Babcock Community Care Centre

The summer months are flying by, but the residents had a great time with the Christmas in July activity. Several dressed with red and green outfits for the celebration. Christmas trivia was very popular with everyone and the halls were filled with “Rocking around the Christmas tree” music. Decorations were in place and several gathered for a Christmas social. Ron Pierce provided the entertainment for the occasion along with his daughter Clara. The variety of homemade fudge was a great hit along with shortbread cookies and green and red chocolate kisses. Everyone had a really great time inside while it was super hot outdoors.

Bingo was held three times over the week with the lucky winners adding another quarter to their collection for use at the tuck shop table. The women’s chat group gathered in the activity room and started their chat with “what happened on this day in history.” Each resident took their turn in telling the group about memorable events as they were growing up. Some said they wish they could start all over and do it again! The Craft group decided instead of shuffleboard they would make a butterfly craft.

Residents enjoy the Keurig club gathering where they chose from a variety of Keurig coffees. Storyteller, Wanda Hazelwood, depicted bible stories on a flannel graph and residents joined in singing some of their favourite hymns. Residents boarded the bus for their scenic drive along with staff and volunteers. They ventured over to Port Glasgow where they had to stop for a delicious ice cream cone. They really enjoyed looking at the countryside and of course noticed the variety of crops planted by local farmers.

The Java Music Club gathered in the activity area and the theme was “Getting to know you.” Each resident chose a song and everyone joined in singing. Each resident has a chance to share their thoughts with the group. Everyone had a great time. Activity staff set up a long table with each of the following for residents to choose from: Dominoes, Balloon Car Races, activity books, giant colouring pictures, shaping Play-Do and hat craft. The room was alive with all the activities. Another activity they had fun doing was wall art using coloured paper. The residents created their own colourful wall art by weaving the paper. The end results were amazing.

The Men’s Club met in the activity area and each resident was given a turn to express their thoughts. They continued showing an activity book on climate change and the environment. Each one made their own initials with a game piece. They talked about farming and nature with a true or false reply. They all did very well but Alan Gooding won with the most correct answers. A new program about events occurring in the world on any given day was read to several residents. Hand outs were available as well.

During the hot weather everyone appreciated the Skittles frozen treats being handed out. The tuck cart table was set up for everyone to shop with their big bingo winnings. Residents found some very useful items. Mary Wooton was in charge of the stereo system playing many old time favourite songs. Residents enjoyed their roll and stroll program outdoors around the village before the heat of the day hit. Residents had fun playing bean bag toss and also had a few games of Euchre and Hoya cards.

Croquet indoors had residents cheering each other on as they played. Residents continue with their daily exercise program on the Nu-Step cross trainers. The flowers are still doing well on the patio despite the heat wave. The rabbits can be seen darting out from under the bushes and the birds are always around chirping on the patio. Residents have noticed one lonely toad who thinks his home is in the large patio umbrella.

Physiotherapy was given three times during the week with the Physiotherapist from our local hospital. Deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the late Vera Taplin, Ruby Klassen and Helen Cuthbert. We are still working on the plans and approvals for the new updated nursing home to be located very close in proximity to the existing one. Please remember if you are not feeling well please do not visit. Come back another day when you are feeling well.

Canada Day was celebrated at Babcock Community Care Centre with residents creating and designing a craft for the holiday in which the frame could hold their photographs. They proudly displayed the finished product in their rooms. Dan Davidson entertained residents in the afternoon with a musical program. Families and friends visited throughout the day.

Residents enjoyed the beautifully decorated vanilla and chocolate cupcakes purchased from Union Bakery in Dresden. Each cupcake was decorated with either a flag or a moose on it with plenty of red and white sprinkles.
Christmas in July is creating quite the buzz. Residents have requested some good old fashioned fudge, along with some shortbread for their special day. The Christmas decorations will add to the event, along with some other great foods.

Karaoke night was a huge success with several attending and showing how well they could sing. Others had a great time dancing and fun was had by all. Everyone appreciates having the Tuck Cart set up in the dining area where they can purchase specific items they want or need. Residents usually have a great time spending their Bingo winnings on these items. Randy Grey entertained residents with his musical program. He educated everyone about the history of the songs he sang.

Residents have been very busy cutting out pieces needed to make kites. The activity staff decided to have a themed bingo for the many bingo players we have. The theme was around the ever popular Niagara Falls. They passed out neon glow sticks, necklaces and each resident received a card. Some of the cards said “sorry, better luck next time,” while others specified a prize they would receive. Residents enjoyed the walking tour of the United States side, Three Sisters and Goat Island and back to the Canadian Falls side. They toured through many of the special attractions and ended their virtual tour with a 12 minute helicopter ride over the area. Amazing how everyone can travel from their easy chairs!

Duck races are very popular. They raced four times and everyone cheered on their favourite duck. The stroll and roll program outdoors is a great time for residents to tour around the village streets stopping to talk to the local residents. Root Beer floats taste amazing after their outdoor walks. Bingo was held three times during the week with several lucky winners. Thank you to anyone adding donated cash to the bingo prizes. Special thanks to the student volunteers for helping out with the Bingo.

Wanda the storyteller visited with her friends and provided a depiction of her stories while learning the history of the song “Amazing Grace.” Residents enjoyed the mandolin and guitar music. Unfortunately the water balloon play time outdoors was cancelled due to nasty weather so the new media projector was put into great use by showing residents pictures of pizza, bananas, owls and race cars. They used a pool noodle to interact with the games. There was a lot of movement and residents definitely had their exercise while playing.

Craft days are becoming very popular with the residents. Making kites from paper plates, pipe cleaners and coloured Popsicle sticks are several of the items used to finish the kites. Residents were treated to hand massages which they really enjoyed. One-on- one visits are really appreciated. Ted Quenneville gave communion to residents of the Catholic faith.

Dress up day was a fun time with the theme “Last Day on the Titanic… what would you be doing or wearing?” Costumes were designed for each resident who wished to participate and residents decided what they would be doing. Brenda would be wearing a black dress and hat, John, Gordon and Eugene would be mechanics, Tom a fisherman, Anne sitting in a lawn chair watching the icebergs go by, Doreen was captain of the ship, Don was an artist making sketches of the trip, Barb worked at packing luggage, J.D. was in the wheel house steering the ship. Karen was in the doctor’s office helping with the sea sick clients.

Group exercises had a large group in attendance working their arms, legs, and having conversations about life. Wii shuffleboard is very popular with several amazing players. Jeremy Smith had the room packed to listen to his John Denver style musical program. Great folk songs were enjoyed by everyone.

The town wide yard sale was a great success with many bargain hunters searching out their most wanted items. J.D. O’Hara and John enjoyed touring around the village with assistance from staff members to check out the yard sales. Sunday Sundaes were a big hit with residents. Manicures and pampering followed later in the day. Clay crafts with the company 2Hands, with Christine from London showing residents how to make owls out of clay. The Men’s club met outdoors for a chat. They came up with some ideas for crafts. Snacks followed along with refreshments. The Women’s group also gathered on the patio, some decided to go for a short walk and they too had many great ideas involving craft ideas.

Residents continue to use the Nu-Step cross-trainers located in the activity area. They are able to view the beautiful flowers hanging from the patio awning as they exercise. The birds and rabbits and the odd cat add to their enjoyment while exercising. Deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the late Margaret Therrien. Babcock Community Care welcomes Anne Douglas as their newest resident.

Father’s Day was very busy at Babcock Community Care Centre. Residents had friends and family visit throughout the day. All the men were offered a carnation boutonniere that was purchased to honour them on their special day. Bev Close from the Activity Department made the day a little more special with a delicious home-made ice cream cake. Residents enjoyed their one-on-one visits.

Monday morning had residents watching a comedy movie called “War with Grandpa.” Bingo followed with a $5.00 donation for a full card. Music Connections with Jess Dickie entertained residents while playing the guitar and singing short stories to everyone. Everyone appreciate the roll and stroll program where they are assisted to walk or ride around the village streets stopping to visit with Wardsville residents.

The Java music club gathered to reminisce and had a sing-song. Everyone had a great time. The activity department staff, along with volunteer Dave Skipper, assisted residents during a challenging game of crokinole. To make the games more interesting David also provided prizes. Residents appreciated this very much. Dan Davidson entertained residents and had several up dancing and singing. Residents and staff are enjoying the barbecue lunches set up by the Dietary department and Activity staff.

Wii Bowling is very popular with everyone and so much fun for both players and spectators. Residents had a great time watching YouTube videos where they had set up thousands of dominoes in various ways and then the fun began as they watched them all fall. The Men’s club had their group meet on the patio area. They were served nachos and near beer, along with other refreshments. The conversation was ongoing.

Residents played a game on the new Mobii Magic motion projector using pool noodles. It was called Bull’s Eye. The outdoor bubbles game was a huge hit with residents. Each resident had their own personal bottle of soap and bubbles, small and large, were created. Several photos were taken during the fun. Social time hour had some trivia questions regarding toys they had throughout the years. Cake snacks and refreshments were served.

David Skipper gave communion to residents of the Catholic faith. Mary Wootton held worship services for those residents wanting to attend. Residents enjoy their group exercises and using the Nu-Step cross trainers located in the activity area. Current events newsletters are handed out to interested residents and they are assisted as needed to keep up with the ever-changing daily news. The Tuck shop cart and table is a popular activity.

Ice cream sundaes were enjoyed during the heat wave we are experiencing. Everyone is grateful for having air conditioning during these heat waves. Bingo was held several times throughout the week with several lucky winners. Congratulations! Hoya cards are lots of fun for residents who love playing cards. Physiotherapy is given to residents requiring treatments by the physiotherapy staff from the Four Counties Health Services.

The Wal-mart bus trips scheduled in June were a great success. Residents, staff and volunteers boarded the bus and headed away to Chatham for the day for a fun day of shopping and browsing around the store. They had their lunch at McDonalds and everyone had a great time. While visiting the home, please remember to protect your family members while visiting outside by using sunscreen. We do have appropriate hats located in the Activity department. Just ask and we will provide you with both.

The Keurig Club coffee drinkers enjoy sampling the huge variety of Keurig pods provided for their morning pick me up. The strawberry social was held on June 22nd with Crystal St Denis providing the entertainment. There was a great turn out and everyone enjoyed the entertainment on the patio. Donations were greatly appreciated and went to Residents’ Council.

Plans for the new Babcock Community Care facility are underway. The architects are working diligently on the new design and much larger facility. We will keep you updated as the project goes through the various stages of approval. We are pleased to announce a Nurse Practitioner will be joining our care team in September.

Staff enjoyed a variety of subs from Subway, along with refreshments and dessert to show how much they are appreciated by residents and Management during nursing week in May. Their dedication, knowledge and caring attitudes confirm what nursing is truly about. Everyone is looking forward to the strawberry social held on June 22nd served between 6 and 8 pm. There will be entertainment provided by Crystal St. Denis and hopefully the weather cooperates as it is scheduled outdoors. Donations are appreciated to the Residents’ Council. Everyone is welcome! Bring your lawn chair and stay for the great music.

The Mother’s day tea social was held on Sunday. Family members and friends visited. Residents always have fun playing a variety of games. They include bingo, Wii Bowling, Hoya cards, table hockey, shuffleboard, Family Feud, indoor baseball, darts, word puzzles, virtual word flip games and balloon toss. The Heartbeat Club met in the activity area and exercised to some fast beat music. Everyone had a great time.

The Food Committee group met and had several requests, one being cherry cheesecake. Another favourite of many residents was a chocolate dessert. The Residents council meeting followed and several discussions were about the upcoming events, including a Wal-Mart shopping trip. The Activity department has scheduled one for June 2nd, and June 9th. Volunteers are appreciated. If you wish to assist please contact Nicole in the Activity department for details.

Residents had fun painting and designing their silk scarves during one of their activities. Residents enjoy their one-on-one visits and always appreciate their outdoor roll or stroll program where they venture around the village stopping to visit with whoever is outside in their yards. The Food Play activity featuring the country of the month, Greenland this month, had residents guessing the top 10 foods they preferred there. A wall display showed general facts about the specific area. Residents requested in the month of July they discuss New York.

Residents enjoyed the musical program provided by Randy Grey. During the hot weather everyone was treated to a variety of popsicles on the outside patio area. Residents gathered around the large tv screen to watch one of their favourite movies during movie night. Popcorn and refreshments were served. Dave Skipper gave residents of the Catholic faith communion. Root beer floats are a favourite treat for several residents.

Mexican Bingo was definitely a different type of Bingo compared to what everyone has played previously. Long tables were set up to accommodate the Bingo players with a variety of colours and decorations. They won a variety of treats as well as Bingo prizes. Ted Quenneville held communion for residents of the Catholic faith. Group exercises are always a fun time. The Nu-Step cross trainers are used daily by residents improving their physical health. They are able to watch the birds, squirrels and baby rabbits moving around the trees and bushes on the outdoor patio area. The flower boxes are beginning to look beautiful thanks to all our gardeners. Next we will be shaping up the bushes and trees near the patio. The patio area was given a well deserved pressure washing and looks great.

The Java Music Club met and each resident was asked to choose one of their favourite songs. Craft circle had residents making a decorative fish. They were on display outside the activity area and they look amazing.

The men’s club had several in attendance where they read the local papers, the new flyers for the week, chatted and had a great time. Snacks and refreshments were served. They requested they all go outside next meeting play some games, and again have refreshments. The Keurig coffee machine located in the activity department residents’ kitchen area is very popular. There is always a large variety of pods available.

Residents had fun playing a game on the new machine purchased for the Activity department with the goal of trying to keep the ball inside one of the many shapes shown. Two residents were successful in keeping within the designated area. Reverend Deb Dolbear-Van Bilsen held worship services for those residents wishing to attend. Wanda the storyteller, depicted bible stories by flannel graphs for residents, while her brother and his wife played the musical instruments in the background. Everyone enjoyed their visit.

Birthday wishes are sent out to Tom Moorby, Vera Taplin, Hee Bong Bak, Albertine Letourneau and Ruth Gibson. They all celebrated their birthdays in the month of May. Birthday cake and ice cream was served at the birthday party held each month. Birthday wishes to Edna Abbott who is celebrating her birthday on June 10th. Deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the late Fitzroy Clarke. Babcock Community Care welcomes Eugene Kaminski as their newest resident.

Please see this notice from the Ministry of Health regarding Accommodation rate changes effective July 1, 2023.

Accommodation Rate Changes

Residents enjoyed their bus trip to the Ska-Nah-Doht Conservation area to view the magic of lights showing. It was truly amazing and several trips were planned to go back before they were gone. Along the route to the lightshow, residents were able to see the countryside along the way and appreciated all the outdoor decorations and lights as well. Doreen Getty, John Marshall, Brenda Allen, Norman Fenn, Barbara Driscoll and Connie Peterkin were on one of the bus tours.

December was a very busy month at Babcock Community Care Centre. Residents appreciated all the gifts, flowers and visits during the holidays. The staff enjoyed a Chinese dinner along with a delicious helping of several varieties of cheesecake. Each one received a bag full of chocolate treats and candy to take home. Thank you to Jin’s Wicked Wok for going out of their way to allow management to purchase individual dinners for all the staff and keep our facility in compliance, with all the Covid regulations in place, regarding group party gatherings.

Dan Davidson entertained residents and provided them with musical instruments such as shakers, bells and blocks as they sang Christmas tunes. Everyone had a great time! Snow Globe making was a great project for those residents who wanted to make and design their very own. Activity staff handled the hot glue gun part and assisted each resident in their creations. The end results were amazing.

Crystal and Ryan St.Denis entertained residents with many of their favourite Christmas songs. The program involved some funny stories and placed everyone in a great Christmas mood. Rich, Gord, and Don played the maracas while Doris and Barb rang the bells. Staff and residents joined in dancing and several pictures were taken of the great time everyone was having. When this ended everyone moved to the large windows to watch a choir visiting and performing Christmas carols. Approximately 20 performers arrived by bus. Everyone noticed the many Christmas hats and outfits they were wearing. Everyone truly appreciated their visit. Thank you to each and every one of you!

Bingo was played several times over the holidays. Residents enjoyed the piece of wrapped Christmas cake purchased from Park’s Blueberries. It was delicious. Birthday wishes are given to Jimmy Every, Clara Aulis, Norman Fenn and Wilfred Driver who celebrated their birthdays in December. Congratulations to Clara Aulis and Joe and Wilfred and Donna Driver who celebrated their wedding anniversaries in December. Randy Grey visited and entertained residents with several of their favourite Christmas songs. He gave a history of the songs and mentioned the song “Joy to the World” is 300 years old and “Silent Night” is 204 years old.

The gingerbread house draws were made and Joan Kennedy and Dr. Parnell were the lucky winners. Michelle won the best costume, dressed as a Christmas gift.

Management has purchased a new piece of equipment for the Activity department called the Mobii interactive projector. We will provide more details about this after residents are given an opportunity to use it.

Residents had a fun time with the program called Drumfit. They beat the drums using drum sticks as they try to keep beat with the music playing in the background. It keeps the body moving. The “Poke a Tree” game was awesome as residents poked their fingers in the decorated tree cups and pulled out chocolate candies, candy canes and money.

Residents had a great time at Happy Hour. They drank mock Caesars decorated with celery, pita chips, salsa, cheese sauce and pickles. Snowman Toss was another fun game with two teams. Several residents watched from a distance. The Book Club met and Frances Bell read short stories to everyone.

Mary Wootton played a selection of Christmas songs for her sing-a-long program. Residents are able to use their Bingo winnings if they choose to purchase items off the Tuck Cart provided. On this cart are self care products as well as chocolate treats and candy, along with several other items. Residents also enjoy their movie nights along with popcorn and refreshments.

The Christmas decorations are coming down and placed in storage for next year. Residents appreciate their one-on-one visits. Babcock Community Care welcomes Connie Peterkin, Tom Moorby and Barbara Driscoll as their newest residents.

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Some helpful tips for resident visits from our Social Worker provider.