Parkhill Informer

a group of residents and team members during

annual Alzheimer’s fundraiser walk. All money

will be added to the combined total raised by all our homes and matched dollar for dollar by Andrews Senior Care.

ABOVE

MOTHER’S DAY, MUSIC AND MORE

& BEYOND

Check out this month's Above and Beyond winner | p 10

Check out our photos from our fundraising walks, ECMA performance and Mother’s Day | p 3-8 PROTEM, ANDREWS BEAT EXPECTATIONS

RESIDENT RECIPES

This month we feature a decadent butter tart recipe from resident Evelyn Rafuse | p 4-5

ProTem, Andrews teams raise more than $13,000 for Alzheimer Society. | p 11

PET THERAPY

‘IT’S JUST SO CLOSE TO MY HEART’ Andrews, ProTem residents enjoy benefits of gardening | p. 9-10

Spending time with animals proven to benefit seniors and people living with dementia | p 6-7

Barb Pye, Andrews of Parkhill activity director, leads

Parkhill’s

raised

HIGH PRAISE FOR TEAMWORK

I want to start by thanking everyone for their hard work during Team Appreciation Week Organizing games, prizes, team events and other treats didn’t happen on its own A lot of effort was made by activity directors, DOC’s, admin assistants and others They did an amazing job

Likewise, it was great to see so many people involved throughout the week I know taking time away from your duties isn’t always easy and I was happy team members were able to come together for potlucks, scavenger hunts and duck hunts

Another successful team event this month was our Alzheimer’s fundraising Our relationship with the Alzheimer Society is important for a number of reasons, not least of which being the impact Alzheimer’s and other dementias has on our residents and their families I am proud to say, including Andrews’ matched portion, we raised $13,391 between our Andrews and ProTem homes. ProTem contributed an additional $5,000 through sponsorship of the Moncton IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s.

This is a significant amount of money and everyone involved in raising funds should be proud. Barb Pye and the Parkhill team, in particular, went above and beyond, raising $2,816 on their own. That number stands as a testament to the power of teamwork. Amazing work.

Now, with summer approaching we should all be thinking about enjoying some much-deserved down-time. For anyone intending to take vacation, remember to book early and be understanding about potential scheduling conflicts Most importanly, have fun

Happy early Father’s Day and happy June

Sincerely,

Mizan

We celebrated Mother’s Day with special treats, teas, meals and music.

Residents at our homes took part in in-house fundraisers for the Alzheimer Society throughout May.

A C T I V E A T P R O T E M

Resident and team members took part in our annual Alzheimer’s walk on May 24. We enjoyed games, food and time outdoors on a beautiful Friday afternoon.

Anita Ayers waters a plant inside Andrews of Charlottetown’s activity room. Anita has been an avid gardener for 70 years. “It’s just so close to my heart to see new flowers coming up every spring,” she said of gardening.

‘It’s just so close to my heart’

Andrews Senior Care residents enjoy benefits of gardening

Anita Ayers remembers her first garden

It was 1954, her first home with her husband Lorne Hennessey, and she was thrilled to have her very own plot of soil to tend

At times it was physically challenging work, but Anita didn’t mind She liked being active and outdoors, even it meant chilly afternoons in late fall planting daffodil bulbs

“It’s just so close to my heart to see new flowers coming up every spring,” she said “Anybody that doesn’t love flowers, they’re missing something ” Her passion for gardening stayed with her through five kids and two husbands Seventy years later, she’s still going strong and is one of a number of Andrews Senior Care residents who take part in annual gardening projects at our homes

“I look forward to it,” she said “This year I’ll be planting some more lovely perennials because I want them to come back every year ”

For Anita, digging in the soil, being in the sunshine and seeing the literal fruits of her labour, has a positive impact on her sense of well-being.

“When you ’ re down on your knees and your planting flowers or whatever, you ’ re close to God,” she said. “And I truly believe in that.”

It’s an experience many gardeners share. In fact, recent studies have shown significant health benefits attributed to gardening, especially for seniors.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

In addition to lowered stress levels, research has shown positive impacts in mental alertness, socialization and physical fitness. Likewise, seniors who’d moved from home into a senior care facility found gardening to be a way to form a connection with their new living environment.

Arlene Gallant, resident of Andrews of Summerside, is one such person

Prior to moving into our Summerside home, Arlene lived in New Annan with her husband Fred There, she grew a mix of vegetables and flowers

“We always had a little patch somewhere,” she said “And if we didn’t, Fred would make it for me ”

Now, she and a few other residents put together planter boxes in the courtyard every spring, growing a variety of vegetables and herbs

While it’s not quite as intensive as her gardens in New Annan, it keeps her busy

“If I can get out there and pull weeds or do whatever, I’m gonna go there,” said Arlene “I love it ”

Adrienne Lacroix, activity director at our ProTem Memory Care homes in Moncton, N B , has witnessed the positive impact gardening can have on residents living with dementia

“For people living with dementia, well-being is also tied to the ability to enjoy familiar activities which cultivate a feeling of comfort,” she said “Garden therapy is at the top of the list (of activites )”

At ProTem, residents take part in a variety of gardening activities throughout the year. In the fall, they plant daffodil bulbs, in early winter they help trim holly branches for Christmas decorations and in the spring they plant garden boxes throughout the shared backyard. Residents are also brought on excursions to garden centres to help select what will be planted each year.

“Often, the residents start sharing memories about working with their mothers or their grandmothers in the garden,” she said “You can see the joy light up on their faces ”

Which, is the primary benefit as far as Andrews of Summerside resident Doris DeWolfe is considered

“I just love working in the soil and seeing things grow, ” she said “I enjoy it very much ”

Doris DeWolfe looks over recently potted plants at Andrews of Summerside. Doris is one of a number of residents at Andrews of Summerside who manage the planter boxes every spring.

Team members and residents transplant plants to the outdoor garden boxes at ProTem Memory Care.

ProTem Memory Care boasts a number of flower beds in the shared backyard of the three Gorge Road homes.

Andrews, ProTem teams beat Alzheimer Society fundraising goal

Andrews Senior Care and ProTem Memory Care beat fundraising expectations again this year, raising $13,391 for the Alzheimer Society as part of the 2024 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s

The Andrews Rockstars had set a team goal of $5,000 and finished with $5,121 50, which was matched by Andrews Senior Care, bringing the total to $10,243 The ProTem Memory Keepers added another $3,168 in addition to the $5,000 donated as part of ProTem’s sponsorship of the Moncton walk

“It’s an amazing feeling being able to support a cause that’s so close to so many of our residents and their families at both our Andrews Senior Care and ProTem Memory Care homes,” said Mizan Uddin, Group GM. “We have a very dedicated and generous team.”

One home, in particular, went above and beyond this year.

Andrews of Parkhill alone raised $2,816, through a combination of casual day donations, gift basket raffles and team and resident donations. Barb Pye, activity director at Andrews of Parkhill, was the driving force behind the fundraising. Her goal was to beat the home’s 2023 total of $1,370. Barb started fundraising for 2024 the day after the 2023 walk at Parkhill.

“That was our goal, to beat last year, ” she said, adding she would have been happy with $1,371 “But then we really go into it ”

In the final weeks of fundraising, she was overwhelmed by the support from team members and residents

“We had one resident that donated $400,” she said “The people that work here with me, I feel like so much of a team and they supported me so much through this ”

Barb’s passion for the Alzheimer Society grew out of her years working with seniors

“I don’t have anybody (in my family) that has Alzheimer’s,” she said “I can’t explain what it’s like to work here ”

Tanya Weatherbee, Memory Care Coordinator and Admin Support at ProTem Memory Care, agrees

“Seeing the impact Alzheimer’s has on people makes you want to help any way you can, ” she said “You get close to residents and their families and fundraising and taking part in the walk every May is our way of showing our solidarity with them ”

Donations from both Andrews Senior Care and ProTem Memory Care will be presented to the Alzheimer Society of Prince Edward Island and the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick this month

Barb Pye, Andrews of Parkhill activity director, leads residents and team members during the home’s annual Alzheimer’s fundraising walk on May 21, 2024.

ABOVE & BEYOND MAY WINNERS

Our Above and Beyond winner for May is Anu Priya

Anu is a wonderful team member, always eager to help where and when she’s needed She is described by her team mates and residents as patient, kind and a positive force in our home We are fortunate to have her at Andrews of Parkhill

Anu started working as a caregiver at our home in December, 2023

Recently, she became care supervisor Prior to joining Parkhill, she worked as a customer service representative in a call centre

For her, the best part of her role as caregiver is spending time with the residents

“I love to chit-chat with them,” she said “I like to help them as best I can ” In her spare time, Anu enjoys going for walks and cooking her favourite Indian dishes at home One of her go-to meals is dal dosa, a savoury Indian bread served with dipping sauces like chutneys

Anu was recognized for going above and beyond

GETTING TO KNOW. . .

NATACHA LANDRY

Natacha Landry is our new Director of Care at Andrews of Parkhill

Natacha joined our team in May, replacing the previous Director of Care, Shelley King

Since becoming an LPN in 2011, Natacha has held a number of roles including supervisor at a 3B unit Director of Care at a Moncton senior care home and teaching at the Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick

She’s passionate about nursing and senior care and looks forward to working with the Parkhill team

W H A T W O U L D Y O U C O N S I D E R T H E P E R F E C T M E A L ?

As a Taurus, this is tricky I love all food

C O F F E E O R T E A ?

Definitely coffee The stronger the better

W H A T I S Y O U R F A V O U R I T E M O V I E ?

1994’s Interview with the Vampire

W H A T I S Y O U R F A V O U R I T E B O O K ?

Not necessarily favorite books, rather authors; James Patterson and Dean Koontz

W H A T T A L E N T W O U L D Y

To be able to play the piano and guitar !

W H A T D O Y O U

?

People who are their authentic selves, optimism, loyalty and honesty

F Y O U C

?

I couldn’t narrow it down to one specific place, I would rather travel the world for the cultural experience, the diversity, the history and scenery the world has to offer.

W H A T M O T T O D O Y O U L I V E B Y ?

Success takes time and effort; failures are not detrimental but learning experiences

Tanya Weatherbee has been a ProTem Memory Care team member for 10 years.

Tanya started working as a caregiver, a role she remained in for three years At that point, she began working as in administrative support part-time Currently, she is the Memory Care Coordinator and Admin Assistant Prior to joining ProTem, she worked for a number of years as a line cook and supervisor at a hotel in Nova Scotia

Her experience at ProTem has been overwhelmingly positive Interacting with the residents on a daily basis has been rewarding

“I find it to be my family away from family,” she said “The environment is very much home and that’s what I enjoy about it The reward is the residents ”

She added, the team environment is equally comfortable and friendly

“You get to know the staff personally,” she said “You get to interact about their families I think the team really enjoys that interaction, because you don’t get it in other places.”

MARKING MILESTONES

Every month we will be highlighting team members who've reached significant milestones with us.

Helen Langer has been an Andrews of Charlottetown team member for 13 years

Helen started working as a housekeeper in 2010 Prior to joining Andrews, she worked on tobacco farms, planted potatoes by hand and as a private house-cleaner

For her, the best part of her job is helping the residents in whatever ways she is able

“Each and every one of them know my name, ” she said “When they walk by me they always have a compliment for me or tease me They appreciate what I do ”

Likewise, she’s always felt supported by her team members and leadership.

“I really like the residents and my co-worker,” she said. “If I ever have a problem, I can always go to Kendra, but I don’t have any problems.”

Despite turning 65 this month, she has no immediate plans to retire.

“I can’t retire,” she said. “What the hell would I do? I have to socialize. I have to.”

Are You Feeling Stressed or Overwhelmed?

Take advantage of our Employee Assistance Program through Lifeworks This program is available 24/7 online or over the phone and services to help you with work, family, health, money, and life The following is information on how you can access the program:

Toll-free support line: 1-877-207-8833

TTY: 1-877-371-9978

Through their website login.lifeworks.com

Username: murphy

Password: eap

Are you, a friend or family member looking to buy or sell a property?

You could earn up to $250. Read below to learn how.

We are pleased to offer a new Referral Program between Provincial Realty and Andrews Senior Care The Referral Program will work as follows:

Each employee that retains a Provincial Realty real estate advisor, or refers a friend or family member who uses their service for selling or purchasing properties over $150,000 will receive a gift card as a token of our appreciation

For more information, please contact Provincial Realty at 902 892 2266 or email us directly office@provincialrealty ca

Jessica Gauthier Human Resources Advisor hr@andrewsseniorcare com 902-368-8520

If you have any questions for our HR team about benefits, ADP support, Immigration Program support or any other questions please contact me

Cash 50/50

DON'T MISS OUT ON THESE BENEFITS

Paid vacation time starting at 4% per year (Approximately 2 weeks)

Health and dental coverage, of which we cover 50% of the costs

A pension plan where we match your contributions of up to 4% of your salary annually

A fitness subsidy of up to $250 annually

Discounts with local companies, including pharmacies, home heating oil providers and restaurants