Our Stories

Golden nuggets made of caramel corn are passed around as the line dancers take to the stage. Some residents join in on the dance, excited to be part of the hoedown. Others prefer to watch, or chat with friends. It’s just another day at their retirement residence.

Amanda McCarthy started as a volunteer with Sienna in 2007, and quickly turned her passion for helping residents live fully every day into a career. She soon joined Lake Country Lodge Care Community as a part-time recreation assistant, while she simultaneously pursued her post-secondary education to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). In March 2010, with credentials in hand, Amanda was promoted to the position of full-time nurse.

Every December, Linda Gawlik plans a bus trip to Niagara for team members at Cedarvale Lodge Retirement and Care Community and their families. She is one of the many team members across Sienna who take part in the Quality Work Life Committee, which plans events throughout the year aimed at bringing team members together.

The sun set against the water, no land in sight, turning the world inky black. Slowly, lamps flickered on in the convoy. It was the first time they’d been lit at night since WWII was declared.

Artists aged 40 to 100 displayed their most beautiful pieces at Fox Ridge Care Community in Brantford, ON, for the community’s first ever resident art show. Everything from painting and crocheting to leatherwork, song writing, and decoupage were on display.

Brookside Lodge resident Mark started playing hockey at the age of six, and it became a lifelong passion. He was drafted to play with the Chicago Blackhawks as a teen, but an injury prevented him from pursuing his career in the NHL. Hockey remained a big part of his life. When he moved to Brookside Lodge Care Community in Surrey, BC, the therapeutic recreation team learned of his passion for hockey and ensured he could make it part of his everyday activities.

Caterina Ierino first joined Deerwood Creek Care Community in Etobicoke, Ontario, as a Nurse Manager when it opened in 2001. She became Director of Care in 2003 – a role she has held ever since. “I enjoy working with the residents, families, and team members. Working in long-term care has its challenges and the sector has changed in so many ways over the years, but the one constant is the focus on residents and their wellbeing. That’s our priority – to help residents live fully every day. Residents come to the care community with different needs, varying from light to complex care, different backgrounds and different psychosocial needs.  Our goal is to help fulfill those needs and through this we hope that we make a difference for them and improve their quality of life - that’s rewarding,” says Caterina.

Katrina Macatangay, Associate Director of Care (ADOC) at Cheltenham Care Community, shares that respect for seniors was ingrained in her upbringing, and in early adulthood, she cared for her grandmother. “I understand the joys and struggles that come with caring for elderly family members, so I can better relate to residents and families,” says Katrina. “It’s very important to give back to the people that sacrificed for and developed our community – not just our direct relatives.”  After completing her Practical Nursing Program in 2006, she joined Sienna as a Restorative Care Coordinator, soon growing into the role of ADOC.  She described her daily work as “a mixture of addressing resident care and administrative duties, but the most joy I get is from spending time with residents and listening to their stories.”

St. George Care Community in downtown Toronto provides unique and specialized care to a varied population of residents. “The moment residents move in, we welcome them whole heartedly… we treat them as family. As a family, we communicate, collaborate, and support one another to help each resident and team member live fully, every day,” says Georgina Njoku, Director of Care. The community was recently recognized by the OLTCA with the Quality Improvement Team of the Year Award. Executive Director John Seebach shared, “We are honored to be recognized for what we’ve accomplished on our journey to enhance quality care. The work we did to win this award has helped St. George to achieve better outcomes for residents.”

Marilyn Renaud, PSW, started at Fieldstone Commons Care Community on the day it opened, in 2003. She takes great pride in every aspect of her role, including mentoring new PSWs and students. “Some residents even call me ‘Teacher,’” she says, “because I’m very disciplined with students.” She reflected that she has a great sense of responsibility when teaching younger team members to provide the best care for residents. While the tasks of her job can be taught, she shares that it takes a special person to be a PSW: “You have to have love and passion to care for seniors. They need our help and we have to put our best foot forward every day.”

Residents and team members at Island View Retirement Residence in Arnprior, ON, made the most of 2018 with events, laughter, and smiles! They shared some of their favourite memories, captured below. From sunshine socials to charitable donations, we know you’ll love these!