ABOYNE – The Wellington Terrace Long-Term Care Home is a not-for-profit municipal facility located between Elora and Fergus on Wellington Road 18.
It opened in May 2006, and officials say it offers spacious rooms with large windows and a variety of areas for residents to visit with family and friends.
The multi-level, long-term care facility houses 176 residents, and offers services that allow those who can no longer live independently to experience a high quality of living, officials add.
Assistant administrator Peg Muhlbauer expressed her gratitude to the nursing staff for their ongoing dedication in an April 28 interview.
“Wellington Terrace will be celebrating Nursing Week, May 8 to 14,” she said.
“In our home, we celebrate all members of the nursing team – RNs, RPNs, PSWs, Terrace aides and neighbourhood clerks.”
Muhlbauer explained, “Nursing staff in long-term care play a pivotal role in an individual’s health care journey. They not only care for the resident’s safety and physical needs, but also their emotional needs, providing companionship and psychosocial support.”
Kendra Waite is an RPN (registered practical nurse) and has been working at Wellington Terrace for 13 years.
She serves as a behaviour support nurse, assisting residents at the home.
“My love for people and making a difference in their day-to-day lives, however small, is what motivates me in my current role,” she said.
“Taking care of some of the most vulnerable people in our community is a privilege that truly fills my heart with so much joy.”
Waite’s advice to anyone considering working in the health care sector is simple: do it. She believes that while difficult at times, it’s an incredibly enriching position.
“The most rewarding thing about working at [Wellington Terrace] is seeing how the smallest of interactions can change someone’s day,” said Waite.
“It’s not all about the medicine and nursing skills – it’s about the human connection. As someone who has grown up in this community, it’s so rewarding to give back to the community that my family and I call home.”
Muhlbauer, who could not say enough about all 180 members of the Terrace’s nursing staff, noted Waite exemplifies the growing role of RPNs in long-term care.
“Kendra has taken on leadership opportunities mentoring students and shares her clinical expertise in wound care, medication management, and responsive behaviours,” said Muhlbauer.
“She represents the compassion, leadership and dedication that Wellington Terrace values and appreciates in our team members.”
There are no immediate plans for development, but Muhlbauer hopes to see the Wellington Place campus in Aboyne eventually include the proposed continuum of care project.
(The county has not made a decision on the proposal and is seeking government funding to ensure it is feasible if approved).
The focus currently is to continue providing exceptional support.
“We are fortunate to have such a caring and compassionate team who have shown tremendous commitment and resilience throughout the pandemic,” Muhlbauer said.
