Babcock Community Care Centre

Residents worked very hard during their craft days to create a variety of Christmas gifts. They then handed out each gift made to every resident and staff member. Everyone appreciated the gifts and their thoughtfulness over the holidays. Residents had a great time decorating the large ginger bread cookies purchased from Union Bakery. They certainly did not last very long as everyone could not resist the wonderful gingerbread aroma.

Mexican Train is a new game and several residents participated. The poke-a-tree game was lots of fun as Bev Close had filled each one with Christmas treats. Breakfast time during Christmas morning had Bev and Sharron all dressed up as Elves. They greeted everyone as they made their way to the dining area for a great breakfast prepared by the Dietary staff. When breakfast was over, staff helped the activity department while they handed out all the Christmas gifts to each resident.

The Big Buck Bingo is always a hit at Christmas. A prize table was set up with a variety of jewellery items and other prizes. The mail strike did not stop our residents from sending mail around the building. Kay suggested the plan to set up a mailbox, red flag and all. This was such a great idea as the mail carried on throughout the building. The game called “What If” was lots of fun. There were many great stories shared in the group.

Dan Davidson entertained residents with many of their favourite Christmas carols. Family members joined in the singing as well as residents. Everyone enjoyed the tiny bags of treats handed out to them. The Physiotherapist from our Four Counties Health Services visited and provided physiotherapy services to residents as needed. The Nu-Step cross trainers are always busy with residents trying to improve their overall health. Another new game called “stop the bus” was great fun for everyone.

The Catholic residents gathered for Communion in the activity area. Fruit cups and chats had residents socializing while they sampled a variety of fresh fruits. Everyone commented on how delicious the fruit was. Don and Bonnie Cook entertained residents during the New Year’s Party. Everyone had on their party hats and at count down the noisemakers could be heard around the building. Happy New Year!  The year 2025 is going to be a very interesting and exciting year as the new facility begins to develop. Sparkling juice in wine bottles was served along with party treats. A small group of residents gathered for a game of Hoya cards. Music Connections entertained residents with their musical program of Christmas tunes. Bingo was held three times during the week with many lucky winners.

Christmas at Babcock Community Care has been a very busy time for management, staff and residents. The new building project is progressing ahead as the weather permits. We are all watching and excited to have a beautiful new larger facility to help meet the long-term care needs of the community and surrounding areas.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at the home more than once in December. Gary and Dorothy Douglas dressed up in their bright red outfits and arrived on December 11th. Residents who wanted their pictures taken with them as a keepsake posed beside the beautifully-decorated Christmas tree. On December 19th Ron Pierce and his family entertained residents with a Christmas musical program. Mr. and Mrs. Claus made another surprise visit. Residents once again had their pictures taken with Santa and you could feel the joy of Christmas in the air.

Wanda and friends visited and Wanda depicted the Christmas story by flannel graph while music played in the background. Crystal St. Denis and her two daughters visited and sang many old-time favourite Christmas songs. Tony Nothers played the accordion and gave a commentary on the songs he was playing. Everyone joined in singing Christmas music. Catholic Communion was given by Shelley Coad to residents of the Catholic faith. Sunday afternoon residents, visitors, staff and family members were offered beautifully-decorated cupcakes as a Christmas treat. The hot chocolate party was a huge success. Everyone really enjoyed the variety of toppings added to the drink. Short Bread cookies were served as well. Residents had a fun time during the Christmas craft session. The end results were amazing.

Bingo was held three times during the week with several lucky winners. Big Buck Bingo is always a favourite. Christmas trivia and bean bag toss were well attended. Large, homemade gingerbread cookies were purchased from Union Bakery. Residents had a great time decorating the cookies. Mary Lou DePelsmaeker gave Rosary service to residents of the Catholic faith. Snacks and refreshments were served after the service. Remy and Sybil visited during pet therapy.

Staff enjoyed their Subway luncheon provided by the Management as a special treat over the Christmas period. Staff working Christmas day also appreciated their yearly Christmas dinner with residents. The Amish youth group visited and provided a wonderful musical program. Residents always look forward to their visit. The Heartbeats exercise group gathered for a time of singing and dancing and exercising to some fast-paced music. Everyone had a great time. Birthday cake and ice cream were served for the month of December at the monthly birthday party. Birthday greetings are extended to Jimmy Every, Norman Fenn, Ann George and Wilfred Driver. The Smile foundation handed out a special card to each resident and read aloud the beautiful sentiments to each person. The caring sentiments were from teachers and their students of all ages. Residents posted the beautiful cards in their rooms afterwards.

The dining area was decorated beautifully for Christmas and each dining table was set up with battery run decorated candles of various sizes. Isabel arrived and demonstrated Christmas belly dancing during her visit. Wedding Anniversary wishes are extended to Wilfred and Donna Driver. The New Year’s party has been planned with Dan and Bonnie Cook providing the entertainment. The Bakers club have been cooking up a storm with a variety of cookies and treats for everyone. One-on-one visits are always appreciated by residents.

Everyone really had a great time watching the Port Stanley Christmas train ride virtual tour. They did a walking tour at Frankenmuth and viewed 8 other rides in Switzerland. The photo tour was great as they watched the last 4 months of photos taken during activities at Babcock Community Care. Reverend Deb Dolbear-Van Bilsen offered church services to those residents wanting to attend. Johnny Borton from Listowel travelled to entertain residents with a variety of rock and roll and Christmas music.

Music Connections with Jess had residents singing lots of Christmas music. The Men’s club gathered in the activity area, as well as the Women’s club members, and really enjoyed a treat of fresh maple syrup with pancakes. The Goldies, Larry and Cathy, entertained and brought the Christmas spirit with jokes and singing Christmas carols. Hoya Cards has a large group in attendance. Residents always enjoy the musical program provided by Randy Grey.

Deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the late Ida Russell and Bertha Postman. Babcock Community Care welcomes Anita Kendall and Bessie Pinsonneault as their newest residents. We wish everyone a healthy, happy New Year in 2025!

Please click here for the January 2025 Activity Calendar

Babcock Community Care is preparing for the upcoming Christmas celebrations. Staff and Management are very busy. Construction has begun on the building lot located across from the existing nursing home, with a variety of equipment starting to level the lot for the future build.

Residents are assisting activity staff as the Christmas decorations and trees are carefully set up within the building. The postal strike has hindered the card writing program so residents were asked to choose the cards of their choice to personally give to their family and friends. Randy Grey entertained residents at the November birthday party, all decked out in his tuxedo style suit and black patent shoes. Residents requested he sing many of their favourite songs.

David Skipper gave communion to residents of the Catholic faith. Hot chocolate and Walker’s shortbread cookies and other refreshments were enjoyed. Several residents boarded the bus and headed to the dress rehearsal of “Hotbed Hotel” at the Thamesville United Church. The Crossroads Community Players performed in the play. There was lots of laughter and everyone had a great time. The resident chefs gathered in the activity area to whip up their annual gum drop cake.

Music therapy with Bethany Mendonca was held during the week with several in attendance. Mary Lou DePelsmaeker gave communion to residents of the Catholic faith. Everyone participated in Trivia afterwards, while enjoying shortbread cookies and gum drop cake. The women’s club gathered for their requested “breakfast for dinner” meal of egg and French toast with maple syrup. The candy cane art program was a great hit where everyone made a couple of candy cane ornaments to hand out at Christmas. Residents placed their initials on the ornament.

Bingo was held three times during the week with several lucky winners. Residents had a great time when Crystal St. Denis visited and entertained everyone with her musical program. Residents enjoyed the Christmas virtual light tour called “Night of a Million Lights.” They showed beautiful, brilliant Christmas coloured lights while music played in the background. One-on-one visits are appreciated by residents. The tuck shop was set up in the activity area and residents had fun shopping for items they wanted. The Bingo winnings sure come in handy. The mobile tuck cart was taken around to the resident’s bedroom afterwards in case someone was missed.

The Drumfit activity was well attended. The Mocktail party was a huge success. Residents and family members were given a choice of Blueberry crush slushie, pineapple, or pineapple pear drinks. A social hour followed. The resident council and food committee gathered and a discussion followed about all the upcoming December events and special meals. The Christmas tree cupcakes have been ordered for the social on Sunday December 22nd. The gingerbread cookie decorating is scheduled for Monday, December 23rd.

Music Connections with Jess Dickie had the residents divided into two separate groups. They sang several of their favourite Christmas carols. Jeremy Smith entertained residents. They enjoyed his musical program. The Babcock Octapals program is great for residents with hand dexterity issues. This helps strengthen their hands. Christmas music was playing in the background as they followed the routine. The Nu-Step cross trainers are very busy with residents exercising and physiotherapy is given as needed.
The old McDonalds had a farm game was loads of fun. Prizes were given, as well as special treats. The difficult part was they had to wear a blindfold to guess what the animals were by touch. Residents played several games during the week. They included hoya cards, Connect Four, Wheel of Words, word puzzles, shuffleboard, ladder ball and the bubble heads game.

The wine and cheese party was a huge success. There was a variety of cheese, crackers, meats and fruit platters. The non-alcoholic sparkling wines were enjoyed by everyone. Babcock Community Care Centre welcomes Lois Woolner as their newest resident. Deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the late Barbara Driscoll.

A staff presentation for years of service was held on October 23^rd. Congratulations to the following staff members: Brenda Degelois, Kennedy Gould, Eva Willson, Ashley MacDougall and Tina Den Besten for 5 years of dedication and caring, Patsy Morrell-Peters, Christine Farrell and Misty Martin for 10 years, Stacy Fysh for 15 years, Mary Wootton, Carolyn Jewhurst, Brenda Doub and Barb Patton for 20 years, Tracy Swackhammer, Diane Cole-McGill for 25 years and Bev Close for 40 years. A delicious Chinese dinner was enjoyed by everyone along with several draw prizes. Gift certificates were given and each staff member was presented with 2 dozen beautiful roses and a framed certificate showing their years of service at Babcock Community Care Centre. It has been a very difficult three years for everyone working in Long-Term Care as the Covid virus surfaced. Your hard work and dedication to the residents of this home is very much appreciated by everyone.  

Residents, staff and volunteers boarded the bus heading to the Chatham Walmart for a fun day of shopping. They all gathered for lunch at the McDonald’s restaurant. Halloween had many trick or treaters arrive and each one was given a special candy bag during the evening. Residents had a great time during the afternoon in house party and had a fun time dressing up for the celebration. Joel Horvath provided entertainment before the party, dressed as Dracula. Residents had worked very hard preparing all the candy bags earlier in the week for the expected Halloween crowd. Randy Grey, dressed as the Grinch, provided keyboard music during the party. Pumpkin cheesecake was a great hit with everyone.  Poke a pumpkin was lots of fun when each resident was given a chance to win whatever was inside. Witch ring toss was a challenging game and each resident received a treat when the game was finished.

Bingo was held three times during the week with many lucky winners. Thank you to everyone that donated extra cash to make the Bingo wins more exciting. The Drumfit program had a large crowd. Everyone had a great time beating away on their drums trying to keep time to the music playing in the background. One-on-one visits are always appreciated by residents. Residents played many different games this month; Viking Chess, Duck Races, Connect Four, Monopoly, checkers, Tic-Tac-Toe, Snakes and Ladders, word puzzles, Wheel of Words and Hoya Cards.

Pizza and Wing night is always popular. The Tea Social was held in the activity area with great conversation and social time. Sharron handed out the month’s magazine choices. Residents are always happy to receive their local papers and mail. They appreciate the Activity staff taking time to read the articles from the papers. The Nu-Step cross-trainers are very busy in the Activity area with residents exercising. Outdoor walks are scheduled as the weather permits. Cam Denomme visited and entertained residents with his guitar music while singing many old time favourite songs. Everyone enjoyed his visit.

Shelley Coad visited and gave communion to residents of the Catholic faith. Movie time had several residents watching a favourite called “More Than Puppy Love”. Treats and refreshments were served during the viewing. Residents are thinking about Christmas when it comes to their making a special candy cane charm that will be gifted at Christmas.

The Legion Remembrance Day service will be held on November 7^th at 10 am.  On November 11^th residents will be watching the ceremony on the television to acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who have served their country. Later in the day the monthly birthday party is scheduled with Randy Grey providing the entertainment. Residents celebrating their birthdays in November include Stella Grochocinska, Karen Leitch and Norman Courts. The Christmas Light tours will soon be starting. Everyone looks forward to travelling around the local communities to view all the beautiful Christmas light displays.

The Fall Fair program had residents and a few family members in attendance. The activity area was decorated in autumn colours with pumpkins, scarecrows and other bright fall colours. They played pumpkin and tic-tac-toe games and had a quick game of ring toss. Bev Close prepared slushies for everyone and they enjoyed a treat of sliced apples and caramel dip.

The Socrates Cafe group gathered and read stories from the news. They discussed the local newspaper news, as everyone likes to know what is happening in their small towns or villages where they resided previously. Craft time had residents painting one of their favourite shaped wooden ornaments. They included butterflies, unicorns, rainbows, cactus, sunshine, alien ships, sailboats, mermaids and a crown. Once all dried, they placed their art work in their rooms.

Movie time is always popular. Everyone watched one of their favourite movies, “Casper.” Cheesies, corn twists and root beer refreshments were served. The Drumfit program had a great turnout. Everyone appreciates the music and tried their best to keep up the beat as it played in the background. The sing-song held in the activity area had everyone moving and grooving and singing along. Bingo was held three times during the week with several lucky winners. Big Buck Bingo was scheduled at Thanksgiving. Thanks to everyone that donated extra cash to the Bingo, adding more to everyone’s fun. Residents always appreciate their one-on-one visits. The Connect 4 game is very popular with everyone.

The home was decorated for Thanksgiving and residents enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner for the occasion. At the Thanksgiving social everyone was treated to apple crisp with ice cream. Residents are enjoying their outdoor strolls while the weather is so nice. They ventured by the newly-built children’s playground.  Hoya Cards had a great turnout of card players. “Every Child Matters” was acknowledged on September 30^th with residents, staff and some visitors wearing orange in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.  

Residents really enjoyed the entertainment provided by Don and Bonnie Cook.  The Faith Haven Choir visited and entertained residents with their hymn singing and beautiful voices. The Men’s Club held their meeting and played some Euchre. They requested pizza naan flat bread, along with cut up veggies and dips. Everyone likes to see the tuck cart rolling down the hallways so they may purchase the special items they prefer. The Women’s club met with a very small group in attendance. They preferred to watch a movie after their meal. Mary Wootton played some good old time music for the residents.

Music Connections with Jess and Bethany was held in the activity area Friday morning. The pumpkins decorated by the residents are lining the walkway in preparation for Halloween. The Candy bag treats will be filled on Thursday by a large group of residents in preparation for the October 31^st trick or treaters. The special presentation to staff for years of service will be held on October 23^rd. Watch for it in next week’s news.

Residents, staff and family members had an exciting time during the Zoo2You visit to our Home. There were several animal species available to view and if residents were brave enough, they could hold and touch them. The five-foot kangaroo was a great hit, as well as the chinchilla, the softest animal in the world, 2 guinea pigs, a large bunny, a bearded dragon, snakes from three to five feet long, and two goats called Patches and Dolly. Residents had to hide their newspapers as some of the animals tried to eat them. Residents also had their photos taken with the animal of their choosing. It was an amazing visit.

Birthday wishes for residents celebrating their birthdays in October go out Esther Giroux, Barbara Driscoll, Frances Bell, Nancy McEachren, Brenda Allen, Maria Oliveira and Sandra Rivard. Randy Grey provided the musical program for the party and everyone enjoyed cake and ice-cream. Residents are preparing for Halloween celebrations at the end of the month, with the arrival of trick or treaters. They always have a great time organizing the huge bags of candy for the upcoming October 31^st handouts. There will be special entertainment during the day for their own party celebration, complete with costumes. Halloween decorating is always a fun time and everyone will decorate a pumpkin to set outside.

Residents gathered in the TV room area to watch a movie they had chosen. Treats and refreshments were served during the showing. Drumfit had several residents participating in the activity area. The program was great exercise. There is a new class called Babcock Pals. It targets residents who do not like to participate in programs where there are large groups. Jess from Music Connections had lots of residents attending during her music program. Bingo was held three times during the week with several lucky winners. A small group of residents gathered for a game of Hoya Cards. Word puzzles had a list of back to school items. Residents always enjoy a sing song. David Skipper gave communion to residents of the Catholic faith. Social hour followed.

Residents boarded the bus for their shopping trip to Walmart. Staff and volunteers assisted them during their shopping and everyone gathered at Mcdonalds for lunch. Sybil and Remy the dog visited everyone during pet therapy. The Book Club met and appreciated listening to Frances Bell read some short novels.  Mary Wootton acted as DJ and everyone enjoyed listening to her selection of oldies. The Food Committee and Residents Council gathered for their regular meeting. Plans were discussed regarding the upcoming events and what food items they would like to have. Residents commented on how the wine and cheese party recently was the best one yet. There was lots of laughter and the food items were delicious.

Jeremy Smith provided a musical program for everyone. He took song requests and you could see lots of toe taping and movement during the songs. Lisa donated flowers and containers to make several beautiful bouquets. Several ladies made bouquets for their fellow residents and placed them in their rooms. They looked amazing. Special thanks to Lisa. The tuck cart made its rounds to each resident’s room where they were able to choose what they needed. Connect Four is a very popular game and residents gather in the activity area to play. Reverend Deb Dolbear-VanBilsen visited and held worship services to those residents wanting to attend. The Nu-Step cross trainers were busy with residents exercising as the recent rain storm briefly stopped all outdoor activities. The Euchre card players had a great game and had some new players to the game.

The murder mystery game was such great fun. Residents were given a hat with their characters name on it and clues were read by Bev. She was dressed as a detective. J.D O’Hara played Colonel Mustard who murdered Mrs. White in the billiards room with a wrench. Car races on the weekend had residents racing a car with their name on it. The lucky winner chose a prize and was able to keep their car. Crystal St. Denis provided a musical performance much to everyone’s delight. Babcock Community welcomes Doreen Browe and IIona Freeman as our newest residents.

Residents once again boarded the Magic Train Ride from their chairs at the Home, heading to Toronto from Windsor. Via Rail was their choice of trains. Along the way the scenery was amazing and this included lakes, canals and many small towns and cities. It was a great virtual trip!

The Peach Social was a great success. The dining areas were decorated in a pleasing colour of yellow to compliment the day. The tables were set up with yellow table cloths to set the mood for the social. The peach pies purchased from Union Bakery in Dresden were so delicious. Everyone enjoyed a slice of peach pie along with vanilla ice cream.

Residents and family members had a great time reminiscing as they viewed several photos from some of the activities we have had in the past. They included the crowning of the King and Queen, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and the Safari Elephant Party, where residents participated in a fun game of Ring Toss Elephant’s Trunk.  Residents gathered in the activity area for craft day. They decided to make individual airplanes and decorated them with many colours, stickers, and gems. Next time some thought they would try and make one huge airplane as a joint effort.

Activity staff toured the tuck cart around the building and into the resident rooms with several items for purchase. One-on-one visits are appreciated by everyone and scheduled regularly. Music therapy is another fun program for residents. The monthly birthday party for September was held on Thursday with Randy Grey providing the entertainment. Birthday wishes are extended to J.D O’Hara and Anne Douglas. Cake, ice cream and refreshments were served. Bingo was held 3 times over the week with several lucky winners. The HeartBeats Club gathered for their fast beat music exercise program.  

Residents are busy exercising on the Nu-Step cross-trainers in the activity area, along with other exercise equipment suited to their needs. The S’mores social had many coming back for seconds. The chocolate and marshmallow treats were delicious. Mary Wootton held a sing-song and had great participation. Residents are appreciating their daily outdoor walks during this beautiful weather. The card players gathered for a game of Hoya Cards. The Chips and Dip party was a real treat for everyone with a huge selection of treats. Ladder Ball kept everyone on their toes as they played. Word puzzles showed a list of country cooking words.

Grandparents Day was celebrated on Sunday with a wine and cheese party. Shuffleboard players had a great time playing, with J.D. O’Hara having the top score and Gordon Gregory placing second. Zoo2You visited the home with their exotic animals. Babcock Community Care Centre welcomes Helen Drew as their newest resident. Deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the late Dorothy Clark and Vera Berencsi.

Please see below regarding a change in our Medical Director position.

Medical Director Retirement

The Goldies group visited and entertained residents with their musical program. Gayle, Larry and David had residents and staff dancing to many of their favourite songs. The new move and groove camp fire song activity was a huge hit with everyone. They not only sing along to the music but do the actions as well to each song. Pool noodles were used in the movement part of the program. The songs “Sixteen Tons” and “Big John” brought back a lot of good memories.

Pet therapy had Sybil bringing in her dog Remy for a visit. The Book Club gathered to listen to Frances Bell read heart warming stories. Mary Lou DePelsmaeker gave Rosary to residents of the Catholic faith. Everyone had a fun time cutting out elephants and attaching them to sticks on craft day. The Mystery party had residents playing the jelly bean game wearing a blindfold. Residents also tried drawing a picture while blind folded and mystery prizes were awarded. Drumfit had a large group in attendance as well as family members.

Everyone is excited about the Zoo 2 You exotic animal show coming to the Home on September 12th from 1:30 pm To 2:30 pm. Mark your calendar for Resident Council Week September 16th -22nd. Grandparent’s Day is being celebrated on Sunday, September 8th with a wine and cheese party. Residents appreciate the activity department handing out ice cold popsicles during the hot spells we have been experiencing. Outdoor walks are ongoing as weather permits.

Socrates Cafe was set up in the activity room where Frances Bell and Sharron took turns reading from the books Vinyl Cafe and Chicken Soup for the Soul. They also read articles from a few of the local newspapers. Residents really are very competitive as they play games such as Hoya Cards, Connect 4, Magnetic fishing, dice games, bingo and word puzzles. Reverend Deb Dolbear-VanBilsen held worship services for those residents wanting to attend. The Faith Haven choir visited and entertained residents with their beautiful singing voices. Everyone really enjoys their visit.

Radio day was hosted by Mary Wootton. She read stories from the 1950’s and 1960’s, jokes from the past and quotes, and a few of Groucho Marx famous quotes. The Heartbeat Club had a great turnout as they exercised to some fast-paced music. The Nu-Step cross trainers are always busy in the Activity area overlooking the patio, as residents are exercising. Randy Grey and his granddaughter entertained residents at the monthly birthday party. Cake and ice-cream were served at the party.

Residents participated in the new Horizon Painting program. They used lots of bright colours. Music Connections had residents singing along to a variety of hymns as well as songs from the past. The Peach Pie Social was enjoyed by everyone. More details will be posted in next week news. Babcock Community Care welcomes Norm Courts and Vera Berencsi as their newest residents. Residents will be boarding the bus to head to the Chatham Wal-Mart for the day on September 10th. Everyone enjoys shopping!