In lives full of defining moments, we help create even more.

Whether it’s a brief encounter or a life changing event, these unique moments enrich lives. And we do everything we can to make them happen.

To give you an idea of how we can make a difference, here are Remarkable Moments from our home.

Our Defining Moments

A Letter from a Family Member

My mother has been treated with outstanding care, kindness, empathy and dignity. The staff at West End Villa are outstanding and are passionate about the demanding jobs they do.

I have been following with close attention the series on long term care in Ontario. The issue has been at the forefront of my being for the last several months. My mother, who until 4 months ago lived in a retirement residence in Westboro, is now in long term care. Her decline after her 90th birthday was stupefyingly rapid and sudden.

Our family's scramble to find appropriate home care and then long-term care was frought with frustration and worry. Our sense of urgency was paramount as we watched a perfectly independent and proud woman descend into a world of dementia, incontinence, confusion and fear.

Luckily we convinced the CCAC to designate her as urgent care status (not an easy feat by any means and daunting due ro endless paperwork and interviews). A room was found for her at the Extendicare West End Villa.

I get the "Russian Roulette" analogy cited in the article with regards to choosing a home.

I had heard and read all the horror stories about long term care facilities, but I need to tell you that my experience at Extendicare West End Villa has been nothing like the accounts of neglect and abuse your series has consistently depicted.

On the contrary, my mother has been treated with outstanding care, kindness, empathy and dignity. The staff at Extendicare West End Villa are outstanding and are passionate about the demanding jobs they do. From administration to support workers to nursing staff to activity personnel, the care and attention to my mother's well-being has been exceptional.

The long-term care series fail to present the hard work and devotion of these care workers who tirelessly support the elderly and infirm, many of whom have no one else to care for them. To paint all long-term care facilities with one very negative brush does disservice to the facilities and staff who bend over backwards to provide generous and humane care. I would like to read some good news stories and profiles of the people who do this work with their hearts full of compassion and professionalism. The series would benefit from a better analysis of the underlying problem with long-term care, which is chronic underfunding and the conflicting agendas of the CCAC and the Ministry.

Karen, daughter of a resident at Extendicare West End Villa

Residents appreciate Residents at Extendicare West End Villa

Thanking Brian, a resident at Extendicare West End Villa for helping people live better

Brian was admitted to Extendicare West End Villa in July 2012. Since that time he has taken on a number of projects in the home. Every morning he can be seen helping our hair dresser Coco. He helps to keep our property clean by sweeping and shoveling.

Brian was presented with a card signed by many other residents and a new watch to thank him for all the extra work he does. Brian said” this is the best thing that has every happened to me”

Thank you Brian for everything you do for us, today and every day.

Memorable Moments at Extendicare West End Villa

Extendicare West End Villa nominated three volunteers for their outstanding contributions.

Extendicare West End Villa nominated three volunteers for their outstanding contributions.

Florence Poole, Lorne and Jean Bell attended the Ontario Service Awards at Tudor Hall.

Florence Poole, the President of Resident Council was presented with a 5 year service pin & certificate. Lorne & Jean Bell were presented with a 15 years of service pins & certificates. We are very fortunate to have such dedicated individuals helping our residents.

Extendicare West End Villa Kick Off

Extendicare West End Villa kicked off summer festivities by having The Ottawa Community Concert Band perform.

Extendicare West End Villa kicked off summer festivities by having The Ottawa Community Concert Band perform.

This 50 piece brass band put on an amazing concert in our beautiful garden. This evening performance has become a yearly tradition that the residents, staff, friends and neighbors look forward to.

Extendicare Coming Together and Making a Difference for Fort McMurray Fire Victims

Extendicare coming together and sharing our unique stories in making a difference for the Fort McMurray Fire Victims.

The SGP Team and Partners Reach Out to Fort McMurray Fire Victims

On Wednesday May 4, 2016 , everyone had heard about the Fort McMurray fire. . As staff went about their business, a large number of people escaping the fire arrived at the Edmonton Radisson South looking for accommodation. They were accompanied by their families, pets, etc. Many had harrowing stories to share about their loss and the short window of time they had to escape from the fire. Usually at the end of the trade shows the vendors usually have food and non-food supplies leftover. This would include non-opened food, non-perishable food, dried fruit, granola bars, frozen meat products, etc. After reviewing the situation the SGP team spoke with the vendors and came up with a wonderful plan. They decided to donate the food to the chef in the kitchen so that he could cook up meals for the families that were there. The delegates were very supportive and appreciative. We would like to say kudos to the SGP team and the SGP partners for that wonderful gesture.

Extendicare Athabasca

Extendicare Athabasca was put on standby to accept evacuees and they received a call to take an evacuee that had been treated in hospital and needed a safe place to sleep. Many of their employees have been volunteering after work at their local reception centre which provides clothes, food etc.

Extendicare St. Paul

On Friday May 6th Extendicare St. Paul had pre-arranged a BBQ at the Co-op for their Food Bank Drive. Of course priorities change, and after speaking with their local food bank, they adjusted the fund raiser to be for the Fort McMurray relief as the local food bank was not currently in need. On Wednesday May 11th Extendicare St. Paul received a new admission, a woman from Ft. McMurray who received home care.

Extendicare West End Villa

The West End Villas Resident’s Council voted to donate all money raised from their Friday Breakfast Club to the Fort McMurray Fund. In addition staff and residents did an impromptu bake sale and all money raised was again donated to the Fort McMurray Fund. The total raised last Friday was $315!

Extendicare Leduc and Salem Manor

On May 3rd, 2016 Alberta Health Services asked if any of the Extendicare Edmonton area homes would be able to admit Long Term Care Residents due to the Fort McMurray evacuation. Extendicare Leduc welcomed four residents and Salem Manor welcomed three residents.

Extendicare Van Daele

The staff is coordinating a silent auction with items donated from businesses, fellow staff members and families.

Extendicare Bayview

On May 20th Extendicare Bayview hosted a fundraising BBQ and served up burgers, hot dogs to show support for Fort McMurray.

EXTENDICARE ASSIST HOMES
Sunrise Village Drayton Valley

As the town of Drayton Valley welcomed over 150 families to their town the team at Sunrise Village Drayton Valley came together and have extended an offering of a home cooked lunch three days a week. The team volunteers their time to put together a well thought out nutritious menu and has been delivering meals to those who have been affected.

Sunrise Village High River

At Sunrise Village High River they did an internal 50/50 draw as well as put their Jean Friday money towards the Fort McMurray fund.

Sunrise Village Olds

On May 28th, 2016 the Sunrise Village Olds staff hosted a BBQ at their local big park in Town.

Tendercare Living Centre

The staff at Tendercare will be doing a walkathon to commemorate senior’s month in Ontario and will be donating all the money towards Fort McMurray.

Villa Colombo

The staff at Villa Colombo held an ice cream sale and raffle to raise money for the Canadian Red Cross and Fort McMurray.

PARAMED CALGARY BRANCH

The ParaMed Calgary Branch held an in office bake sale to contribute to the Canadian Red Cross donations for Fort McMurray.

Mrs. P's Regained Independence

Mrs. P., was in her 80’s, still functioning independently in her home and taking care of her mentally challenged son when, an illness forced her into an extended stay at hospital.

Mrs. P., was in her 80’s, still functioning independently in her home and taking care of her mentally challenged son when, an illness forced her into an extended stay at hospital. The hospital’s assessment was that she could no longer function on her own so she was discharged to our home for long -term care. Our own assessment was that Mrs. P. could still function independently but would need help in her home. Our Assistant Director of Care took care of the situation and sourced all the proper community care services for her, counseled her daughter on how to properly manage the situation, and coordinated all the elements necessary for a smooth return home. It took a month and a half, but a grateful Mrs. P. was able to go back home and live independently once again…with a little help from her friends.

Mr. M's Life Transformation

Mr. M., in his early 60’s, came to us as a homeless person with no family.

Mr. M., in his early 60’s, came to us as a homeless person with no family. A diabetic, Mr. M. was in very poor health when he arrived. As a result of the hard work of his dedicated Care team, his health improved as did his spirit and overall outlook. To show his gratitude, he now helps out in whatever way he can, doing small jobs for anyone and everyone. Last Christmas, he gave the staff a beautiful card and in it he wrote that he had never had so many friends, felt so much like part of a family and he has never been happier in his life.