Village Voice

Inspiring a future nursing leader at Humber Heights

Friday, May 10, 2013 - 1:37pm

‘My placement was a never-ending learning experience,’ says RN student

By Kristian Partington

After 20 years working as a nurse it’s fair to say Oraldeen Brown-Haughton has seen many angles of the profession, both as a student and as a registered practical nurse on the front lines of care.

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Deepening the Schlegel Villages commitment to the Haitian people

Tuesday, May 7, 2013 - 9:34am

Hunt begins for 25 ambassadors to volunteer in Haiti

By Kristian Partington

In 2011, Schlegel Villages team members joined with residents, families and community partners to raise money for the people of Haiti, where poverty is rampant and hope is a luxury few can afford.  That initial 5km Hand Up For Haiti Walk/Run fundraiser far exceeded expectations, as did last year’s event.

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Raising the voices of elders in culture change

Thursday, May 2, 2013 - 1:40pm

Empowerment through Residents' Councils

By Kristian Partington

In order for long-term care or retirement organizations to help change in the culture of aging in society, the elders they serve must be empowered with a meaningful voice.

The Ontario Association of Residents’ Councils (OARC) is a convener of those voices. As an umbrella group that supports existing residents’ councils and encourages all elders to exercise their rights and wishes, the association is firmly rooted in the culture change movement, says executive director Donna Fairley.

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Hatching new relationships at Taunton Mills

Tuesday, April 30, 2013 - 9:28am

Five little ducklings and how they brought residents and teams together

By Kristian Partington

For Caroline Wagner, her role as a horticultural therapist at the Village of Taunton Mills stretches far beyond nurturing the growth of plants, flowers and vegetables.  

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The spirit of volunteerism blooms at Riverside Glen

Thursday, April 25, 2013 - 8:24am

A glimpse of volunteer appreciation at Schlegel Villages

By Kristian Partington

Flowers bloom this year in the gardens of Riverside Glen to honour the memory of a man whose sharp wit never failed to breathe life into the village. Volunteer Sheila Hassert, who helps with the horticultural therapy program, remembers him well, and the idea that the flowers he gave will bloom year in and year out touches her deeply.

“When we look at this we think of Robert, and a smile comes to my face,” Sheila says, remembering his mischievous sense of humour.  

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The re-emergence of Muriel Dyer

Tuesday, April 23, 2013 - 8:40am

'I may not be alive now if it wasn't for Tansley Woods'

By Kristian Partington

A few months ago, it seemed that Muriel Dyer was going to die.

At 94, a procedure to remove a stone in her esophagus left her unable to speak, eat or walk, and a proud woman who lived independently with the help of her son and daughter was now entirely at their mercy for everything.

It was late December when, after a long hospital stay followed by 10 days of homecare, she moved to the Village of Tansley Woods and the beginning of her transformation began taking shape.

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Stories that Create Culture

Friday, April 19, 2013 - 9:44am

An incredible journey of discovery at annual leadership retreat

By Kristian Partington

“The shortest distance between two people is a good story,” said Schlegel Villages president and CEO James Schlegel at one point during the organization’s annual leadership retreat at Brampton’s Pearson Convention Centre April 17-18.

He was right on the mark.  

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Stories of a beautiful family

Tuesday, April 16, 2013 - 11:59am

Village Voice writer looks back over two years with Schlegel Villages

Kristian Partington

It’s been nearly two years since I began writing about the inspiration that exists within the many hearts and souls connected to Schlegel Villages. 

On the eve of the organization’s annual leadership retreat, which this year is focused on the art of storytelling, I thought it appropriate to share my thoughts on the importance of this vocation and the connections that urge me to gain a deeper understanding of the people I’ve grown to admire and respect.

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Traditions taking root at Aspen Lake

Thursday, April 11, 2013 - 11:48am

“It just keeps the memory of my mum alive,” says volunteer Barbara Matis

By Kristian Partington

Barbara Matis became a regular visitor to the Village of Aspen Lake after her mother Rosemary moved there in early 2010. Barbara’s connection to the village remains strong today, even though her mum is no longer living.

Barbara looks to springtime with fondness, remembering Easter of 2010 when she donned a bunny costume and together with her mother delivered sweets to residents of the village.  

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BSO program gaining strength at Schlegel Villages

Tuesday, April 9, 2013 - 10:19am

Supporting residents by better understanding challenging behaviours

By Kristian Partington

A provincial program to help long-term care team members support residents living with dementia, mental illness, addictions and other neurological conditions is showing its value within Schlegel Villages.

For many residents living with these conditions, impulsive responses to daily situations can be commonplace, and supporting these individuals can sometimes be difficult for caregivers.

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