On Nov. 10, members of the Damascus Women’s Institute met at the community centre for their regular monthly meeting.
Healthy Lifestyles convenor Patti Dyce introduced guest speaker Lois Zettler, retirement home manager of Caressant Care, in Arthur.
One of the most difficult things we must do in life is to decide when a loved one requires more care than the family can provide. A nursing home or retirement home can provide that care. The question then becomes, "What is the right home?"
At Caressant Care, residents in the nursing home are assessed by professionals at the local Community Access Centre. Physical care needs are assessed and an individual plan of care is developed. Menus offer variety and choice and include therapeutic diets.
Snacks are provided between meals. Medical and nursing care is licenced and inspected by the Ministry of Health. There is complete nursing care provided by registered staff and personal support workers. Staff are on duty 24 hours.
An advisory physician oversees medical requirements. Residents in the retirement home are more independent in their personal requirements. Staff are available to assist with bathing and other personal care as well as the supervision of prescribed medications. Menus are prepared to offer choices reflective of home.
Refreshments are always available. A variety of events and activities are provided such as shopping trips, bus trips to see the fall colours and the Christmas lights, craft and bake sales, birthday parties, bingo etc. Staff encourage residents to socialize with one another.
Church services for specific faiths and interdenominational groups are held. Caressant Care is proud of the many volunteers who contribute their time and talents to provide enjoyment for the residents.
Staff provide a safe and secure environment with a home like atmosphere to make each resident feel important and part of a family.
Caressant Care’s philosophy, inherent in the care for the resident shall be respect for the worth, individuality and right of the person. Each resident is encouraged to fulfill his or her potential in the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of his other personality.
Dyce thanked Zettler for sharing with us some aspects of retirement home living and presented her with a gift.
The roll call "A friend you know in a retirement home" was answered by all.
Following lunch president Miriam Green presided for the business at hand.
The Damascus WI’s next meeting is Dec. 10 at 11am. A catered Christmas dinner to be followed by a Christmas program and exchange of Secret Sister gifts.
Submitted by Public Relations Officer – Shirley Langdon
