2025 Long Term Care Awards of Excellence

Trailblazer Award: Cinderella (Cindy) Cruz, Arborstone Enhanced Care

In just six months, Recreation Programmer Cindy Cruz has transformed Arborstone’s memory support neighbourhood through innovative, person-centered programs that enhance sensory stimulation, emotional wellbeing, cognitive engagement, and social connection. Her most notable initiative, the Baby Therapy Centre, introduces doll therapy as a non-pharmacological approach to dementia care. This nurturing space encourages caregiving behaviours that reduce anxiety, spark storytelling, and improve communication. Her work is shaping Arborstone’s approach to dementia care, inspiring other communities, and setting a new standard for innovation in long term care. Congratulations!

Champion for Dignity Award: Behaviour Support Teams

Congratulations to Courtney Richardson, Mairibeth Reilly, Adrienne McMahon, Catherine Orychock, Robin Morrison, Lavona Staples, Geena Dickie, and Prabhveer Singh from Harbourstone in Sydney, N.S., Cedarstone in Truro, N.S., and Parkstone Enhanced Care in Halifax, N.S. Their dedicated teams partnered with Healthcare Excellence Canada to reduce inappropriate antipsychotic use in long term care by championing person-centered approaches for residents with dementia. Through their leadership, they have improved clinical outcomes, influenced sector-wide standards, and set a new benchmark for compassionate, evidence-based care in Nova Scotia.