored 4030 points while the yellow team had 3850 points. It was a very close game with great players. Drumfit is another fun activity everyone enjoys playing.

Sharon from the Activity department and Adam, our co-op student, worked on setting up a list of phrases in the hallway in Portuguese. We find this helps everyone communicate with our residents who speak Portuguese. Catholic communion was given to residents of the Catholic faith and visitation followed with refreshments. The tuck cart is a favourite with residents and they can use their Bingo winnings to purchase items they want or need.

Otis the St. Bernard dog visited with his owner and residents noticed how gentle he was with everyone. Bev Close, along with a few residents, turned the activity area into a small bakery and the aroma of fresh baked bread and cinnamon buns filled the hallways. Everyone enjoyed the treat. Music connections had a great crowd. They joined in singing many favourite Christmas carols. Mary Wootton held worship services for those residents wanting to attend. They were served Christmas treats after the service and everyone had a fun time. Cam Denomme entertained residents with his musical program and Christmas tunes were at the top of the list. The nu-step cross trainers were busy with residents exercising as they checked out the patio area and watched the birds flying around.

During theme Bingo a butterfly wall was created. There was 4 prize bags and Christmas lights were lit up. The display table had a white Christmas moose and a 4 foot Christmas doll wearing a green dress that belonged to Ida. One on one visits are appreciated by residents. Residents are looking forward to the Magic lights tour scheduled for Friday. They will board a bus and head over to the conservation area near Melbourne.

Residents enjoy having their hand massages and foot care treatments. The Physiotherapist from Four Counties Health Services visited several times during the week and provided physiotherapy treatments for residents. Eli, a young boy, along with his family visited today with his cat, Pumpkin.

The magazine order arrived and a variety of magazines were handed out to residents. The Java Music Club gathered in the activity area. The topics they chose were fall time and making amends. They had a very good meeting with lots of sharing. Butterfly trivia had a good group who were interested in learning about butterflies. Prizes were given for correct answers.

The outdoor Christmas decorations are in place and residents, families, and visitors have been commenting on how pretty they are. Word puzzles are always a favourite with many. Movie night was about a story of love in the war and called “the Boy.” Mary Lou DePelsmaeker gave communion to residents of the Catholic faith. A social time followed where Mary Wootton played Christmas tunes and everyone participated in a sing song. Christmas blessing was another movie watched by several residents. Residents have been enjoying shortbread cookies and Christmas cake from Parks.

Babcock Community Care Centre News – November 16, 2023

The monthly birthday party was held for residents celebrating their birthdays in November. Best wishes are extended to Lois Cornwall and Karen Leitch. Randy Grey provided the entertainment at the party and everyone enjoyed cake, ice cream and refreshments. Residents along with staff, volunteers and family members travelled to the Chatham Wal-Mart to start their Christmas shopping early and pick up a few items they themselves wanted to purchase. Each resident was accompanied by a helper and was able to shop at their leisure. Everyone came together at the McDonalds for lunch.

The Remembrance Day ceremony was officiated with members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 583 from Newbury. Residents later watched the ceremony from Ottawa on the television. The Drumfit activity had residents using the musical equipment provided and everyone had a great time beating the huge balls with the drumsticks. Bingo was held three times during the week with several lucky winners. Congratulations and thanks to Ida Russell for donating cash to the Bingo.

Residents appreciated the varieties of hot chocolate in the afternoon topped with marshmallows. A small group of residents gathered for a game of Hoya cards. Others played a game of witch hat ring toss.  The Faith Haven choir visited and sang many beautiful favourite hymns. They also brought along many preschool children which were such a delight to visit with.

Halloween was great fun for everyone as residents sat at the entrance passing out candy bags to approximately 50 kids.  Thanks to Adam, our co-op student, for assisting during the celebration. Residents and staff had a great day dressing up in a variety of costumes during the afternoon events.   

The men’s club gathered in the activity area and discussions about whatever came to mind happened. They told jokes, one being “why was the skeleton afraid to cross the road” and the answer was “No Guts.” They read items of their choice from the coffee time news paper. They also voted on the theme for the upcoming night bingo.

Residents once again travelled from their armchairs for the 82 hour train/truck adventure across Australia. They were shown animal and scenery views from a drone in the sky and learned a great deal about Australia. Next month they will learn about Portugal. We have 2 residents from Portugal and some residents would like to be taught a few words in the Portuguese language.

Residents appreciate having the Tuck Cart visit their rooms for any purchases they wanted to make.  They also enjoy one-on-one visits. The Christmas decorations are starting to appear inside and outside the home as volunteers, residents, activity staff and maintenance begin to place the many lights and decorations in their specific places.

Mary Lou DePelsmaeker visited and offered Rosary to residents of the Catholic faith. The memorial service was held on November 7th to celebrate the lives of Fitzroy Clarke, Margaret Therrien, Ruby Klassen, Helen Cuthbert, Vera Taplin, Clara Aulis, and Phyliss Munro. Families and friends attended the ceremony. Frances Bell was the banker for the Monopoly game and a small group had a great time playing the popular game. The Java Music club gathered in the activity area where each resident shared a great story taken from their younger years. Snacks and refreshments were served. David Skipper offered communion to residents of the Catholic faith.

The new generator has been set in place and will be hooked up by Union Gas this week. This will be a great asset during the hydro outages we have been experiencing. The Nu-Step cross trainers are always busy with residents completing their daily exercise routines. Physiotherapy is scheduled several times a week for those residents requiring the treatments. Residents are looking forward to the bus trips to the upcoming Magic of Lights display on Longwoods road at the conservation area.

Babcock Community Care Centre News – November 9, 2023

The wine and cheese party set up in the main dining area was enjoyed by residents, staff, families and friends. They were delighted with the variety of cheese, salami, pepperoni, crackers and refreshments served to everyone. The buffet table looked amazing. Residents Council, followed by the Food Committee, held their regular meetings and expressed how much they appreciated the decorations both inside and outside the home for the various occasions. They mentioned how lucky they were to have a home like this to reside at, plenty to eat, always something to do if you choose to do so, caring staff and a lovely, clean home. Further discussions included what was happening in the upcoming month of November and what special foods they preferred to have if available.

Bingo was played three times over the past week with several lucky winners. Thank you to Joe Aulis for his cash donation to the Bingo. A table was set up in the activity area so residents could shop for some of their most wanted items. One resident purchased a children’s book for his soon to be born grand baby. The Wild West movie and ultimate cowboy trivia proved very challenging for residents participating. They formed two teams, but the men’s team seemed to know more about cowboys than the ladies group. Residents had fun setting up a wall display on their selected country, Australia. Suggestions for the display included snakes, kangaroos, recreation, foods, and the population of the country itself.

The Nu-Step cross trainers were very busy with residents using them to do their daily exercises. Physiotherapy was given 3 times during the week by the Physiotherapist from the local hospital. Residents gathered for movie night and enjoyed the movie starring the Adams family. The Java music club gathered in the activity area and their theme for the meeting was Autumn. Each person was given a chance to share one of their favourite stories with everyone.

The famous Monopoly game is becoming a favourite for a small group of residents. Lois Cornwall was the Banker and Maria Baptista definitely had shopping skills and ended up the winner of the game. Don Earhart and Alan Gooding acquired a lot of wealth as well! Everyone is looking forward to another game in November.

Halloween was the topic for last week’s activities. Costumes were being decided for residents and staff joined in as well. Everyone was looking forward to the 6 pm to 8 pm time period where all the fun work of bagging up a variety of candies for the children will pay off. Everyone was excited to see the children dressed in their favourite characters for Halloween. If you have been visiting the home lately you will have noticed the pumpkins lining the entryway. Residents had a great time decorating the pumpkins. During the craft activity cats both large and small, was made and will decorate the windows across from the table holding all the candy bags.  A Halloween party was held during the day with Jeremy Smith providing the entertainment.  Mary Wooton had everyone singing along when she played some old time favourite songs. Another group of residents joined in a challenging game of Hoya cards.

Don and Bonnie Cook entertained residents with their stroll down memory lane with several favourite songs. Everyone had a great afternoon. During the magazine search 15 different ideas for crafts were found and residents are looking forward to making some of them. Joel Horvath entertained residents with his musical program. Everyone enjoyed his visit. One on one visits are always appreciated by residents. The cosmetic bag has been restocked just in time for the upcoming celebrations and Christmas. A great updated variety of lipstick colours, nail polishes and creams make everyone feel great. Connect 4, checkers and tic tac toe were offered to those residents wanting to play. Residents and their family members participated in a game of charades. Viking chess had residents tossing bean bags. Others watched a show called Roman holiday. 

Please take a moment on November 11th to remember all the men and women who have served our country in times of war, and conflict and peace. Wear a poppy!