Pauline Dainard says she has already made contact with AON, for instance, which owns the brand new Centennial Place long-term care home in nearby Millbrook. “I’d like to see combined activities in the future, and I think we can start with entertainment,” says Pauline.

Pauline points out that entertainment is expensive, so why not combine homes for those nights when entertainment can be offered. “If we have 25 people over from Centennial Place on a night when we’re having entertainment and we’re footing the bill, then they can return the favour the following month. That sort of thing. It’s a sharing of resources,” says Pauline.

“You just don’t ignore your competition, you work with them,” Pauline maintains.

Of course, the biggest thing on the mind of the administrator right now is seeing the completion of the $1.8 million renovation project. This will mean an additional 8,000 square feet of space, including a new wing with 16 private rooms. That wing will complete a square design for the home and renovations include the creation of a secure, outdoor inner courtyard complete with gazebo and plants. This will allow residents access to the outdoors in a safe environment.

A chapel and more lounge rooms will also be created with the renovation, as well as a physiotherapy room. The new front of the manor will feature a veranda. Inside the home, a fireplace with a mantle will greet visitors and residents.

“We’re asking staff and families if they want to make a contribution for our gardens,” says Pauline. “Whether that means leftover perennials they may have or a cash donation, we want to be able to do this ourselves. That’s a big priority to go along with the renovation,” says Pauline.

The home is also just taking over the reins of the Meals on Wheels program for the village of Millbrook and hopes to see this role expanded once word in the community gets out, says Pauline.