Hello everyone,

I’m pleased to present you with the winter edition of Connections. The first issue of the year is always a time to reflect on the past year while looking forward to what lies ahead. Together, the stories in this edition paint a picture of the people and places that are propelling us forward.

In November, we were excited to introduce Bloomsbury, a groundbreaking, longevity focused community that celebrates the long, engaged and contributing life. Ten years in the making, Bloomsbury is the first of its kind in Canada, offering a blend of social, retail, health, wellness, and dining amenities within a residential setting. A new club and residential concept called Allbright Life is central to Bloomsbury. Allbright Life club members have access to dining and entertainment venues, a co-working centre, event space, a library, gym, health centre and thermal spa. Both Bloomsbury and Allbright Life are designed to foster connectivity and convenience for residents, club members and the public. I invite you to visit our websites to learn more (welcometobloomsbury.ca and allbrightlife.ca).

As our organization enters its 37th year, we continue to find new ways to deliver on our vision of leading the way to better living. In December we welcomed the first patients to West Bedford Transitional Health in Halifax, N.S. Transitional Health is an innovative model of care developed in partnership with Nova Scotia

Health to support patients who no longer require acute care but still need assistance transitioning back to the community. While it is still early days, we are seeing promising outcomes for patients as well as creating efficiencies in the overall health system.

As always, at the heart of this work are our Great People. In the fall, we conducted our annual employee satisfaction survey, and I’m pleased to share that we received certification as a Great Place to Work. This was a new survey for our organization, conducted by a third party to gather more in-depth feedback from employees. We saw exceptional participation in the new survey which is helping better understand the ways we’re successful and where we need to improve to be an employer of choice everywhere we operate.

I hope you enjoy reading about these and many other meaningful initiatives in this issue. Together, we are building a bright future, and 2025 is looking great so far.

Ingredients

cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight (or one 15-ounce can, drained)

cup lentils

1 white onion, chopped

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

4 sun-dried tomatoes, coarsely chopped

Small bunch of mint, finely chopped

Sprig of rosemary, stem removed

1 bay leaf

1 wild fennel bulb with fronds, coarsely chopped pound peeled potatoes, cubed

1 cup barley

Salt and pepper (optional)

Method

1. In a soup pot, combine all ingredients. Cover with water to an inch above the top of the other ingredients.
2. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.

3. Cook for about 30 minutes.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Remove bay leaf before serving. 

It’s been 25 years since Parkland Clayton Park first opened its doors as the first Parkland community. Team members, residents and families made the most of the occasion with a lively celebration that featured a reception, prime rib and shrimp dinner, and lively Pub Night to end the evening. Congratulations to Parkland Clayton Park for 25 wonderful years with many more to come!

Residents at Bridgeview Hall, a licensed long term care community in Miramichi, N.B. enjoyed a sweet treat in celebration of Smile Cookie Day and courtesy of our GreatPeople. Even better, cookie sale proceeds support Percy’s Place, a local hospice in Miramichi. When we asked Kenny MacWilliam what makes him smile each day, he responded, “Looking at my wife’s picture is what

makes me smile”.

Great People Give

Our GreatPeoplenominated and voted for organizations making a difference in their communities. As a result, three organizations — one in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario received donations:

• Cumberland County Transportation Services :Provides essential transportation for rural residents and needs funding for bus repairs.

• NorthEndFoodBank:Delivers healthy food to North End Saint John residents.

• ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development :Supports children and youth with disabilities in Mississauga, raising funds for underfunded programs.

Community Spirit Grants

We’re proud to award $2,500 each to organizations focused on wellness, active living, and social connections for older adults. To date, these grants have supported 18 organizations, and we’ve gained a deeper insight into the needs of older adults in our communities.*

Community Spirit Grants

To see the most recent Community Spirit Grant recipients, please visit Community Spirit Grants.

Every year, young, talented dancers from the Academy of Classical Ballet in Moncton, N.B. continue their annual tradition of performing their beautiful Nutcracker show for our residents. It was another sold-out show delivered to the residents of Faubourg du Mascaret in Miramichi and previously donated funds to purchase a virtual reality (VR) headset and two interactive pets for residents.

Four registered nurses at Shannex licensed long term care communities in Nova Scotia are now able to prescribe medications and treatments under the supervision of physicians. Through the inaugural cohort of the program, these Great People participated in Dalhousie University’s Certificate in Registered Nurse Prescribing course which saw them attend in-class lectures and complete 200 hours of clinical practicum over the course of 12 months.

The program is a collaboration between Shannex and the Health Association of Nova Scotia to create a model program for organizations across the province. Congratulations to Barbara Jean Parland from Harbourstone Enhanced Care, Pamela O’Brien from Maplestone Enhanced Care, and Sarah Doucette and Ashlee Watts from Parkstone Enhanced Care on their graduation and leadership in nursing innovation.

Special thanks to Kyle Richardson, Regional Director of Operations, Northern & Eastern Zones, Gavin Slade, Regional Director of Operations, Central Zone, and our Clinical Services team for their leadership in advancing innovative healthcare delivery.

Our annual Quality of Life Survey was completed in September 2024 with a record-breaking 3,562 submissions from residents and families across our Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario communities.

Insights from the surveys are essential to our ongoing efforts to prioritize resident wellbeing and continuously improve our services.

This year, we achieved a positive response rate of over 71%, an encouraging sign of the dedicated care shown by our team members in our communities.

We are fortunate to have the support of Site Champions in each of our communities who ensured surveys were accessible and that every voice was heard. To recognize their important role in the process, we provided a small token of our appreciation.

Chelsea Gee, Regional Administrative Coordinator, Tucker Hall

Chelsea joined Shannex in June 2024 as the Regional Administrative Coordinator for Saint John and Quispamsis Enhanced Care sites. From her very first day, Chelsea showed that she was a team player, learning tasks quickly and taking on additional responsibilities as needed by the teams. Chelsea is a great support to site leaders and ensures the homes have the things they need in a timely way. Chelsea is a great addition to our team, and we’re thrilled to have her with us

Aryan Arevalo, Maintenance Worker, Parkland at the Gardens

Aryan Arevalo is a committed team member who is consistently demonstrating our Guiding Principles every day. He is a full-time employee at Parkland at the Gardens on our maintenance team, however, he steps up and works in our nursing department at times. Without a doubt, Aryan is a true team player and does so with compassion and grace.

“Aryan is kind to everyone and a well-respected employee. I was fortunate to have his assistance when moving from one suite to another, he was prompt, efficient, reliable, enthusiastic and above all, always very pleasant. We are very fortunate to have him on our team.” – Joyce Landry, Resident of Parkland at the Gardens.

Alina Nechvolod, CCA, Maplestone Enhanced Care

Alina displays genuine care and empathy for our residents at Maplestone. She truly shows how compassionate she is as a Continuing Care Assistant (CCA).

“Shannex is a Great Place to Work because working with residents makes me smile every day. I’m always happy to work with my team members to help residents and look out for their safety”.

Ben Burlock, HR Manager, New Brunswick

This year marks 15 incredible years of dedication and service by Ben Burlock, New Brunswick HR Manager. As a mentor and guiding light, Ben has been an invaluable resource to his team and the organization. His unwavering commitment to nurturing talent, fostering growth, and building a supportive workplace culture has left an indelible mark on all of us. Thank you for your dedication, Ben!

“Shannex has been a great place to work for me. It not only provided me with the opportunity to grow and develop my career, but continues to offer endless opportunities to learn, develop new skills, and make important connections.”

Vanessa Quigley is our Director of Transitional Health. With her extensive background as a registered nurse in acute and emergency care, Vanessa understands the importance of personalized care plans that empower patients to regain independence and confidence on their journey to wellness.

It was a great day at Harbourstone Enhanced Care when team members and residents came together to wish a happy farewell to Vicki Chartrand. Vicki has been a CCA with the Harbourstone team for 37 years and has dedicated her life to serving residents.

Vicki has been a beacon of positivity at Harbourstone, known for her infectious attitude and her love of planning special events and parties for the residents. She will be deeply missed by the entire community, but her legacy will continue to live on in the many lives she has touched.

To mark her final day, her coworkers in the Saint Ann’s Bay neighbourhood wore matching t-shirts that read: “It’s going to be a great day because we have great staff and great residents” – Vicki’s famous catch phrase!

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Vicki for her years of dedication and service. As she embarks on this exciting new chapter, we wish her nothing but happiness, success and fulfillment in all that lies ahead. 

Every year, On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Shannex celebrated the launch of the Nursing Home Without Walls (NHWW) program in Fredericton, N.B. The event, held at Pavillon Neill Hall, brought together community members, caregivers, and healthcare leaders to learn more about this innovative initiative, designed to help older adults age in place, with the support and resources they need to live independently at home for as long as possible.

We also have NHWW programs in Miramichi, Saint John, and Moncton, expanding the reach of this service across the region.

Santa Claus came to Home Office! This holiday season, our GreatPeoplecame together to support Feed Nova Scotia’s 33rd annual Stuff-A-Bus program. Non-perishable food items were collected to help thousands of families in need across the province. Halifax Transit buses, with a little holiday magic from Santa, picked up these donations, ensuring they reach those who need them most.

The Stuff-A-Bus program brings much-needed holiday cheer while easing some of the stress on households during this busy time of year.

This is a heartwarming tradition for our team, especially when our donations were picked up by Santa himself!

Dr. Bruce Smith is an example of how to create new, meaningful connections and purpose. Bruce has dedicated himself to leading a Bible study at Parkland Saint John, where he not only nurtures spiritual growth but also forms deep-rooted connections with residents.

Bruce, a 65-year-old native of Gander, Newfoundland, has had a lifelong passion for hockey and is the chaplain lead with the Saint John Sea Dogs which he seamlessly integrated into his volunteer work. His journey started seven years ago when his friend and his wife became residents at Parkland. He initially offered to assist his friend in leading Bible studies. Even after the passing of his friend and mentor, Bruce continued this routine, supporting his passion and commitment to serving others.

Today, he stands as one of our many dedicated volunteers embodying the spirit of selflessness and community support. Throughout his years of service, Bruce has found joy and memorable experiences in many small moments, especially in those that connect with residents on a personal level, sharing stories of life’s challenges and triumphs. Bruce’s story shares the strong impact our volunteers have in enriching the lives of our residents by building connections and lasting memories.

Introducing Bloomsbury, a groundbreaking community purposefully designed for a longevity focused lifestyle. The Shannex team developed Bloomsbury over years of planning, with the aim of providing an immersive living experience for those seeking social connection, ease of axes, and intentionally curated amenities in a beautifully landscaped neighborhood. Approximately 62% of Canadians express a desire for more social engagement with family and friends, and nearly a quarter feel they spend too much time alone, highlighting a gap between Canadians’ social needs and daily realities. Bloomslbury is thoughtfully designed to bridge that gap, creating a community that fosters interaction and personal fulfilment for people of all ages.

At the heart of the community is Bloomsbury Place, a destination offering a unique mix of public and members-only experiences that blend social, retail, health, wellness, and dining amenities. Designed to foster connectivity and convenience, this community provides a seamless living experience where both residents, club members and the public can enjoy access to thoughtfully designed spaces.

MATCHING HEALTH SPAN TO LIFESPAN

On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, the Shannex team unveiled Bloomsbury and Allbright Life to family, friends and trusted partners, highlighting the vision for Bloomsbury to align with Canada’s evolving demographics and lifestyle priorities with increased focus on longevity and the desire to match health span to life span. Three special guests joined the team to share their perspectives on how building wellness into the fabric of a community can foster a culture of vitality and

connection that has the potential to transform neighbours into a community.

YOUR ALLBRIGHT LIFE

Central to the Bloomsbury experience is Allbright Life, a brand-new Club and Residential concept that forms the heart of the community. Allbright Life Residences are beautifully designed one or two-bedroom suites, complete with underground parking, built-in Club membership and convenient access to amenities. Residences include an Allbright Life Club membership which is also available for purchase. Exclusive Allbright Life Club memberships include dining and entertainment venues, a co-working centre, event space, a library, gym, health centre and thermal spa.

Food services, restaurants and retail food experiences at Bloomsbury will be delivered through a new venture, Saffron Hill Hospitality Group.

Alyson Sheffar’s Journey at Shannex and Parkland

Alyson’s career at Shannex and Parkland has been one of growth, connection, and continuous learning. Starting as a Business Manager in 2016 at Parkland in the Valley, a retirement living community in Quispamsis, N.B., she quickly gained confidence and became an integral part of the team, always eager to improve processes and learn new things. This foundation helped propel her into her current role as Finance Process Manager.

In this position, Alyson supports communities across New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, helping team members and managers with company processes, especially within the Yardi system. She thrives in roles that allow her to connect with people and solve complex problems. “I love to help people, I love to see the success of other people, and I love to see that success flow to the happiness of our residents,” she says.

What Alyson has learned throughout her journey is the importance of being open and honest with yourself. “You don’t get to where you are going without the help and support of other GreatPeople,” she reflects. This mindset has been key to her growth, both personally and professionally.

During the holiday season, residents of Faubourg du Mascaret were treated to a number of celebrations. Amongst these, the Intergenerational Choir, made up of residents of Faubourg du Mascaret, members of the community and our partners at the Université de Moncton, performed for all residents. The Trio des Dunes also gave a fine performance, students from the Mascaret school came over to play games, and residents of Pavillon Richard and Pavillon Landry even welcomed a visit from Santa Claus.

Parkland Ancaster, Ontario

Parkland Ancaster opened the doors of Tiffany Hall in November. Located within one of Canada’s most historic communities, Parkland Ancaster offers a personalized blend of freedom and comfort with premium accommodations and exceptional service. Tiffany Hall, Parkland Ancaster’s Supportive Lifestyle building, offers three styles of accommodation including Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Enriched Care.

Moody Hall, Nova Scotia

Moody Hall began welcoming residents in November. In total, this community will be home to 144 residents. Seventy-two have now moved in and another 72 will arrive in spring 2025. An exciting feature of Moody Hall is its Main Street concept – the first time we have added this feature to a nursing home in Nova Scotia. This open and charming space encourages independence, community spirit and connection.

Emily Dewar joined Shannex as a Registered Nurse at Arborstone Enhanced Care in 2012. She quickly moved through various roles within the organization, including Community Manager and Director of Care. Today, she has the exciting challenge of being General Manager at Moody Hall, our newest licensed long term care community located in Bedford, N.S.

What sets Emily apart is her commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture. She believes in teamwork and open communication, creating an environment where both team members and residents can thrive. Emily prioritizes building personal connections with residents, knowing them by name, and building a community where team members feel valued and supported.

Moody Hall began welcoming residents in November. In total, this community will be home to 144 residents. Seventy-two have now moved in and another 72 will arrive in spring 2025. An exciting feature of Moody Hall is its Main Street concept – the first time we have added this feature to a nursing home in Nova Scotia. This open and charming space encourages independence, community spirit and connection.

Isabelle Maude Redden, resident of Orchard Court, N.S. 

Joan, who celebrated her 100th birthday on May 7, 2024 spent her childhood in Charlottetown, P.E.I. as part of a bustling household with 11 Isabelle says her tip on staying well and living a long life is to drink a bit of wine occasionally. We hope she was able to practice this when she celebrated her 100th birthday with fellow residents.

Born on April 5, 1924, Isabelle married her husband Louis in 1948, and the couple was blessed with two beautiful children. Isabelle has been living at Orchard Court, a licensed long term care community in Kentville, N.S. since 2022. With a bright smile, Isabelle says that she feels no different being 100. 

Annie Hashem, resident of Parkland Cape Breton, N.S.

Annie, a passionate and talented artist who takes pride in her work and loves to sketch, paint, and draw, celebrated her birthday on October 2. When asked about turning 100, Annie smiles and says she doesn’t focus on age and still can’t quite believe she’s reached this incredible milestone. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: “make people laugh”. This infectious joy and unwavering spirit are just a few reasons why Annie continues to inspire those around her.

Addie Ferguson, resident of Parkland Saint John, N.B.

Addie believes that you are as old as you feel, and she certainly does not feel old. She feels that it isn’t the years in your life but the life in your years that counts. At 100 years young, she celebrated her milestone at Carleton Hall, radiating joy and vitality. When asked what her tips for living a long, healthy life were, Addie offered a simple yet powerful piece of advice: “Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Get lots of exercise and eat healthy foods, participate in activities and have hobbies.” Her words are a testament to the importance of balance in life.

At Shannex, we prioritize the health and happiness of our team, fostering safe, supportive, and inclusive communities where everyone’s well-being matters. We understand that mental health challenges are common, with one in five Canadians facing them each year, and 70% experiencing workplace stress. That’s why we focus on the whole person, supporting both professional and personal well-being.

Through our partnership with the Atlantic Institute for Resilience (AIR) via CAN Health, we are offering evidence-based programs that enhance mental fitness and resilience. Led by Dr. Jackie Kinley, AIR’s programs — such as the “brain gym”— help participants build essential mental and psychosocial skills at work and in their personal lives. Recently, a session on resilience was held for all team members, equipping them with tools to build mental strength, further supporting our commitment to fostering a positive workplace.

By prioritizing the well-being of our team members, we create an environment where everyone can succeed and feel supported.

Learn more by contacting your Abilities Specialist.

Parkland on the Glen, a retirement living community in Mississauga, Ontario, hosted a lively Post-Diwali Celebration that brought the joy and spirit of Diwali to life! The evening was filled with energy, music, and dance, making it a memorable event for residents and their families.

The talented Sania entertained everyone with popular Bollywood tunes, while our Recreation Manager, Yatri Patel, added to the fun performing a traditional Indian dance.

The celebration was made even sweeter with delicious Indian treats, bringing the full flavour of Diwali to the event. It was clear from the

smiles and applause that the event was a resounding success!

From Educator to Advocate

Parkland on the Glen, a retirement living community in Mississauga, Ontario, hosted a lively Post-Diwali Celebration that brought the joy and spirit of Diwali to life! The evening was filled with energy, music, and dance, making it a memorable event for residents and their families.

The talented Sania entertained everyone with popular Bollywood tunes, while our Recreation Manager, Yatri Patel, added to the fun performing a traditional Indian dance.

The celebration was made even sweeter with delicious Indian treats, bringing the full flavour of Diwali to the event. It was clear from the smiles and applause that the event was a resounding success!

Wands were raised and spirits soared, as the enchanting world of Hogwarts came to life during a magical movie night at Harbourstone Enhanced Care in Sydney, N.S. Residents and guests gathered for a screening of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone accompanied by a feast of Harry Potter-inspired treats, Butterbeer, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, Chocolate Frogs, and an endless supply of popcorn. Everyone embraced the magic of the evening, getting into character with lightning bolt tattoos, wands, and round glasses just like Harry himself!

This fall, Shannex is proud to have been recognized for business, innovation and sector leadership with three special awards.

Nova Scotia

In late November, Shannex and one of our trusted partners received two awards from the Nursing Homes of Nova Scotia Association.

The Trailblazer Award recognized Shannex for its Enhanced Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Program. The award celebrates incredible research, innovation and creativity happening in the sector and is a testament to the team who helped pull the Enhanced LPN program together.

The Cultural Harmony Award was given to Eskasoni First Nation and Shannex for their prioritization of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, cultural integration and consultation through work to create Kiknu – the first licensed long term care community located

New Brunswick

In October, Shannex New Brunswick received the 2024 Greater Moncton Excellence in Business Award from the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Moncton. This recognition not only reflects our commitment to service excellence, but also the dedication and commitment of our Great People. Congratulations!

The Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia’s Promising Practices Hub, is a new digital platform proudly sponsored by Shannex. This year-round digital resource aims to support and enhance the lives of individuals living with dementia throughout Nova Scotia.

Since 2022, the Promising Practices Showcase, a session at the Annual Dementia Care Conference, has featured speakers sharing innovative dementia care ideas, programs, approaches, and tools that improve the lives of those with dementia. The Promising Practices Hub now builds on this by providing healthcare professionals with ongoing access to successful initiatives, tools, and resources that promote meaningful change in dementia care.

On Remembrance Day, we had the honour of sitting with Harry Thompson, a resident of Parkland at the Gardens, who retired as a Chief Petty Officer 1st Class from the Royal Canadian Navy in 1969, after 25 years of dedicated service.

Residents at Parkland at the Lakes and Parkland Truro paused to recognize and reflect on the bravery, sacrifice, and selflessness of all who have served, and continue to serve, our country.

Their unwavering commitment humbles us, and we will never forget their contributions.

At Shannex, team members and their dependents enrolled in health benefits with prescription drug plans through Medavie Blue Cross have access to Health Coaching and Chronic Disease Management services to help with long-term health concerns.

Through this service, eligible team members may connect with a network of specialized health professionals without a doctor’s referral. They can get access to Allied Health professionals to develop a better understanding of their health, receive advice on the types of questions they should be asking their doctor, access a personalized treatment plan to work through symptoms and reach their goals, and if needed, they can access training and support on how to use various medical devices.

 Sunny Side Up Staff

The team at Losier Hall, N.B. dressed as breakfast foods as they served breakfast at Peabody Cafe! Residents enjoyed the fresh, tasty food!

Christmas Pageant

June MacEachern, resident from Parkland Riverview was the emcee for the community Christmas pageant. 160 people attended and were entertained with a choir and enjoyed holiday sweets.

Annual Family Holiday Party at Parkland Ajax 

The team at Parkland Ajax was delighted to welcome family members to the community to celebrate the holidays. 

Not so scary scarecrows

Northumberland Hall resident Debra Walker had some fun making scarecrows! She poses with the two of them. 

Leo and his creations

Leo Ba-al, one of the culinary team members at Parkland Riverview, shared his pumpkin painting and carving skills!

 Craft School

Tucker Hall hosted an intergenerational craft event with children from the local Princess Elizabeth School. 

The Cedarstone Dancers brightened the community with their sparkling moves!

 Katrina Nuval, Remina Ayson, Reian Soriano, Casleen Abila, Jenny Odango, Krizelle Mosuela, Rusan Manahan. 

The snowy season!

Ruby Morgan, resident from Ocean Hall in N.B. admired the twinkling lights on the Main Street snowman. The snowman brought a frosty charm to the community!

Sharing the Holiday Spirit!

Residents and team members from Parkland Fredericton donated to the local women’s shelter Grace House this Christmas. The community used their resident fund to buy yarn and knit over 74 items to donate.

A group of friends at Faubourg support their community 

A group of Faubourg du Mascaret residents recently put their talent and creativity to good use by making handcrafted items. They raised a total of $1,600 from the sale of these items. All proceeds were donated to the Tree of Hope. Many thanks for your support of our community!

Lifelong learning supports healthy aging. What do we mean by ‘learning’? The word ‘learn’ reminds many people of long days spent trying to memorize dates and vocabulary. But learning goes far beyond school.

We learn with our bodies and spirits as well as our minds. Practicing dance choreography or reflecting in a meditation pose can be just as much of a learning opportunity as reading a book. The specifics might be different, but all learning activities encourage us to be fully present.

Above all, learning is about nurturing our sense of curiosity. Staying curious and asking questions helps us stay connected. So, ask yourself: “How can I learn today?”. Take a new route or ask someone a question and consider a new perspective. Listen to a song you’ve never heard or try crochet. It’s a big world out there; let’s fully engage with it! It will change our lives.

For team members interested in deepening their understanding of how to cultivate a growth mindset, visit the Shannex Connects Library to take the Developing a Growth Mindset course.