Wellington Terrace Long-Term Care Home still going strong after 20 years
Staff recall the long journey to get to the new Wellington Terrace at 20th anniversary celebration
ABOYNE – There was much fanfare at the Wellington Terrace on May 8 as government officials, past and current staff, volunteers, residents and their families celebrated the 20th anniversary of the county-owned long-term care home.
Wellington County Warden Chris White recalled the council decision to build the new facility.
“It was a $25-million investment which was quite a big number,” he said. “It’s one of the best investments we’ve ever made.”
Wellington Terrace has won a Service Award for Geriatric Excellence, leadership awards, employer recognition, AdvantAGE Awards and Innovation and Excellence Awards over the past two decades.
White joked that there’s such a long waitlist for the Terrace, he’s putting his name on the list now.
Volunteer coordinator Mary Black recalled the three-day transition from the old Terrace to the new one, when 172 residents relocated from the Elora site to Aboyne.
And the new Terrace was such an upgrade, with private rooms instead of shared rooms, public spaces and gardens outside the building.
Wellington-Halton Hills North MP Michael Chong remarked that the facility still looks brand new.
Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae joked that he’ll come and visit Chris White in 20 years when White becomes a resident.
And Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Joseph Racinsky said Wellington Terrace is one reason why Wellington County has been recognized by the province as an age-friendly community.
“It was never about the building, it was always about the people,” noted Doug Breen, who emceed the celebration.
Helen Marucci, Rod Irving and Julie Wheeler-Bryant were all volunteers at the old Terrace and continue to volunteer at the new one.
Marucci reads to residents once per week, Wheeler-Bryant brings therapy dogs to the facility and Irving does whatever is needed. His favourite thing is to talk with the residents, though.
The “new” Wellington Terrace, now 20 years old, set a new standard in long-term care at the time, officials said, and staff continue to evolve and adapt as health care challenges arise.
