Wildwood residents tap into their love of gardening during the pandemic

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‘The world continues to grow’

In recent weeks, the Wildwood Care Centre courtyard has become the perfect place for residents to tap into their talents for gardening.

With restrictions in place on large-group indoor programming in long-term care homes due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, the courtyard and its gardens have provided residents with meaningful activities in a safe environment.

“Residents have been enjoying the gardens here; they have been watering the gardens (and) they have enjoyed planting tomatoes, so they’re enjoying being out there watching things grow,” says Alison Hoskins, the St. Marys, Ont. long-term care and retirement home’s life enrichment co-ordinator.

For many residents, gardening is an activity they have enjoyed their whole lives, so planting flowers, growing vegetables and watering is a way to not only latch on to their past but to continue doing something they love.

“They love coming out to their courtyard and doing the gardening and watching everything grow – that’s what they all talk about,” Alison says.

While the pandemic has impacted all of our lives in some way, Alison notes the residents’ work in the Wildwood Care Centre courtyard to help grow plants is a metaphor for perseverance during a challenging time.

“The world continues to grow,” she says. “There are positives, and we have to keep looking at the bright side of things.”

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Wildwood Care Centre resident Edythe Woosnam turns 100

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Wildwood Care Centre resident Edythe Woosnam, pictured above, turned 100 on Aug. 1.

Edythe, a long-time resident who loves keeping busy, was recently honoured with a small celebration at the home

Edythe Woosnam has a favourite saying: “a man’s work is from dawn to dusk, but a woman’s work is never done.” Read more

Wildwood residents enjoy ‘goat yoga’

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Unique idea of combining yoga with animal therapy delivers benefits to residents

Wildwood Care Centre residents were treated to a unique program Nov. 28 that combined yoga with animal therapy – more specifically, “goat therapy.” Read more

For Wildwood PSW, being an Everyday Hero is in her job description

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Wildwood Care Centre PSWs Jackie Iredale (left) and Jean Wright (right) are seen here holding their Circle of Radiance awards. Jackie was named the home’s Everyday Hero and Jean Wildwood’s Inspired Leader.

‘If you have an open heart and compassion, there’s no job that’s better,’ says Jackie Iredale

Wildwood Care Centre personal support worker (PSW) Jackie Iredale says that while she is honoured to have been named the St. Marys, Ont. long-term care home’s 2018 Everyday Hero, she considers the qualities that got her nominated by her peers for the award to be part of her job duties. Read more

Award recipient says being on BSO team has been an opportunity to heighten leadership skills

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Wildwood Care Centre PSWs Jackie Iredale (left) and Jean Wright (right) are seen here holding their Circle of Radiance awards. Jackie was named the home’s 2018 Everyday Hero and Jean is Wildwood’s 2018 Inspired Leader.

PSW Jean Wright, who was named Wildwood Care Centre’s 2018 Inspired Leadership Award recipient, says she’s honoured to have been nominated by her peers

Wildwood Care Centre personal support worker (PSW) Jean Wright says being a Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) team member is the perfect forum to enhance leadership skills. Read more

Family thanks Wildwood Care Centre team for care and support provided to mother

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Pictured seated above, Ruth Kelly, who has been staying at Wildwood Care Centre as a respite admission, was recently joined by her husband at the home to celebrate their 72nd anniversary. The couple’s four daughters, pictured standing, joined their mom and dad for the celebration.

Children of Ruth Kelly say the team has also helped the family navigate the system and even hosted an anniversary celebration for parents

The family of Ruth Kelly, who came to Wildwood Care Centre last month on a respite admission while she awaits a long-term care bed, is thanking the team at the St. Marys, Ont. home for their care and support. Read more

Wildwood Care Centre celebrates the Middle Ages

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Team members don period dress, host a joust and even encourage everyone to eat with their hands during medieval-themed event

A court jester, fair maidens and even an axe-wielding, hooded executioner were strolling around Wildwood Care Centre July 17 when the St. Marys, Ont. long-term care home hosted a medieval-themed event for residents. Read more

Family member says support from Wildwood team has made wife’s transition into LTC easier

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Wildwood Care Centre

Chuck Armstrong applauds the home’s team members for their dedication to residents

Moving his wife of 57 years into a long-term care home was a difficult decision for Chuck Armstrong, who says he felt guilt and anxiety about the situation. Eight months after Chuck’s wife moved into Wildwood Care Centre, however, Chuck says the home’s staff members and management have put his concerns to rest. Read more

Wildwood Care Centre kicks off Christmas season with annual open house

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More than 100 residents, families and staff members attend event that created ‘a real feeling of togetherness’

Wildwood Care Centre hosted its annual Christmas open house Dec. 3, with more than 100 people attending. Read more

Going ‘above and beyond’ every day nets Chiara Van Galen Everyday Hero Award

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OMNI director of western operations Aimee Merkley (far left) is seen here with Wildwood Care Centre’s 2017 Circle of Radiance award recipients. From left to right, Holly Williams (Inspired Leadership), Pat Hill (Lifetime Achievement) and Chiara Van Galen (Everyday Hero).

Wildwood Care Centre dietary staff member described as ‘a person to be admired’

The first thing Chiara Van Galen’s colleagues notice about the Wildwood Care Centre cook is her dedication to residents and co-workers, and her willingness to go above and beyond her job description to enhance everyone’s quality of life. Read more