In lives full of defining moments, we help create even more.

Whether it’s a brief encounter or a life changing event, these unique moments enrich lives. And we do everything we can to make them happen.

To give you an idea of how we can make a difference, here are Remarkable Moments from our home.

Our Defining Moments

Words of Appreciation to Extendicare New Orchard Lodge Staff Members

As we became more familiar with the staff on the lower floor, the more admiring we became of the level of service offered, not just to our mother, but to all of the residents, and to families as well.

Dear Extendicare New Orchard Lodge Staff Members:

I apologize for the delay in writing to you, to express my and my family’s great appreciation for how well our Mom was treated during her stay at New Orchard this past year.

I personally was there visiting my Mom, almost every day over that 4 month period for, in most cases, almost all day, 9:30 – 5:30. If I were unable to attend, others of my family or friends were there in my absence. My brothers were there into mid-evening.

My Mom was initially assigned to the first (lower) floor, where there was higher dementia and greater physical disabilities among the residents. We initially were taken aback at this, and wished for our Mom to be moved to the upper floor where we felt she would be more suited given her quite favourable mental condition and mobility. In the end we understood and accepted the decision that, due to some physical issues, she should remain where she was.

As we became more familiar with the staff on the lower floor, the more admiring we became of the level of service offered, not just to our mother, but to all of the residents, and to families as well, and by all of the departments serving that floor – RNs/RPNs/Dr. Auer, PSW’s, Health Care Aids, Kitchen/Dietary, Recreation/Activities, Housekeeping, Physio, Laundry, etc. – all working as a team, in a friendly collegial, supportive manner – while maintaining compassion and concern for their ‘patients’/residents.

We witnessed fire drills being carried out with precision while care of patients was maintained, and other regulations (patient bed transfers, etc.) carefully followed according to prescribed rules. The hallways and rooms were kept clean at all times, something that impressed many visitors to our Mom.

In Mom’s last days, we were so appreciative of the attentive concern and advice of Judy Pringle, Director of Care, and her entire team, and would like to make particular mention of Anissa (RN) and Brenda (RPN) who led professional, compassionate and efficient teams, and were of such support to our family throughout Mom’s stay.

There are many other things I could mention, such as the good and healthy food provided to residents, the many various activities and events, the open-door policy of the administration team to be available to family members, and the overall ambiance, warm atmosphere and professionalism of the entire facility.

In summary, from the moment my mother and our family were warmly welcomed in the door by Nancy (Social Service) to our last day with our Mom, this was truly an experience I will never forget and I will always be grateful that our Mom was fortunate to be accepted into this Home.

Sincerely,The Booth family

Music and Memory Therapy

Another resident, who is a former opera singer, found her joy again....

Another resident, who is a former opera singer, found her joy again through our Music and Memory program. We loaded a playlist of opera music, including her favourite “Madame Butterfly”, and now, when she listens to her music, she seems transported to a different time and place.

Stroke Rehabilitation

One of our residents was doing quite well in our home...

One of our residents was doing quite well in our home until, sadly, she suffered a stroke, which left her completely paralyzed on her right side. She lost the ability to walk and with that, she lost her mobility and sense of independence. Because our staff recently had been trained by the Champlain Heart and Stroke Foundation on how to care for the elderly with stroke conditions, they wasted no time in focusing their efforts on helping her regain her mobility. It wasn’t easy but with our help and our resident’s determination, she is now able to walk with assistance after 8 months.