Much of the media coverage surrounding long-term care is focused on the negatives—especially throughout the duration of the pandemic. We know that there is a bright side to every story, and we want to shed light on it. We reached out to those who have had interactions with the long-term care system in Ontario, whether that be as a family member, friend, or loved one of a long-term care resident. We asked them to share a story about a positive interaction they had in a long-term care home, something that made an impact in their life—no matter the size. We hope that by sharing these stories we are able to illuminate the positive impact that the long-term care system and its workers have on the community.
Click the images to read the stories, or keep scrolling for a large-font text format.
My positive experiences have been with various staff members. In particular the Director of Resident and Family Services and the Director of Care.
It has been an incredibly difficult two and a half years. So many moments of sorrow and helplessness. Through it all the staff always demonstrated their professionalism and most importantly compassion for what the residents and families are going through. As a family we deeply appreciate staff’s honesty about the cases and what is going on in the home.
– JCL
Read more
The pandemic has been very difficult for staff, families and especially difficult for residents. The isolation and not being able to see family especially at beginning of the pandemic was so detrimental for the residents mental and physical well-being. The only saving grace was knowing that the staff will always do their best to keep us informed and be there when family could not be there. It truly is about team work. Concerns are consistently addressed and in a timely fashion. We also appreciated the many PSWs and nurses, activity staff, who do whatever they can to make all residents feel comfortable. They are dedicated and work very hard. They all respect the residents’ rights and treat their families with respect. They take the time to build, establish and maintain trust. That is very important.
I had several interactions with the Recreation Director. First, by chance she gave us a tour of what became the home we chose, probably thanks to her positive and friendly attitude.
– Anonymous
Read more
She always showed real interest in my Aunt’s well being and care, fitting her with an Alzheimer’s music selection, making sure she went on appropriate outings, and helping us put on a 100th birthday party for my aunt. She was the most helpful and responsive staff member at annual meetings and really seemed to know my aunt.
After a long time of in-house therapy at Baycrest Hospital, my father’s social worker said that it would not be possible for him to return to the retirement home to live on his own. We were advised to apply for longterm care and I was linked up with a different social worker who helped me through the application.
– AB
Read more
She was excellent! We were fortunate to have a room offered at [HH], one of the LTCare residences within 3 weeks. [HH] was an excellent choice; the staff truly cared and were able to deal with my father (who could be stubborn and not want to do things). The “activities person” (I’m sorry I forget her actual title) figured out Dad quickly and she learned his preferences, and how to tell him about the various events so that he would agree to attend. Really, everyone from the PSWs, the activities person, the nurses, the front desk receptionist, were really great with Dad. I can’t say enough about them.
I used to volunteer at a long term care home and it was a great experience. They had a lot of short-term and long-term activities for the residents and my favorite one was a six-week ‘Seniors and youth connect: Mosaic of Mississauga’ program in which they got to create their own quilts and be apart of a documentary.
– Anonymous
Read more
As this was during the pandemic, it took place online and all measures were put in place to make sure they were well protected and safe, especially when receiving the equipment and during the filming process. This was just one of the many programs and the feedback was positive!
After being in a hospital setting for 9 months, my husband was offered a bed in one of the most respected long term care homes in Toronto. The transition went well as this facility connected with me a number of times prior to the move-in day.
– B.C.
Read more
I spoke with the unit’s social worker twice. She arranged for a volunteer in the Family Mentor program to speak with me and offer support as well. My husband had a behaviour supports plan, for responsive behaviours, prepared by LOFT and a member of their team also helped with the transition process. Communication with staff (doctor, nurses, PSW, physiotherapist, dietician, social worker, recreational therapist) has been positive and honest–a direct contrast to the hospital situation.
The level of respect, support and dedication of all staff, administration staff and head office especially during the COVID outbreak towards the residents and each other is remarkable.
– Anonymous
Staff was very friendly and accommodating
– JT
This was a small LTC but the environment is what made it special. Private and semi private rooms and bathrooms were the norm. Rooms were clean homey communal spaces and there was air conditioning and ready access to the outdoors. Palliative care was offered in the home when needed and quality of death was also ensured.(very Important)
Ontario Long-Term Care Toolkit 101 