Babcock Community Care Centre News – May 28, 2025

Mother’s Day was a great day for everyone. All the ladies received a beautiful flower corsage and appreciated the surprise gift. Visitors were welcome to join in the bingo games or play Hoya Cards. The ladies enjoyed the hand massages and manicures earlier in the day for the special occasion.

The Mother’s Day social was well attended. Everyone was served tea in the nostalgic fine china cups. This brought old memories back for several. The bus trip to Chatham was loads of fun for everyone. They headed to Wal-Mart where they had great time spending their bingo winnings on whatever they wished. They all gathered at McDonalds for lunch. Thank you to all the volunteers who assisted the staff with this trip.

The Memorial service was held in memory of past residents. They included Barbara Driscoll, Berdina Postman, Ida Russell, J.D. O’Hara, Sandra Rivard, Albertine Letourneau, Wilfred Driver, Geoff Ewing and Richard Bliskis. Reverend Deb Dolbear-Van Bilsen officiated at the service and spoke of each resident. Family members were in attendance, as well as friends of the above former residents.

Games have become very popular with residents within the home. Some of the games played are Table hockey, Tricky trivia, Elephant ring toss, Nuts and Bolts, Cup Pong, Fisherman’s knot, Horse shoes, Bean Bag Toss, Wheel of words, Virtual trivia, Name that tune, Ladder ball, Shuffleboard, Reverse Charades, Snakes and Ladders, Bingo and the Jelly bean game. Kit Kat ice cream bars on a stick were enjoyed as a treat.

The Book club gathered in the activity area and read stories from several interesting books. The pizza and wings dinner was enjoyed by residents. John Carter gave communion to residents of the Catholic faith. Residents are looking forward to the barbecue lunches beginning soon. Happy Birthday wishes are extended to Ron Garrison who celebrates his birthday this month. The monthly birthday party will be held on June 5th with Randy Grey providing the entertainment.

Join us for the Strawberry Social to be held on June 17th between 2 and 4 pm. We are celebrating our 50th Anniversary of Babcock Community Care providing long-term care to residents of Middlesex, Lambton, Kent and Elgin Counties. Crystal St. Denis will be providing the entertainment on the outdoor patio area.

Residents really enjoyed the musical program provided by Johnny Borton. The Music Therapist had residents playing instruments and singing during her program. The Coffee and Chat program stirred up a great conversation about who they thought may win the Stanley cup. Of course, local news was also of great interest. Residents appreciate their outdoor roll and stroll program. They venture around the village streets with assistance and are amazed to see how quickly the new facility is being built. One-on-one visits are really appreciated on a regular basis.

The Women’s club gathered and had a great meal of smashed waffle potatoes along with conversation. They had a choice of salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese and tomatoes to add to the lunch. The Men’s Club met as well and enjoyed the exact same lunch. Catholic Communion was given to a small group of Catholic ladies. Residents Council treated the staff, families and residents at the home by having Beau’s Treat Trailer setup outside. They had 9 varieties of ice cream cones. This also was a great way to start the Nursing Best Practice Spotlight Organization journey.

The patio is now setup with hanging flower baskets and ferns, as well as a few new ornamental items for everyone to enjoy. Residents appreciate being able to view the patio area as they exercise daily on the Nu-Step cross trainers and other equipment. Another scenic drive is scheduled for June 23rd. Babcock Community Care extends their deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the late Tom Moorby and Alan Gooding.  

Babcock Community Care Centre News – May 5, 2025

National Nurses week is being celebrated May 12th to May 18th this year. Thank you to our amazing nurses, your kindness and empathy has touched the lives of so many of our residents. 

Everyone really enjoyed the musical program presented by Don and Bonnie Cook. Residents sang along while Don played his guitar and sang many of their favourite songs. The red cup balance game proved very challenging for many but everyone laughed and had a great time. Sybil and Remy visited during the pet therapy session. One-on-one visits are appreciated by residents throughout the week. The Music Connections program had a large crowd in attendance. Jess Dickie provides the musical instruments and everyone had a fun time. Bingo was held three times over the week with many lucky winners. Krispy Creme doughnuts were served as a treat after the Bingo. Joel Horvath entertained residents with his keyboard playing. Residents sang along as he sang a variety of songs. 

The Virtual Quiz Trivia, supervised by Ursula, tested the resident’s knowledge. Everyone did very well answering the questions. Hoya cards are always popular with the card players. The Nu-Step cross trainers are occupied with residents wanting to get in their exercise for the day. They enjoy watching the many variety of birds and the odd rabbit or squirrel running by outdoors. Wii bowling is always a fun game to play. Play money was used while playing the Wheel of Words game. Two teams were formed, one called the Dodge Rams, the other the Jolly Jelly Beans. The interactive games projected on the floor are a great past time for residents. They particularly like the popping of the balloons displayed on the floor. Chicken Soup for the Soul stories were read to residents. The Connect 4 game is a fun game for everyone to play. The Socrates Cafe group gathered in the activity area where Frances Bell read an inspirational story.

Silk Scarfs is a very popular craft where residents design and paint their very own scarf to either keep or give as a gift. Hot cross buns were served as a treat. Reverend Deb Dolbear-Van Bilsen visited and provided an Easter worship service for those residents wanting to attend. Easter was a very busy time with many family members and friends coming in to visit. Foot care and Physiotherapy is provided on a regular basis. The Residents Council held their regular meeting and the Food Committee meeting followed. Everyone commented on how they appreciated the Elegant Dinner event and menu. They mentioned how excited they are for the upcoming pizza and wing night as well as the ice cream truck scheduled in May. They were told about the upcoming 50th Anniversary being celebrated at the strawberry social in June. Everyone is welcome to drop in between 2 and 4 pm for a delicious dish of strawberries with all the toppings. It will be held outdoors and Crystal St. Denis will be providing the entertainment.

The Magic Virtual Train Ride took a ride on the Colorado train to the most scenic place in America. They viewed bike paths with a helicopter ride half way through the trip, as well as several other transportation methods. Camping stories were told as well during the trip. Arm chair travelling is almost as great as the real deal. The Faith Haven Group visited and sang several favourite hymns. Residents always enjoy their beautiful singing voices and their visits. A small group of residents gathered for a game of charades. Kit Kat ice cream bars were served afterwards.

The new nursing home building is progressing very quickly and everyone is checking it out as they pass by either on foot or by car. It will house 64 residents.  

 

Babcock Community Care Centre News – April 7, 2025

The Elegant Dinner event was finally held a few days later than originally planned. Everyone, including family members and volunteers, had a terrific time. The Activity department started with their usual primping and pampering of the residents, special hair-styling by Vance, then followed make-up, nails and hand massages. The Dietary department served hors d’oeuvres like pigs in a blanket, stuffed mushrooms and skewers of tomato, basil and cheese. The dining area was decorated with coloured table cloths, balloons, special decorative plates with matching napkins and silverware. Sparkling wine (non-alcoholic) was served in disposable wine glasses. The main meal was delicious with Chicken Cordon Bleu, mashed potatoes, fresh green beans and strawberry cheesecake for dessert.

The votes were counted for the King and Queen of Hearts. Everyone had a chance earlier in the month to vote on who they felt should win. Norman Courts was crowned King and Kay Cowan was crowned the Queen. Crystal St. Denis entertained residents with background music throughout the day. Thanks to everyone for helping make this day very special.

Wanda Hazelwood and friends visited and provided entertainment for everyone. Residents enjoy the music as well as Wanda depicting bible stories by using a flannel graph. Bingo was held three times during the week with several lucky winners. Residents had a great time when the Activity department set up a table of pictures to choose and colour. Once finished they hung the finished pictures on the bulletin board. The wheel of words game had two teams, one called the “Birds and Bees” and the other “The Daffodils.” Captains Iona and Karen cheered on their teams and the Birds and Bees won by a few points. Catholic Communion was given to residents of the Catholic faith.  One-on –one visits were appreciated by residents. They were offered nail maintenance, eye glass cleaning, reading and just visiting and chatting. They all enjoyed the soft baked cookies as a treat along with hot chocolate.  

Residents gathered for game time, over the week they played snakes and ladders, solitaire, scrabble, Connect Four, bingo, shuffleboard, and Wheel of Words. The tuck cart filled with a variety of items toured around the building. Everyone enjoyed pet therapy with Sybil and Remy during their visit. Craft time had residents making spring flowers. Everyone had their guard up for April Fools’ day. Eric Lunn provided musical entertainment for everyone to enjoy. Music Connections with Jess Dickie gathered a large group of residents playing the drums and shakers. A sing-song followed.

Easter is fast approaching. Delicious lemon and chocolate-decorated cupcakes will be served at the social on Easter Sunday. An Easter egg hunt is scheduled as well. Physiotherapy is provided on a regular basis for those residents in need. The Nu-Step cross trainers are very busy with residents exercising. Right now the birds are providing the entertainment around the patio area. They are very busy building their nests in the shelter of the shrubs. Residents really enjoyed the musical entertainment program provided by Johnny Borton.

National Volunteer week is fast approaching April 27th to May 3rd. We would like to express our appreciation to all the wonderful, caring people who have helped make our home a great place to reside. We truly value your commitment and dedication. Birthday wishes are extended to Connie Peterkin, John Keskeny and Anita Kendall. They all celebrate their special day in April. The birthday party was held on April 3rd with Randy Grey providing the entertainment.

Residents are once again heading to Walmart on April 22nd. If you wish to volunteer please contact the Activity department. Babcock Community Care welcomes Elaine Conway, Bill Harper and Don Gowanlock as their newest residents. We are watching the new long-term care facility building take shape as a large section of the roof is now in place.

Babcock Community Care Centre News – March 18, 2025

Birthday wishes are extended to Doreen Getty. She celebrated her special day in March. Randy Grey provided the entertainment for the party and everyone enjoyed cake and ice cream. Residents had a great time playing a variety of games; snakes and ladders, charades, Connect Four, Hoya cards, tic-tac-toe, wheel of words, flipping pancakes, Scrabble, cup games, balloon toss, stop the bus, trivia, nuts and bolts and ladder ball. Bingo was played three times during the week with several lucky winners.

Everyone appreciates Wanda and friends visiting and depicting bible stories by flannel graph. Sybil and Remy are favourite visitors during the pet therapy program. A large group gathered in the activity area for a social hour. They enjoyed non-alcoholic beer and raspberry wine. Nachos, salsa, sour cream and other treats were served. The local newspapers were handed out and read as requested to residents wanting to stay in touch with local news. The East lounge area was transformed into a voting station during the election. Residents were assisted to and from the area. Each was given the opportunity to vote for their preferred candidate.

The family of Bill Hanenburg brought in a large birthday cake for his special day February 27th. Everyone enjoyed the special surprise. Don and Bonnie Cook provided musical entertainment for everyone. Residents requested a few of their favourite songs. One-on-one visits are appreciated by residents. This is a great time to clean their glasses if needed and several other small tasks they wish to have done. The Tuck cart is very popular as well. The craft group gathered in the activity area to make pink flamingos. They turned out really well and are displayed on the wall for everyone to view. 

Catholic communion was given to residents of the Catholic faith. Jeremy Smith entertained residents with a variety of Irish music. The home is well decorated with green leprechauns and other decorations related to St. Patrick’s Day. Shamrock shakes were served at the celebration. Residents and staff were dressed in their green attire. Revreend Deb Dolbear-VanBilsen  provided church services to those residents wanting to attend. The Octapals group gathered in the activity area to participate in exercises involving hand movements and chair dancing. There was a lot of laughter and everyone had a great time.

Spring-like weather has arrived and residents really appreciate their walks around the village with assistance when needed. The new nursing home being built close by is showing progress everyday and everyone is watching closely as it begins to take shape. Babcock Community welcomes Kathlyn Poor and Allan Woolner as their newest residents. Deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the late Geoff Ewing.

Babcock Community Care Centre News – February 19, 2025

The Elegant Dinner was postponed to a later date due to Mother Nature hitting us with the heavy snowfall we have been experiencing. Residents enjoyed their pizza and wing dinner. They have been very busy playing a variety of games such as Bingo, Wii Bowling, euchre, Family Feud, Wheel of Words, Hoya Cards, shuffleboard, balloon toss and airplane races. Birthday wishes are extended to Donald Earhart, Ilona Freeman, Doreen Browe, Bill Hanenburg and Geoff Ewing. They celebrated their special day in February. Everyone was served Birthday cake and ice cream.

The Babcock Pals group gathered in the activity area for some fun. They were able to choose what exercise ball they wished to use. Soccer, basketball or Nerf balls were made available. This activity helps exercise their hands, arms and upper body. Music is played in the background. The Nu-Step cross trainers are very popular with residents. They are able to exercise at their own pace and enjoy a view of the patio area. Wanda and Friends visited. They provided mandolin and guitar entertainment. Wanda told a winter story of a rescue in a winter storm.

The Shania Twain documentary was well attended and very interesting during movie night. One-on-one visits are appreciated by residents. They are able to chat, have their mail read if needed, and catch up on the local news and stories around the area. Hand massages are also given and several residents request their glasses be cleaned. The Physiotherapist from the local hospital visits each week to provide physiotherapy services for those residents in need of it. The Craft group met and did an amazing wood craft. They sketched pictures with a pencil or paint. Some painted their favourite pets, others did a portrait picture, and others did a scenery picture.

The baking club gathered to whip up a special peanut butter and strawberry treat. Brown sugar crumble and hot chocolate was served for everyone to enjoy as well. The Chinese New Year’s party was a great success. Residents were given hats and crackers to pop open and many trinkets. Bessie Pinsonneult celebrated her birthday in January with a huge family gathering in her honour. The group who made the northern lights craft did an amazing job. Everyone looks forward to Sybil and Remy visiting during pet therapy.

The Women’s club met at noon and enjoyed their special requested luncheon. The Beat the Blues party was held after dinner. Residents assisted in decorating the dining area. Fancy drinks were served with an umbrella decorated with blueberries. Drumfit had everyone drumming to music playing the background. This was great exercise and everyone had fun. Craft time residents made candy butterflies with chocolate for the upcoming Valentines party. Kay, Austin and Gordon were kept busy sorting through the large craft bin. They mentioned several different ideas they had to use up the newly found materials. The new nursing home project is progressing despite the nasty snow storms we have been experiencing.

Deepest sympathy is extended to the friends and families of the late Albertine Letourneau, Wilfred Driver and Sandra Rivard.