National Nursing Week was celebrated from May 11th to May 17th. The theme this year was “The Power of Nurses to Transform Health.” Nurses play a critical role in strengthening the health care systems. In Long-Term Care they strive to provide the very best in care possible for all our residents. We are very fortunate to have the Nursing staff we have, that continually strive to provide the best care possible. During this week we not only honoured the Nurses in our home, but also the Housekeeping, Dietary, Laundry, Activity, Administration and Maintenance departments. The Staff enjoyed pizza for lunch.
The new facility is looking amazing both inside and out. The staff have attended training sessions and are being familiarized with all the updated equipment and the new layout at the building. Our facility is all on one floor so easy access to the outside is another feature provided for the elderly. We have received lots of positive comments on the new building and residents are anxious to view the interior.
Tom and Craig are working on setting up the new gazebos on each outdoor patio. We have several private rooms as well as 2 bed standard bedrooms, separated by a wall, with a great view of the newly landscaped patios. Wall-mounted televisions are provided in each room. If you are considering, or are in need of long-term care, now is the time to place your name on our list. Refer to our website for further details.
Randy Grey visited and entertained the residents during the monthly birthday party. Celebrating their special day this month are Shirley Lumley, Elaine Conway, Lois Woolner, Hilda Blackhall and Don Gowanlock. Congratulations! The Mother’s Day Tea Social had families and friends visiting residents. Each lady resident was presented with a beautiful, fresh flower corsage. The vanilla cake treats were enjoyed along with a beverage. During Craft Day residents were given the opportunity to make a Mother’s day craft. Several chose to make a special card. The cards were very sparkly. We appreciate Kay Cowan donating her beautiful queen-size handmade quilt to the facility. We hope to raffle the exquisite quilt in the very near future with all proceeds going to Residents Council.
Residents boarded the bus once again and ventured off to Chatham for their shopping trip to Wal-Mart. Special thanks to all the volunteers and families who assisted the staff during this trip. Lunch at McDonalds had everyone getting together and showing what bargains they found. The Memorial day service was held in remembrance of the following residents; Maria Oliveira, John Kendall, Helen Drew, Ursula Redman, Stella Grochocinska, Kathlyn Poor and Margaret McCahon. Reverend Deb Dolbear-VanBilsen held worship services for everyone at the gathering. Family and friends attended the tribute.
Sybil and Remy visited during the pet therapy session. The Heartbeats Club gathered in the activity area where they exercised to fast beat music. Outdoor walks are ongoing as weather permits. John Carter gave Communion to residents of the Catholic faith. Manicures are always popular and residents waited patiently for their turn. Bingo was held 3 times during the week with several lucky winners. Each winner received a large chocolate bar of their choice.
Happy Hour had Bev Close mixing up Brown Cow drinks in a fancy glass. The residents who didn’t choose to come had them delivered to their rooms. Great social time for everyone involved. The Babcock Line Chair Dancers gathered in the activity area to move to the YMCA song playing in the background. The Family Council held their monthly meeting. Mary Lou DePelsmaeker visited and gave Rosary to residents of the Catholic faith.
Residents always have a fun time playing a variety of games. They included the following: Wheel of Words, Game of 21, Casino games, Family Feud, Snakes and Ladders, Ladder Ball and Bola Ball Dice games. Blueberry Pie Day was enjoyed by everyone. Vikki picked up several large, delicious blueberry pies from Parks Blueberries. Wanda and friends visited and told bible stories by flannel graph while music played in background. Reading day had residents choosing what stories they wanted to read, local papers, magazines etc. The shortbread and chocolate chip cookies were enjoyed by residents during one of their gatherings. The lemonade day party was a great hit as well. The dining area was decorated and residents had a choice of other beverages.