peopleCare Tavistock celebrates community connection with annual Walk to Wellness

Community members take part in last year’s Community Walk to Wellness at peopleCare Tavistock. The annual event brings residents and the broader community together to celebrate wellness, friendship and connection. Contributed photo

By Amanda Nelson

On Friday, Sept. 18, at 10 a.m., peopleCare Tavistock will be celebrating Long-Term Care (LTC) Community Engagement Day alongside its annual Community Walk to Wellness.

All are welcome to attend at 10 a.m. in the front parking lot at peopleCare Tavistock, 32 William St. S. This special event is an opportunity to bring residents and the community together to celebrate wellness, friendship, connection and belonging.

The Ontario Long Term Care Association launched LTC Community Engagement Day to help highlight the importance of community, connection and care in LTC homes across the province.

This event, paired with peopleCare Tavistock’s annual Walk to Wellness, aims to dispel misconceptions about life in long-term care by inviting the community to the home and engaging with residents who live there.

Last year, over 750 people participated in the tours and events. The event also highlights the importance of long-term care in the community, its role in the health system and as a major employer, said Sheena Campbell, vice-president of communications and engagement.

“Provincially, we're trying to share is how important long-term care is within our communities,” she said. “That it really does matter to the whole community. We're part of the health-care system, particularly as our population is getting older. We help relieve pressure on hospitals and in many communities, we're also a major employer.”

This event also reminds community members outside of the home that residents don’t stop being part of the broader community when they step inside the long-term care home; they still are vital parts of their community and continue to be involved in many aspects, such as politics and community engagement.

“We really love the idea of Community Engagement Day because our communities are a big part of our long-term care homes,” said Campbell. “Our residents don't stop being part of their community when they move into long-term care, and we want to make sure those connections continue to grow.”

Campbell says that life within the long-term care home is, if anything, more full and rewarding, and she encourages anyone interested to attend the event this month.

“There are always events and outings, and our residents are always involved in so many activities outside of the home,” she said. “They’re a big part of the community, they volunteer and take part in all things within the community, too.”

Alongside the events that day, there will be certificate presentations, and local dignitaries will attend and speak to residents and community members.

Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP to kleenders@peoplecare.ca by Sept. 17.