Concert in Care – January 5 – You’re Invited!

Families & Friends are invited to enjoy our next Concert in Care

Since 2006, over 8,000 high-quality professional Concerts in Care have brought the rich experience of performance arts to people in residential care across Canada.

Date: January 5, 2015

Time: 10:30 am

Location: Hospital Chapel

Harpist Janelle Nadeau’s performances showcase a range of musical genres from Celtic, Spanish, classical and popular songs. She is a graduate of the University of British Columbia with a major in Harp Performance. She is a member of the ensemble Winter Harp, a guest performer in various orchestras, and enjoys a career of performing around the lower mainland. Janelle was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Celebrity Cruises, has performed numerous solo tours and has won various awards. Her classical training, combined with her personal contemporary repertoire, provides a refreshing approach to the harp. Janelle’s small town farming roots are reflected in her warm engagement with each audience as she introduces each selection.

Standing on Your Promises

What is a promise? The dictionary says that it is an assurance or declaration that one will do a particular thing…

Let’s Talk about Death and Dying

I have the very special opportunity to join a group of hosts on a new weekly public radio show that is solely centred around death, dying and loss.

Family & Friends Network – December 17

Come and join us to discover how family and friends can be supported and involved in residents’ lives at Menno Home and Hospital.

Thursday, December 17th, 2015

1:30 – 2:30pm
Menno Home Chapel

Refreshments will be served.
We are looking forward to seeing you!

Facilitators:
Dan Janzen – Social Worker
Ruth Neufeld – Social Services

Five Wheelchairs Donated to Menno Place Seniors!

When the Clearbrook Mennonite Church on Peardonville Road in Abbotsford, BC came to the realization that they would need to close their doors, they began to pray for ways that their remaining funds could benefit charities that were close to their hearts. This was difficult after 62 years of vibrant ministry in the Clearbrook area of Abbotsford, BC.

One of the practical questions that needed resolution was how to disperse the remaining funds of the church. A long-time member of Clearbrook Mennonite Church immediately had a suggestion. Her husband spent some time as a resident at Menno Place when he was ailing at the end of his life. It was there that this church member became aware of the need for good condition wheelchairs for the residents and recommended a sizeable donation to Menno Place to purchase brand new basic wheelchairs for residents in need.

With the donation from Clearbrook Mennonite Church, Menno Place was able to purchase 5 wheelchairs with specialized cushions and tension-adjustable backs. When an elderly senior is no longer mobile, the occupational therapist assesses their mobility needs and may recommend a wheelchair for the individual. Historically, the cost of a wheelchair is not covered by most care facilities.

On January 1, 2016, all residential care facilities in BC will be required to provide a basic wheelchair to residents who are prescribed one as a medically required piece of mobility equipment. At this time the Ministry of Health is in discussions about how this will be funded.

At Menno Place, we are grateful for the donations from the community that provide us with the capacity to better serve our elderly and frail residents. Thank you to Clearbrook Mennonite Church for considering the practical needs of seniors and making this significant contribution!

MennoPlace-Wheelchair-Donation MennoPlace-Wheelchair-Donation2

Menno Home Christmas Memorial Service: December 8th at 6:30pm

NOTE: LOCATION CHANGE – SERVICE TO TAKE PLACE AT MENNO HOSPITAL CHAPEL

You are invited to join us as we celebrate and honour the lives of our Menno Home residents that have passed away since last Christmas.

Date: Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Time: 6:30pm

Location: Menno Hospital Chapel

Refreshments Following the Service: Multi-Purpose Room

Join us in the multi-purpose room following the service, for light refreshments and an opportunity to visit with residents, families and friends.

Family and Friends Group – Thursday, December 17th: 1:30pm – 2:30pm

We would like to extend an invitation for you to join us at our Family & Friends group meeting on Thursday, December 17 from 1:30-2:30 in Menno Home Chapel. We will have 2 guest presenters: Sharon Simpson, Director of Communications & Stakeholder Engagement and Joanne Sweeney, Volunteer Manager for Menno Place. We would also like to invite your loved one for this special Christmas meeting to enjoy a time of sharing and refreshment together.

Family & Friends provides an opportunity for two-way communication with the care facility, but also is a forum to share experiences, learn and exchange information. Sharing with others can be supportive and encouraging.

We value your input, so if you have suggestions for a guest presenter either from the facility or in the community, please let us know. Learning about dementia, caregiver stress, depression, legal issues, etc helps us all.

Best Wishes,

Dan Janzen (Social Worker) and Ruth Neufeld (Social Services)

Family & Friends Network – November 19th

Come and join us to discover how family and friends can be supported and involved in residents’ lives at Menno Home and Hospital.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

1:30 – 2:30pm
Menno Home Chapel

Refreshments will be served.
We are looking forward to seeing you!

Facilitators:
Dan Janzen – Social Worker
Ruth Neufeld – Social Services


Fall Calendar:

Time: 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Location: Menno Home Chapel
Thursday, December 17

Annual Memorial Service – Menno Hospital and The Apartments

The Annual Memorial Service for families and friends of deceased at Menno Hospital and The Apartments takes place Tuesday, November 10th at 6:30pm at the Menno Hospital Chapel.

Note: Menno Home holds their Annual Memorial Service in December – date TBA

Menno Place ensures sustainability for seniors cared for at Menno Hospital

On August 6th, BCNU (British Columbia Nurses Union) was given notice of Menno Place’s intent to contract out nursing services at Menno Hospital.

Menno Hospital is one of two residential care facilities operated by the Mennonite Benevolent Society. There are 151 residents who live at Menno Hospital.

On September 29, 2015, 11 full-time and 18 part-time nursing positions were given notice of layoff along with the casual nurses. This working notice will provide up to six months transition time.

This difficult decision to layoff nursing positions was made by the Board of the Mennonite Benevolent Society to address a mounting $1.62 million deficit at Menno Hospital. This measure will rectify the annual budget deficit at Menno Hospital within three years. The alternative to this layoff was to close the beds, relocate 151 residents and layoff all the Menno Hospital staff.

Quality resident care is our primary focus at Menno Place. This continues to be our primary focus during this time of transition. The Health Care Aides working at Menno Hospital will continue to provide continuity of care and compassionate relationships as daily caregivers at the bedside.

As a Christian organization, one of our values is Stewardship of our resources for the benefit of our residents and the long-term sustainability of our operations. Click to read the Menno Place values.

“Our board tried and tried to do everything it could so it didn’t affect nursing. It was a very difficult decision for my board, (who) really care about our staff. It’s really tough to make these decisions that impact people’s lives.” – Karen Baillie, CEO

Please note:

  • This layoff notice does not impact Menno Home or The Apartments.
  • This layoff notice does not include any of the Health Care Aides working at Menno Hospital, Menno Home or The Apartments.
  • Menno Hospital has not been closed as was reported on the news. Quality resident care will continue during this time of transition.