The home’s administrator says it is important to examine the role of a long-term care home in the community. “Why are we here? What function do we play? Personally, I think we’re here for the whole community. So we have to contribute to the community we’re a part of,” Toni says.

For example, says Toni, there are seniors who cannot get out to their usual church any longer. “We have pastoral services. How do we find those lonely seniors? Are we finding a way to get in touch with them? There are many seniors who live next door to us (in a senior’s residence building). They should be welcome here,” says Toni.

She also points to fitness programs the home has as an example of something that can be shared with the community. “We have three or four fitness programs running here each week. There’s no reason we can’t do this for other seniors. We should open things like this up for them,” says Toni.

The administrator says offering things like pastoral services or fitness programs to other seniors may lead to them becoming residents at the home one day. But she says the biggest reason for doing it is “to contribute to community.”

Toni says Almonte is presenting a strong team concept, one that supports the mission, vision and values of OMNI. “So let’s take this and make an impact in the community. Let’s look at the bigger picture and see ourselves doing something more meaningful.”