Babcock Community Care Centre

February is now over and it looks like Wiarton Willy’s prediction on February 2nd, saying 6 more weeks of winter and cold temperatures came true. This did not deter the residents from celebrating their February Birthdays! Don Earhart, IIona Freeman, Ruth Mach, Marg Watts, Bethelene Carroll, Doreen Browe and Bill Hanenburg, along with other residents, gathered in the dining area and enjoyed birthday cake and ice cream. Randy Grey provided the entertainment for the party.

The Family Day social was celebrated and everyone had a great time visiting with family and friends. The Elegant Dinner was a great day for residents who were pampered with manicures, hair and makeup and helped choose the special outfit for the dinner. The entertainment was provided by Crystal Gage and she kept the party hopping as everyone always enjoys her music. The King and Queen of Hearts was crowned and presented with a bouquet of lovely flowers as they proudly showed off their crowns.

Everyone cast their votes for King and Queen, Bob Phillips and Austin Bauer. Congratulations to each one! The meal consisted of Beef Wellington, braised carrots, potatoes, and skewers of vegetables, along with shrimp, a variety of pastries and strawberry shortcake for dessert. The photo shoot was very popular with an amazing background and each resident wanting their pictures had a big smile! The fruit plate social held on Sunday was enjoyed by everyone. One-on-one visits are regularly scheduled for all residents. Sybil and Remy visited during the pet therapy program.

During happy hour residents were served a variety of delicious spritzers. There was a variety of flavours including pineapple, strawberry, lemon, or green tea mixed with soda. Table games are always popular. The cheesie and onion ring social was held with lots of conversation. Mary Lou DePelsmaeker gave communion to residents of the Catholic faith. Johnny Borton visited and entertained residents. Rick’s Holiday Magic involved residents and staff throughout the entire show as he performed his magical tricks. He had a white dove called “Gwendolyn.” Residents had their photo taken and were allowed to pet the bird. One-on-one visits are appreciated by residents.

Residents boarded the magic train for a tour of Switzerland to Italy, where the Olympics are being held. Everyone cheered on the Canadian teams during the Olympics broadcast over the television. Wanda and friends visited and she depicted bible stories by way of a flannel graph. The Heartbeats Club gathered in the activity room to exercise to the fast beat music provided. Everyone had a great workout and lots of laughter. Bingo was held several times during the week with many lucky winners. Craft day was a day where each resident created a leaf for the giant family tree project. The old time sing along had everyone singing plus they did a little dancing as well. Reverend Deb Dolbear-Van Bilsen held church services and communion for those residents wanting to attend. Strawberry shortbread or chocolate in a cone was served with a few toppings added. Trivia had a great crowd in attendance and everyone enjoyed the apple crisp with ice-cream. Hoya cards, Family Feud, bola ball, board games are only a few of the games residents participated in.

Physiotherapy is provided on a regular basis from the local hospital for any resident requiring the treatment. Music Connections visited and provided a large variety of musical instruments for residents to try. Residents are always on the Nu-Step cross trainers located in the activity area keeping up their daily exercise routines. The next special occasion party will be held on March 17th in celebration of St. Patrick’s day. Do not forget to wear your green!

Below are some of the latest pics of the progress on our new home. We can’t wait to move in!

Please click here for the March 2026 Activity Calendar

Our new home build is progressing nicely. Here are some of the latest pictures.

The Heartbeat group, dressed in their red shirts, gathered in the activity area to exercise to the fast beat music provided in the background. There was a lot of laughter and everyone had a fun time. Residents participated in using the Nu-step cross trainers for daily exercise.

Reverend Deb Dolbear-VanBilsen visited and held worship service for those residents wanting to attend. Dotsy the Clown entertained the residents with her amazing balloon animal creations. Each resident was given a balloon animal of their choice and face painting was also offered. There was lots of magic happening and everyone thought she was wonderful.

Sybil and Remy dropped by during Pet Therapy. Everyone is excited when one of their favourite pets arrive for a visit. The Drumfit program had a nice turnout. Beating on the huge balls with drum sticks is a great exercise as well. Bev Close supervised the activity.

Everyone really enjoyed the chocolate-covered strawberries on a cold Sunday afternoon. Residents appreciate their one-on-one visits on a regular basis. Bingo was held several times during the week with some very lucky winners. The Bingo winners were given a large chocolate bar of their choice. John Carter visited and gave Communion to residents of the Catholic faith.

The Old News Auto club gathered in the activity area to discuss topics of interest. Residents enjoy being updated on the local news from this area. Manicures are appreciated by residents. We have a special beauty case where we carry a variety of the new up to date nail polishes and other beauty products.

Wii Bowling is very popular for those residents wanting to bowl without leaving the building. 13 residents tried their luck at playing the game and obtaining the highest score. Balloon Toss and Family Feud are very popular and had a great turnout. The ginger bread cookie treats and social drew a large hungry group. The aroma of gingerbread cookies is very hard to resist. Residents attended physiotherapy three times during the week under the supervision of the Physiotherapist from the local hospital.

The Keurig club enjoy their assortment of coffee in the activity area each morning. Residents gathered in the activity area for movie night. Treats and refreshments were served. Randy Grey will be entertaining at the monthly birthday party being held on January 22^nd. Rick’s Holiday Social Magic Show had to be cancelled due to the recent snow storm.  We hope to reschedule the magic act in the near future.

The new building is progressing along very nicely. The wooden decorator pieces have been added to the wall behind the bed in the resident bedrooms, and soon will be completed after the addition of the trim. The walls and ceiling features at the entrance have been carefully planned to give the facility a designer’s touch and home-like atmosphere. Babcock Community Care welcomes Margaret McCahon as their newest resident.  

December 2025 has come to an end and the New Year 2026 is here all ready!  Happy New Year! We have had a very busy year in 2025. We are looking forward to the move into the new building during the early part of this year. There is so much planning and preparation going on now related to the move.  Several residents viewed the video of the interior and everyone had positive comments on it. They particularly thought the large, tall windows in both the bedrooms and other areas were fantastic. The beautiful wooden entrance to the building had everyone talking. There were many other features they liked as well.

Residents had a wonderful December with all the scheduled entertainment groups and activities. Friends and family, and of course, the jolly, old guy in red, along with his helpers, dropped in for a visit.   Residents sent their letters to Santa at the North Pole earlier on in December. Wanda Hazelwood and friends visited and told a Christmas story along with their musical program. The Christmas Bingo drew a large crowd with many lucky winners. Crystal Gage entertained everyone with a great variety of tunes.

The Wal-Mart outing had everyone in the Christmas spirit. Thanks to staff and volunteers for making the bus trip a fun outing for residents. The Cooking Club group whipped up a batch of Oreo cheesecake ball cookies. Johnny Borton entertained residents earlier in the day with his musical program. John Carter visited and gave Communion to residents of the Catholic faith. The Music Connections group had a fun time during their musical activity. Pizza and wing night had a great group. The feast was a huge success as there were many smiling faces. They all enjoyed the social hour. The fireplace channel on the large screen television crackling in the background is always a warm touch during the activities. Residents always enjoy the pet therapy program where Sybil and Remy visit.

Birthday greetings are extended to Austin Bauer, Florence Oake and Bessie Pinsonneault. They are celebrating their special day in January. The birthday party will be held on January 22^nd with Randy Grey providing the entertainment. David Skipper visited and gave Communion to residents of the Catholic faith. Residents had their manicures and make up done for the festive activities. They watched several Christmas movies throughout the month. Christmas crafts were very popular with residents showing off their special decorating talents. Reverend Deb Dolbear-Van Bilsen held worship services for those residents wanting to attend. Wii Bowling had a small group playing one of their favourite games.  Everyone had fun. Residents and staff joined in the Holiday Dress up day activity. It ran from December 22^nd to December 26^th. Each day was different. Monday they wore an ugly sweater, Tuesday they dressed as a reindeer, Wednesday they dressed as an Elf, Thursday they wore a Santa Claus hat, Friday they wore anything red and green. Each resident was given a Christmas gift and wished a Merry Christmas. Later in the afternoon a Christmas tea social was held.

Special thanks Barb Cowan for painting and donating all the nut-cracker soldier supplies and for attending the Santa’s workshop craft day to help residents decorate each one. Residents showed their appreciation by giving a small gift and card to her. The Christmas tea and shortbread social was set up in the dining area. The dining area was decorated in green and gold. Earlier in the morning a game of Wheel of Words was played. Everyone had a great time. One-on-one visits are always appreciated by residents. The Nu-Step cross trainers are very busy with residents exercising usually in the morning hours.

December 31^st brought in the New Year with a wine and cheese party. Don and Bonnie Cook provided the entertainment for the party. There was a large variety of foods including shrimp, cheese platters, dips, garlic sausage, pepperoni, fruit trays and a delicious cheesecake pie purchased from Parks. Residents were dressed in New Year’s Eve attire, complete with noise makers and horns. The countdown began! They really had great time watching themselves in a video showing on the large television screen. The New Year photo shoot was set up with props and pictures. Residents were given the opportunity to have their photo done. Babcock Community Care welcomes Deanna Klauka and Shirley Kennedy as their newest residents. Deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the late Helen Drew, Stella Grochocinska and Ursula Redman.  

Activity staff and residents are busy this week decorating the home inside for Christmas. This is a very busy time of the year for everyone as the December calendar is full. Craft time had residents making Nutcracker ornaments. They followed up with a social hour with snacks and refreshments. They have had a great time playing various games throughout the month. They included Bingo, Wheel of Words, Mad Science, Shuffleboard, Block Buster Game, Trivia, Karaoke, Cue Card Quiz, Skee Ball, Wii Bowling, Snakes and Ladders, Cheesie Game, Bean Bag Toss and Name That Tune.

A small group of residents, along with staff and volunteers, boarded the bus for their Christmas shopping trip to Chatham. Everyone had a great time browsing through the store and stopping for lunch at McDonalds. Don Cantwell visited and entertained residents with his musical program. Residents gathered in the activity area to watch a Christmas movie. They were given a choice of a variety of small bags of snacks during the show along with refreshments. Shelley Coad gave Communion to residents of the Catholic faith. The Baptist Church in Bothwell had a live stream worship service for those residents wanting to attend.

The Lindor Chocolate party was a huge success. Lindor Chocolates were purchased at the Lindor store in London. The selection was amazing and included chocolates for diabetics. Fruit juice was served with the treats.

Residents Council had their regular meeting and the Food Committee meeting followed.  Everyone was pleased with all the upcoming holiday activities and events. Mary Lou DePelsmaeker visited and gave Communion to residents of the Catholic faith. Residents enjoyed the fresh baked cinnamon buns during social hour. Others appreciate the hot chocolate cart especially during the cold spells we have been experiencing. The Nu-Step cross trainers have residents lined up ready to exercise. The Physiotherapist visits from the local hospital on a regular basis to provide physiotherapy as needed.

Residents have been busy with their Christmas card writing list. Several have sent cards to the King of England, King Charles. Join in the fun during the holiday dress up days being held on December 22^nd to Friday December 26^th. Santa Claus will be visiting on December 10^th with Mrs. Claus as well. Residents appreciate their one-on-one visits.    

Everyone boarded the magic train ride travelling to Cuba. Jeremy Smith visited and provided a musical program much to everyone’s delight. Music Connections from London visited and Jess Dickie played guitar while residents used hand shakers. A small group tried Hand Tai Chi and really liked it. They were given a sheet showing the various hand movements. Wanda and friends visited and held a worship service using a flannel graph. They enjoyed the mandolin and guitar playing and their beautiful singing voices.

Sybil and Remy visited during pet therapy. Dave Skipper visited and gave Communion to residents of the Catholic faith. The monthly birthday party will be held on December 4^th with Randy Grey providing the entertainment. Birthday wishes are extended to Jimmy Every, Norman Fenn, Darlene MCGall and Ann George.  We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the late Maria Oliveira and John Kendall. Babcock Community Care welcomes Ursula Redman and Florence Oake as their newest residents.

The contractors are working away on the new long-term care home. Flooring installation and wall preparation in several areas are beginning to take place. Residents will be viewing a video soon of all the finished details showing the interior of the new Home.

Residents are looking forward to the upcoming Halloween celebrations. They have been working diligently at packing approximately 100 candy bags for the trick or treaters. They will be welcoming everyone at 6 pm on October 31^st so plan on dropping by. Decorations in the main area will take place during this week. Thanks to John Kennedy for bringing the many pumpkins for decorating the entrance outside. Craft time had residents making bats, ghosts, zombies and Frankenstein cut outs. They have been enjoying the pumpkin torte dessert served by the staff. Everyone appreciated the colourful flowers brought in for each table by staff member Lisa Willson. Residents and staff will be dressing up for the  party earlier in the day.  

Everyone gathered for the special staff presentation held for years of service at Babcock Community Care. This included Terri Lynn Jeffery for 20 years, Lisa Willson for 20 years, Bozena Bladek for 20 years and Katie Harris for 15 years. Each one was presented with a framed certificate along with 2 dozen beautiful coloured roses.  A delicious Chinese food dinner was enjoyed for lunch from Jin’s Wicked Wok and a random draw was made for several prizes for staff members.

Residents really have fun at their Bingo games scheduled usually at least 3 times a week. But this month it was even more interesting when resident Margaret Watts’ granddaughter, Nicole Weir, donated shirts with Bingo Buddies in large print written on them. Everyone is very happy wearing these and I am sure they will bring each resident lots of luck!

The Heartbeats group met in the activity area to exercise and have fun to fast beat music playing in the background. Physiotherapy is given as needed to residents by the Physiotherapist who visits from Four Counties Health Services.

The Pen Pals program had 10 residents receiving a letter or a post card and a gift. They gathered to read all the messages. Movie Night had residents watching the great hit “The King and I.” Crunchy treats and refreshments were served during the show. Residents are still enjoying their roll and stroll activity outside as weather permits. M’s General Variety from Thamesville donated a selection of local newspapers including the London Free Press and Toronto Sun for the reading program. Residents enjoy catching up on the daily news so they really appreciated the papers. Communion was given this month to residents of the Catholic faith by Shelley Coad and Mary Lou DePelsmaeker.

Residents gathered around the large screen television to watch the Blue Jays game. Chips, salsa and other snacks were served along with refreshments. It was a very exciting game.   

The new building is progressing along as planned. Watch for new photos as they are taken of the progress. Now is the time to place your name on the waiting list if you are in need of long-term care.  

Residents are enjoying the beautiful Fall weather. The leaves on the trees are displaying their gorgeous colours. Birthday wishes are extended to Esther Giroux, Brenda Allen and Maria Oliveira. Randy Grey provided the entertainment for the October birthday party. Everyone was served delicious cake and ice cream during the celebration. Wedding Anniversary wishes are extended to Yvon and Louise Blais.  

Thanksgiving is being celebrated this weekend with Don and Bonnie Cook providing the entertainment. The Dietary department is preparing a Thanksgiving feast and later in the day at 1:30 pm the Thanksgiving Social Tea is being held. They had a great time decorating Thanksgiving placemats for the upcoming dinner. Residents will soon be filling candy bags in anticipation of all the trick or treaters that will be dropping in on October 31^st. They will also be decorating pumpkins and placing them on display at the entrance.

Residents had a great time and were supervised using the new S’mores table top cooker. The marshmallows turned out toasty brown and delicious. Residents played Bingo three times during the week with several lucky winners. The Book club gathered and read several local news articles as well as “Chicken Soup for the Soul” stories. A discussion followed. Halloween costume ideas are being planned for anyone wanting to dress up for Halloween day celebrations. The Nu-Step cross trainers are very busy during the week with residents exercising as they watch the birds flying around the patio area. Reverend Deb Dolbear Van-Bilsen held worship services for those residents wanting to attend.

Movie night is always a fun time. Chips, salsa and refreshments were served during the viewing. Communion was given to residents of the Catholic faith by John Carter and David Skipper this month. Residents appreciate their one-on-one visits. If you drive by the new nursing home being built you will notice the front entrance drive-through is in the process of being completed. This covered sheltered area will be a great asset for residents being loaded into vehicles or dropped off.  Check out our website at babcockonline.com for photos of the building progress.