LTC and retirement home staff to be commended

To the Editor,

This has been a devastating year for Chartwell Elmira Retirement Residence.

My parents had recently moved in and were diagnosed with COVID19, much to our shock and dismay. Through it all, the staff at Chartwell have been wonderful. I have seen firsthand how much grief and stress it has caused them. I have witnessed the extra work for the staff, from housekeeping to dietary to nursing and more and never heard a word of complaint.

I know they had to be worried about themselves and their families as well. They have shown nothing but kindness to my family throughout this ordeal.

Penny, the administrator, has been a source of information and strength, all while working endless hours to support her residents, their families and the staff. I have cried with her on more than one occasion. And I have seen the sadness for the members of their community that they have lost.

My heart goes out to those who have lost a beloved family member and to all of the families affected. This is tragic evidence of how quickly this virus can spread through a retirement residence and the need for everyone including essential caregivers to be vigilant with their testing to protect our most vulnerable.

Kathy Legrow

KITCHENER