by Carolyn Brown of our Riverside Court location in Woodstock, NB
MacLeod Riverside Court is brimming with excitement as we get ever closer to the opening date of our new Memory Care unit here in the “ big yellow house”. Our home didn’t grow externally but it sure has internally as renovations near completion to accommodate 18 new private spaces for our residents coming in through Social Development. These rooms will provide a safe, comfortable environment for your loved ones with 24-hour nursing care, activities a comfortable lounge area and beautiful furnished outside secure patio. We have already had families express relief that their loved ones will be so well cared for, safe and secure. Visiting is always welcomed and encouraged.
Let me introduce you to our new Director of Facility and Resident Care, Emily Atherton. Emily is a Registered Nurse and came to us in March excited to become part of this new adventure for the home. Her former position as Director of Clinical Management, NB, at Bayshore Health Care Ltd will serve her well in this new role. We are excited to have her with us as our former Director, Brad MacMillan, moves on to a new position within the MacLeod organization, Director of NB Operations and Marketing.
We cannot say a big enough thank you to our residents and staff throughout the home for their patience and understanding as we have journeyed through these renovations. We recognize going forward there will also be additional new staff to become familiar with and residents on the private side of our home have already adjusted to a dining experience in an all new dining room. Change is never easy but when we see the end results, we cannot help but be pleased and thankful over all, particularly in knowing we are able to assist so many other families in need. As we all adjust to “new” things, we need to keep our focus on the reality that as much as change can be scary, it is inevitable as part of life and who said we weren’t adaptable? We’ve got this!
On Tuesday, May 28th, three members of the Woodstock Quilt Guild that come monthly to our home to quilt with residents presented the home with the gift of a Dignity Quilt. They had offered to do this and incorporated the MacLeod colors in the quilt. What a privilege to have our new Director, Emily, receive this and to have our wider community remember us in such a special way. Our residents, on passing, will be transported from the home covered with this special quilt with respect and the dignity they deserve.
And so until next time, enjoy the beauty of what surrounds us both in nature and in family and friends. May we each embrace living one day at a time letting the past go and rich with anticipation for tomorrow.