While Spruce Manor Special Care Home (SMSCH) in Dalmeny did not have a single case of COVID-19 over the past 18 months, it’s still been a “long and lonely” time for residents, according to SMSCH administrator Bev Dawson.
“The staff have done a great job helping residents get through a very difficult period,” said Dawson. “They’ve done their utmost to help residents feel like they have a home and they have the support, care and love that they need.
“But it’s not the same as having family around,” she added. “Nothing can replace family, we understand that. And now that family members are able to visit and have more freedom to come and go, it has made a world of difference for our residents.”
Dawson said while visitors are not required to wear masks, staff at the home continue to do so in order to ensure residents are protected.
Sanitization and other measures also continue, she noted.
Dawson said the lifting of restrictions and return of warmer weather is a blessing for residents.
Among the events planned for SMSCH residents is a Show and Shine car show on Sunday, August 15 featuring classic vehicles.
“We wanted to bring back our car show for our residents,” said Dawson. “First of all, as a celebration that the end of the pandemic is in sight; and secondly, as a tribute to the husband of a long-time employee of the home.”
Brian Moore passed away recently. He was the husband of Betty Moore, who worked in the home’s dietary department for over 35 years.
“We wanted to do something in memory of Brian, because Betty contributed so much to this home for so long,” said Dawson. “We are hosting the event in Brian’s memory.”
Dawson said organizers are approaching the event cautiously.
“It’s still a few weeks away and there is the potential we may have to pull back because of restrictions again,” said Dawson. “We don’t know how that will look going forward.”
The car show is slated to run between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on August 15. Dawson said the care home will be offering rollkuchen and watermelon to patrons at the event.
“We’ll also be accepting donations,” she added. “As a non-profit organization, we always need money for things to improve the quality of life for residents that are not funded by the Saskatchewan Health Authority.”
Dawson said the current fundraising project is called the ‘Sweet Dreams Campaign’.
“We’re upgrading all the beds,” she said. “There are a total of 36 beds altogether that need to be replaced.”