MOUNT FOREST – Strathcona Long Term Health Care will have to hold off for now on a party to celebrate one year in its new facility here.
Residents and staff moved into the new 96-bed long-term care home on Princess Street on Feb. 4, 2019, and held an official grand opening later in the year.
Director of therapeutic recreation Sheryl McTavish explained the anniversary party originally set for Feb. 4 will have to be rescheduled due to an “outbreak” at the facility.
She explained an outbreak is declared when a number of residents have the same illness. She did not elaborate on the nature of the illness.
The party, McTavish said, will now likely be held in March.
“We will be having a slideshow, some meet and greet parrots, cake and punch, and basically just celebrating our first anniversary of our new home,” said McTavish.
“It [will be] more a low-key event where residents, families and friends can socialize and reminisce.”
When asked how residents enjoy the new location, McTavish said, “Some of the key things the residents absolutely love include all the natural light, the large spaces in which to gather, the larger hallways, and that each resident in semi-private suites has their own window.”
She added, “The outdoor space is much more wheelchair accessible and it is very popular.”
SHERYL MCTAVISH
McTavish also explained residents enjoy the multi-purpose room, “which allows more people to come and participate in programs they love.”
They also appreciate “that we have a café here and that they don’t have to get on an elevator to go to the main dining room for meals.”
Each floor of the facility has its own dining room, which saves residents time.
She adds, “they love the dining rooms have table which can be divided so that a taller person can have a portion of the table raised higher, while a smaller person can have a table lowered. It allows for more individual spaces.”
She said overall these changes have helped make residents’ quality of life more enjoyable.
McTavish said church services are held every Thursday morning with different ministers from the community, and once a month the in-house chaplain also holds a church service. McTavish noted the centre is looking for additional spiritual providers to help with Thursday morning services.
Spiritual needs – Pastor Bob Coutts of Faith Baptist Church in Mount Forest helps address the spiritual needs of Strathcona Long Term Care Centre residents. On Thursdays, the centre welcomes spiritual volunteers from the community.
Volunteer recruitment
McTavish explained the anniversary celebration will also be aimed at volunteer recruitment.
“The sky is the limit when it comes to volunteering,” said McTavish.
For more information contact Sheryl McTavish at 519- 323-2140 ex 110 or email at smctavish@svch
