Testimonials

What our families, residents, and staff have to say:

Hi Mr. McIntosh (Wellesley of Victoria General Manager),

My grandmother just moved into the Wellesleyon January 9th. I came to visit her for the first time this past Saturday with my 15 month old son and my mother. 

I just wanted to tell you that I absolutely love the facility! My grandma seems happier then she has been in a long time. She has struggled with her disabilities for many, many years and I am just so happy to see her getting the help she needs. It is so nice to feel good about where my grandma is living and to know that she is safe and being well taken care of. She is just such a wonderful, kind person and deserves the best! 

Thank you for providing such a wonderful place for people like my grandma. I think she will be really happy there!

Sincerely,

-Stephanie Dion (Granddaughter)

Dear Kelly (DOC),

I wanted to thank you and your staff myself for the care and kindness all of you provided to my mother, during her stay with you as well as the days leading up to her passing on Jan. 3rd

I did not have a chance to properly express my appreciation for all the kindness extended to me while I was there for those three days.

You and your staff were there for us during this difficult time and the word “professional” does not do justice to the level of care and sensitivity extended to our family. I would appreciate that you thank the people involved during this time.

So many and I cannot name each individually that were so attentive.

 Best wishes and regards,

 -A family member (Rosemary Heights Seniors Village)

 

Rob and Margo:

I am sorry for sending this so late but hoped to have more news for you by now. I saw Margo yesterday and so it spurred me to send this now. Please feel free to send along to your head office.              

For the nine years that my father, Joseph Fink, was a resident at theWellesley he was treated with respect and dignity. The staff were always thoughtful and considerate to his needs. Due to my own experiences in the health care profession, I was always vigilant to the care given my father. I can honestly say that I never experienced any staff treating my father harshly or impatiently. Many staff over the course of his stay went beyond their duties to watch over him and to alert myself to changes in his condition. As my father became more confused and began to wander, the staff watched over him and were very compassionate. I truly believe he probably stayed a year too long in independent living and this was because of the care and attention given to him. I was also always welcomed and treated with fairness. Any concerns I had were handled quickly and professionally.

It was definitely time for my father to move on to more complex care and I found it sad for both him and myself to say good-bye to the staff at theWellesley. I will always recommend your facility to others in need. Thank you for all you have done and for enjoying my father in his last days there. He continues to reside at Resthaven Lodge but has been given high priority to be transferred to Broadmead Lodge where he has chosen to go after he accepted that he could not return to the Wellesley. Merry Christmas to both of you and to all the staff.

 Sincerely,

- Shirley MacEachern, R.N., B.S.N.,
Clinical Nurse Educator, VIHA

 
My name is Gloria Ewing and I just finished my preceptorship at Rosemary Heights Seniors Village.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity you’ve given to all of us (students at Stenberg College) to do our practicum and preceptorship at Rosemary.  I feel now I’m quite prepared to face the working field thanks to the hands-on experience I acquired at your facililty.

All of the staff  were so kind and willing to help in whatever doubt I had,  and not only that, they always showed love, care, respect  and compassion towards  the residents which gave me an even better impression of the quality of people you have working in your facility. Once again, many thanks to you and to all the staff at Rosemary Heights.”

-Gloria Ewing (Student)

 “I just wanted to let you know how fabulous we think Rosemary Heights is. My mom has not been happy in years, but she is truly happy at Rosemary Heights. She keeps saying everyone is so kind to her. I can’t believe she is going to concerts and bingo! She has been a bit of a loner all her life.  I really didn’t think she would change at this time of her life, but with gentle coaxing she is going to many events and enjoying them.

All the staff from the nurses to the aids to the activity staff are all kind, loving and fun. It’s just amazing to see my mom continue to thrive and bloom. What impresses me the most is if they say they are going to do something they actually do it ! I was so impressed when mom had a early appointment at the hospital they had said she would be ready at 7.30 am she was dressed, bathed and even had a breakfast tray ready for her. Mom had wanted a bath before she saw the doctor and somehow they managed to bath her before I got there.

We had such a horrid experience with a different facility that I was skeptical that the care and quality wouldn’t be what you had advertised, but it certainly has lived up to it so far. So many thanks to all the staff there. “

Best Regards ,
-Anonymous Family Member (Rosemary Heights Seniors Village)

 ”To the entire Renfrew Care Centre Staff. Thank you all for taking such good care of my father, Don Jolly for almost 9 years. He really enjoyed his time at Renfrew, and told me many times how much he appreciated the loving and caring people at Renfrew. He enjoyed all the staff – including Loraine, Carol, Debbie, Fran, the nursing staff, the kitchen staff (thanks for all the special orders, service and patience, and the maintenance crew that helped him out!)

You all are GREAT! No wonder the Renfrew Care Centre is recognized as one of the best in Canada!”

Warm Regards,
-Jim and Margaret Jolly & Family 

“My Dad John, really enjoyed his stay at the Terraces. He met lots of great friends there and the staff were so courteous and friendly. He was always met with a smile, hello and have a nice day as he went for walks with his dog Paris. I would definitely recommend The Terraces on 7th to any of my friends looking for senior care for their parents in the South Granville area.”
-Paul Hollas (Son of Resident at Terraces on 7th)

“Dear Kathleen,
Just dropping you a short note to express my thoughts and appreciation concerning the quality of life and living conditions in this assisted living facility.

My Mother has been a resident here since August 2008 and since the beginning I have been a regular lunch guest at least twice a week. As a guest of Mom’s we are served meals in the bistro across from the dining room. The meals have always been good, two choices with a soup appetizer and a nice dessert.

There is a good variety of tasty soups always served piping hot. Our regular server ‘Pal’ is a wonderful person and always makes our lunches a fun experience. She is always happy, very pleasant and a great server.

I find my Mom’s suite to be cleaned and comfortable. All of the staff I deal with on a regular basis (Kathleen, Sharon, Sherry and Pal) do an excellent job and go out of their way to help with problems or questions I may have.

I would love to thank everyone here for doing a great job and making my Mom’s life and mine a little bit better and a little bit easier. Thank you very much EVERYONE.”

Sincerely,
-Ron Friedrichsen (Son of Resident at Langley Seniors Village)

“My father Doug Baird, moved into Assisted living and my mother Dorothy moved into the care Side of Rosemary Heights, one year ago. I want to confirm to you all, what a good decision that was for my parents. My father had a social life for the first time in several years, because he no longer had care responsibilities for my mother. Dad was able to join Mom for social events, and to bring her to special events on the Assisted Living side, which they both enjoyed so much. They benefited from new friends and activities, which made their life much richer. We all appreciate the warmth and attentiveness of the staff at Rosemary Heights, and want to thank them for their care.

When my father passed away in September, Pam helped us to organize a Celebration of life gathering for his friends in Assisted Living and several days later for our family & friends. She helped us to create a lovely occasion, which my mother and the family appreciated. Thank you Pam for your kindness.

We were very touched when Barbara told us that the beautiful garden which my father built this past summer, would have a plaque of memory saying the “Doug and Dorothy Garden”. We were also pleased to know that other volunteers will continue the work for the benefit of the residents. A garden is a spiritual healing place, and it is wonderful when all residents have access to such a link with nature.

Barbara, Marc and Kelly also showed great kindness as they helped us through the changes after my father’s passing. It is the personal touches which make a residence into “a home”, and for my parents Rosemary Heights was really their home.”

With great appreciation,
- Leslie Baid, Rudie de Hoog & family

“I am writing to thank the wonderful staff of SSV for the competent and compassionate care being provided for my Mother, Marian Smith. Mom moved into your facility (room 240F) on April 27, 2009 and has received excellent care and support from everyone who works for Retirement Concepts. It was not an easy decision to place my Mom in complex care. I had many misgivings about the dire possibilities that could befall my precious Mom, for whom my husband, Jim, and I have been primary caregivers for the past five years.

When we first entered your facility, we were warmly greeted by Nancy Walkey, and Sharlene Harbour, who introduced us to your professional and generous Director of Care, Gwynneth Williams. As I opened my mouth to speak, a sudden, overwhelming flood of tears began to flow. This intense emotional reaction to the idea of a “nursing home” was unexpected and was handled compassionately by Gwynneth, Sharlene, and Nancy.
I am happy to report that my fears were groundless. The LPN’s and Care Aides, the laundry staff and always, Gwynneth, Sharlene and Nancy have made this transition in the lives of my Mother, my husband, and myself, one that is not just to be tolerated, but to be celebrated. My Mother could not be in better hands, and we both thank you all for easing us into this next phase of all of our lives.”
- Bonnie Herron (daughter of resident), Summerland, BC

“Thanks to all the staff, behind the scenes and in the front lines, for their part in creating such a warm and caring atmosphere at Terraces. It was a big adjustment for my elderly mother to move from house and garden to urban apartment, but from the moment she arrived until she left 2 1/2 years later, the staff were always professional, friendly, thoughtful and helpful. The building was well maintained, a variety of programs and services were available, unexpected issues (like the fire/flood above) were handled well, and staff seemed genuinely interested in creating a place where Mom and I (as a frequent visitor) felt part of a caring community.

Mom is now settled into another residence that provides the 24/7 assistance she now requires, but we miss all you folks at Terraces!”
- Pat White (daughter of resident), Vancouver, BC

“Many thanks. You guys have been great during a very difficult time in my father’s and our families life. Such an important role in peoples lives. Many thanks and we will recommend your residence to parents of friends and family.”
- Patrick Mulhern (son of resident at Terraces on 7th), Vancouver, BC

“This letter is to pass on the appreciation of the Spurling family for the care and attention that our mother received during her six year plus stay at Beacon Hill Villa.

We would like to express our particular appreciation to all of the staff on the 2nd floor for their excellent care of our mother during her stay. And also for the kindness displayed to both her and the members of the family during the last week of her life.

Our mother was a kind & gentle soul who gave willingly of herself throughout her life. It is comforting to know that she received the same such kindness and caring from your staff.”
- The Spurling Family, Victoria, BC

“We are very interested in talking to you about Langley Senior Village. Our mother/mother-in-law — 86 years old – is currently living independently, but she has recently been hospitalized She now needs more Assisted Living. One of our nephews is an EMT (ambulance ) and he has recommended your facility as “the best facility he has ever seen “. Wow. That’s quite high praise coming from him.”
- Maria & Larry

“I wish to express my sincere thanks to the staff on first floor 6085 for the care they gave to my husband Dr. Edgar Howarth (who was suffering from dementia) over the past year and a half. During that time I visited frequently and have been impressed by the care, consideration and attention given to the individual needs of the residents. Whenever I have had a question or concern it was addressed promptly. In the final days of his life when his condition became palliative he could not have received better care or pain control. Also I appreciated the many kindnesses shown to me by all the staff this gave me great support at a difficult time.”
– Joyce Howarth, (Wife of resident) Nanaimo Seniors Village, Nanaimo, BC

“On behalf of Wong’s family, we want you to know how much we appreciated the way Renfrew Care Centre had cared for our father. We would like to compliment your staff particularly the second floor nurses for their excellent services. They had consistently made extra efforts to ensure our Dad’s stay in the facility as comfortable as possible. We are confident that our father is now with our creator. He will be in our heart forever. We thank you that Renfrew Care Centre became the final residence of my father’s journey.”
– Don, (family member) Renfrew Care Centre; Vancouver, BC

“Both Mom and I want to take this time to give you all a huge thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your kind, thoughtful and compassionate care you’ve shown her during her time with you. Your attention to detail with her personal and medical needs went far beyond the call of duty. Mom very much appreciated the dignity and respect shown to her at all times from all of you.”
– Pat, (family member) Casa Loma; Courtenay, BC

“I’ve seen for myself how much effort the staff give and how hard you all work to make a “home” for our senior loved ones. From housekeeping, laundry, dining-room/kitchen, nursing and activities the staff “give their all”. Keep up the great work and know that you are appreciated by myself, Joan and her family, and again our thanks.”
– Jackie (family member) Golden Ears Seniors Village; Maple Ridge, BC

“I have come to know many of the employees and residents. Collectively, the people who work at Casa Loma are a wonderful group of people and a great team. I admire their dedication to those in their care. I appreciate the comfortable relationship I have with them. Someone is always available if I need to talk something over. I feel like a member of a very large extended family.”
– Karen, (family member) Casa Loma; Courtenay, BC

“Thank you for the wonderful care that my parents have received at “The Renfrew”. My first impression of the Retirement Concepts facility was one of cleanliness, professionalism, respect, thoughtfulness, utmost concern for resident’s wishes, and above all a sense of “home”. It has been 6 years and those impressions area affirmed each time we visit The Renfrew.”
– Pamela, (family member) Renfrew Care Centre; Vancouver, BC

“My first impression was that of a luxury residential hotel, spacious and inviting with attractive public areas, and generously sized apartments. I have found the facility very well run by a happy friendly staff. This positive outlook extends to the residents as well. There is a real sense of community here. I have found the vast majority of my fellow residents generous in their praise of The Wellesley.”
– Ms. Cook, (resident) The Wellesley; Victoria, BC

“The staff is very warm, caring, and extremely hard working. The building is kept very clean and has no odour which makes it a very pleasant building to work in. The building is very comfortable and doesn’t look ‘hospital like’, and it has a lot of outside lighting coming through the many windows making me feel bright and happy as I walk around. Dufferin Care Centre is definitely a place I would want my loved ones to grow old.”
– Stephanie (staff member) Dufferin Care Centre; Coquitlam, BC

“We moved into the Wellesley four and a half years ago, after considering at least a half-dozen other retirement homes. It then seemed to us superior in many ways, including the size of apartments, the quality and flexibility of food services, and the attitudes of staff. Our experience here has served to confirm our judgment.”
– Frank, (resident) The Wellesley; Victoria, BC

“I have seen staff go out of their way to go the extra mile for the residents here and the love for residents is open and honest. Many a time comments are made by a staff member referring to the residents that “these are my friends” or “that’s the way I would want to be taken care of” and residents are warmly given respect and love by their caregivers. Recently a family member commented that ‘my mom is so well taken care of and if a request is made on behalf of my mom, situations are immediately addressed and taken care of and I appreciate that’.”
– Peter (staff member) Guildford Seniors Village; Surrey, BC

“I have enjoyed the standard of living The Wellesley provides. The management and staff are helpful and friendly, always willing to please. They are concerned when one is ill or having problems. I do not hesitate to recommend The Wellesley to friends wishing to find an easier way of life.”
– Jean, (resident) The Wellesley; Victoria, BC