by Carolyn Brown of our Riverside Court location in Woodstock, NB

Life moves steadily on in the “big yellow house” with the welcome mat out for residents coming to our newly opened Memory Care Unit and some new residents coming to live in the private side of our home. We have seen some of our residents who had been living in the private side of the home experience a decline in their health over the years and have had to be assessed through Social Development and transition to a fuller package of care in our Level 2 section. Although a move can always be a challenge for any senior, we have had many family members tell us how much less invasive it is for their loved one to move to a different available space in the same home versus having to go to an all new building. If their assessment by SD indicates they are a Level 2, that can happen if we have spaces available. Our Memory Care is a Level 3 B with the assessment for admittance again having to be done through Social Development. Staff at MacLeod Riverside Court can offer information to families to help you start the process for your loved one.

The private side of our home offers studios, one bedroom and two bedroom units which allow seniors to continue to live somewhat independently with help available as needed including laundry, cleaning, and meals. Health Care is also available at an additional fee should a resident become ill and need some temporary assistance. MacLeod Cares, it’s what we do!!

And let me say, our residents care also. We very recently had two residents pass away in the same week, just both quietly slept away overnight which has weighed on the hearts of everyone, staff and residents alike. As much as we hear the words “isn’t that a great way to go”, it doesn’t erase the sense of loss in missing them about our hallways, at activities and in our dining room. And for me seeing one of them sitting outside my window enjoying the fresh air all bundled up even in the colder weather, was a treat I miss!! I was privileged to use my Sunday Church Service time as a Memorial Service to honor their memories and it was especially nice having their fellow neighbours share memories when I invited them to do so. In the midst of sorrow, there was laughter mixed with tears.

As the river continues to flow, the deer frolic on James’s newly mown grass and we embrace what is to be the last month of summer, we cherish what we have to celebrate, each other, and even as we mourn and have heavy hearts we need to recognize the comfort we can be to each other whether it be a smile, a visit or a kind word. As I continually witness measures of kindness here in our home, it affirms for me how so many people from all walks of life can come together and be neighbours with respect and dignity for each other. Riverside residents, it’s what you do!!