Vibrancy of life in LTC shines on provincial Community Engagement Day

For the second year in a row, peopleCare homes embraced the provincial long-term care (LTC) Community Engagement Day, combining the festivities with our annual Community Walk to Wellness. This special day of advocacy invites local leaders into our homes to get a behind-the-scenes look at life in LTC and to celebrate the vital role homes play in our communities across Ontario.

This year’s event saw outstanding interest and support across peopleCare’s homes and communities, with more than 700 residents, staff, families, volunteers, and community partners all coming together to connect, celebrate and show their support.

“I can’t say enough about the fabulous job our teams did in planning and hosting an engaging and enlightening visit for our elected officials and other special guests,” said Sheena Campbell, VP of Communications and Engagement at peopleCare. “They really showcased the amazing experiences we create with residents each and every day and the important role LTC plays in meeting the needs of local seniors and their families.”

Participants enjoyed the beautiful weather and collectively explored the friendly neighbourhoods around our homes, all while celebrating the quality of life, innovative programs, and sense of belonging that make peopleCare communities so special.

With enthusiastic support from municipal, provincial and federal leaders, the event strengthened already great relationships between local officials and peopleCare’s residents and teams. MPs, MPPs, Mayors and Councillors from Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, Cambridge, Kitchener Centre, London West, Meaford, Norfolk and East Zorra-Tavistock took part, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to supporting LTC and the seniors that it serves.

A highlight this year was honouring residents and families with an OLTCA LTC Community Engagement Certificate, recognizing those who make outstanding contributions and help our LTC communities thrive. “In many other peopleCare homes like ours, special guests such as our MPP and City Councillor helped us present the certificates to our residents and family members,” said Hilltop Manor Executive Director Stella Annan. “Recipients were thrilled and it really added to the sense of pride and connection shared by all.”

This was the second annual LTC Community Engagement Day, a province-wide initiative led by the Ontario Long-Term Care Association (OLTCA), which saw nearly 200 homes open their doors for a day of connection and deeper understanding. OLTCA represents about 70% of Ontario’s LTC homes and is working to strengthen funding, expand the workforce, and modernize infrastructure to meet the needs of Ontario’s seniors. Beyond providing essential care for seniors with complex needs, peopleCare homes also reduce pressures on hospitals and community health services, create meaningful jobs and contribute to thriving local economies.

Bethany Rupp is Executive Director of peopleCare’s LTC home in Meaford. She said her team was blown away by the love and support they received. “Our incredible community always shows up for us and this year was no exception. We rocked peopleCare’s Walk to Wellness and OLTCA’s LTC Community Engagement Day with an 175 amazing participants.” Rupp added they have so many to thank including their local MP, MPP and Councillors, the Rotary Club, Beautiful Joe Heritage Society, Alzheimer’s Society, Christmas on the Bay, McDonald’s Restaurant Meaford, Events for Life, The Municipality of Meaford Fire Department, Simply Unique Flowers & Gifts, volunteers, families, furry friends and our unstoppable peopleCare team. “Together, we’re making magic happen for our residents at peopleCare Meaford,” she added.

Campbell echoed the sentiment, highlighting that the day was all about celebrating the power of community and connection in LTC.

“Our homes are vibrant and welcoming because we deeply value community engagement and we foster the meaningful connections we have with our residents, families, and local partners,” said Campbell. “A heartfelt thank you to the elected officials and special guests who visited all of our homes, the OLTCA for their leadership and advocacy for LTC, and the hundreds of participants who joined walks in Cambridge, Delhi,Kitchener, London, Meaford and Tavistock. Together we’re nurturing communities full of life, purpose and genuine connection.”