We then split up into four groups for tours of the facilities.  The ground floor of the new Health Centre contains a Respite Hotel, where seniors being cared for at home can spend one to 10 days to give their families some respite, a health care clinic which provides medical care for seniors who have no family physician, the Yakimovich Wellness Centre, which provides programs and advice for healthy seniors, and finally a small spa with special equipment for disabled people.  The top three floors contains 45 self-contained one-bedroom assisted living units for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities.  It is operated by the Victoria Cool Aid Society.

A second tour was of the Aberdeen hospital.  Ours was led by Annette Laurin, manager of resident services.  These are, usually, quite elderly patients, most of whom fall into one of two categories; cognitive disability with good physical health, or vice versa.  Most, at one in the afternoon, were lying in their beds, a rather sobering sight.  We were able to see the very specialized (and expensive) equipment provided by the Foundation.  One was a special lifting stretcher to raise and lower patients into a bath tub.  Your editor doesn’t need it yet to get into the tub, but it would be appreciated for getting out!

When we left we were given folders containing complete details of all the facilities we had seen and of which this Bulletin contains only a brief summary.  I believe I speak for all members who attended that this was a most informative vocational visit and one which should inspire us to work all the harder to support the Eldercare Foundation.  Our sincere thanks to Lori McLeod and all her colleagues who were such gracious hosts.