Peace of mind, care seniors need at Fairhaven
Resident writes about what life is like living in a long-term care home
Although long-term care homes have dominated the news as of late, we seldom hear from the residents themselves. What is life like for those actually living in one of these residences?
Judy Field, a resident at Fairhaven, describes her life there, in the following letter, written after the pandemic was declared and Fairhaven went into lockdown.
My Fair Haven
Nestled in the north end of Peterborough lies a unique longterm facility for those who need 24-hour nursing care. It appears that my struggle with schizophrenia, Parkinson’s Disease and weak legs qualified me to reside in this type of home. Toward the end of November 2019, I arrived here on a crisis basis. The catalyst in getting me to the home was the co-ordinator of the VON Assisted Living Program for Peterborough. I simply could no longer cope on my own in my apartment.
Most of my furniture and valued items went to Ruslands, the auctioneer. A few treasured articles I gave to friends and some of my furniture and valuables I brought to Fairhaven to help furnish my room. Paintings adorn my walls now along with my South American hanging of Pueblo indians and their adobes. I always have one or both of my quilts on my bed so that my room has a quaint but homey atmosphere.
My main means of entertainment comes from my television, my DVD player and my CD player.
We have wonderful activity leaders at Fairhaven and consequently interesting, creative projects to work on in our activity room. It is a beautiful room
with windows along one side, thus allowing the sun to beam in on bright days. My favourite activity is painting, which we do a lot of, especially seasonal themes to decorate the bulletin boards and our rooms with. We even get our fingernails manicured and favourite nail polish applied when needed.
Our dining room is lovely. Once again, windows adorn one side of the room and tables and chairs are placed here and there inside. The food is very good here. We eat three meals daily with snacks mid afternoon and evening.
It would be inappropriate not to mention the conscientious empathetic personalities of the nursing staff and PSWs who are entrusted with our daily and nightly care. This is why a longterm care home is so necessary for the residents because we simply cannot function on our own, without the kind, consistent, considerate and warmhearted individuals who are responsible for us.
As well, the management staff, from the various co-ordinators to the top personnel of authority, are super individuals and are simply wonderful to us. As long as the home is not on lockdown, there are musical concerts, movies, games and other activities in the great room, which is a larger activity room on the main floor. When it is not being used, I can go there any time to play the piano.
There is a small chapel on the third floor where different denominational church services are held with a visiting clergy member supervising the service.
On the fifth floor for all residents to take advantage of there is a hairdressing salon which I use every time I need my hair trimmed.
A small café is found inside the main entrance and is open two hours every afternoon during the week to accommodate those wishing to partake of tea, coffee and/or treats. It also sells essentials such as Kleenex and toothpaste. It is closed during lockdown.
I love my home here, as I am finally getting the care I need and can enjoy peace of mind. My haven before heaven. This has been largely a descriptive narrative, but I hope it helps you visualize my new abode and appreciate what long-term care is really like.