Arborstone Celebrates 20 Years

On May 1, 2022, Arborstone Enhanced Care celebrated its 20th anniversary with the Shannex family. We are happy to introduce you to some of the people who have been there from the beginning.

“We take pride in our work,” she says. “We take pride in our wellbeing; in our relationships and the service we provide to the residents – they are well cared for.”

Our Great People go above and beyond to create exceptional experiences for those entrusted in their care. In the early 2000s, Shirley recalls a time when she took a turn dressing up as the Easter bunny.

“I did up Easter treat bags for the residents,” she says, “One of the team members asked me to go visit a particular resident because she thought the Easter bunny only came to see her roommate and not her.”

“I went down and hopped to the door and when she saw me, her eyes got right big and then she started crying tears of happiness. She had the biggest grin on her face – it was one of the nicest things I’ve ever had to happen to me.”

We are grateful for the commitment and dedication of our Great People. Each day, they contribute to the vibrancy of our communities and we appreciate everything they do to keep residents safe and happy.

When Donna Shadbolt looks back at her 34-year career at Arborstone (previously Park Haven and Armview Estates), a smile splashes across her face. The licenced nursing home community’s recreation programmer has celebrated many of life’s special moments in the community.

“I grew up here,” she says. “I started working here when I was 22, I met my husband, who worked as an LPN in the community for 40 years before he retired, we fell in love, had my children and raised them here; my whole life has been kind of been centred around Arborstone.”

Every day when Donna comes to work, she’s always touched by the interactions she has with the residents. The stories, the laughter and hugs they have shared over the years have always stayed with her, but there’s one memory in particular that stands out.

“When we were getting married the residents held a wedding shower for us,” says Donna. “One resident painted us a picture and another resident, with the help of the recreation department, made us a little memory book with some of our pictures in it and another resident made us a tape of love songs.”

There are many things that make the Arborstone community special. What some people might not know is the community is home to seniors and young adults. Licensed Practical Nurse Rose Lynn Demeter has been working at Arborstone for 22 years. When she thinks about her fondest memories, she’s quick to point out that working with the young adults was near the top of the list.

“Mealtimes were always fun because the residents were like brothers and sisters,” she says. “They were always laughing with each other, and they were a close-knit group – I always enjoyed being around them.”

Dietary Aide Shirley Dewolfe has been working in the community for over three decades and says one of the things that makes Arborstone stand out is the delight team members have looking after residents.

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