On May 12th, local radio station myFM handed out their community-voted Spirit Awards and the winner of this year’s Spirit Award for Favorite Health Care Worker is Carefor Pembroke Renfrew County Program Manager Jennifer St. Cyr.

 “I am so grateful for this award but truly couldn’t accept it without acknowledging the amount of effort the Care Teams at Carefor Civic Complex and Mackay Centre make daily to care for our residents,” commented Jennifer. ”I’m grateful for the care and enthusiasm they put into serving our clients.  I may be the manager, but when it comes to Carefor we are truly a team with a common goal of taking care of our clients. Often the clients see our staff more than their families and with that in mind, our team always tries to treat our clients like family. Throughout my time at Carefor I have witnessed the staff going the extra mile and truly making a difference in our clients’ lives, be it helping dress them up for Halloween or lending that extra helping hand to clients who need it most. So, thank you to the Carefor staff for making my role so rewarding.”

 Joining the Carefor team in 2018, Jennifer has been part of the leadership team for five years helping manage and operate Carefor’s two Pembroke locations, Carefor Civic and Carefor Mackay Centre, as well as helping oversee the operations at Carefor Richmond Care home in Ottawa. As someone who has been part of the world of senior care for over 25 years Jennifer fully appreciates the hard work each member of the Care Team puts into taking care of seniors living at Carefor retirement homes.

The Annual Carefor Maple Brunch and Dessert Competition made a sweet return on April 15th with two local businesses taking home winning trophies for Best Maple Dessert and the People’s Choice Award. This annual event is adored by people of all ages and features a maple brunch made by the Kitchen Eatery in Pembroke and a tasting of maple desserts made by four local competitors: Milano’s Petawawa, 7th Heaven Sweets, IFL Cookies, and The Kitchen Eatery. In the weeks leading up to this event competitors were supplied with local maple syrup generously donated by Mapleside Sugar Bush and gifts-cards donated by Pembroke No Frills to help offset the cost of competing.

This year we were honored to be joined by six judges ready to taste the Ottawa Valley’s best desserts: Petawawa Mayor Gary Serviss, Pembroke Mayor Ron Gervais, Myfm Representative Tabitha Given, No Frills Owners Steven and Julie Townsend, and Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski.

Our six judges put their taste buds to the test judging desserts on taste, appearance, and overall theme. The competition was tough, but they could only choose one with Milano’s Petawawa Pizza’s decadent Maple Walnut Cheesecake coming out as the winner. Close second were 7th Heaven Sweet’s Maple Crème Brule Macaron and IFL Cookie’s Spiced Maple Pecan Cookie.

While the esteemed panel of judges chose their winner, attendees got to work tasting sample versions of desserts made by local businesses that donated their time and efforts. In the end, for the second time ever, there was a tie for the People’s Choice Award. This year both Milano’s Petawawa and 7th Heaven tied for the People’s Choice Award.   

This event was made possible with the help of our event sponsors, Frank Carroll Financial and Pembroke Mitsubishi. The event space was donated by the Zion Lutheran Church in Pembroke. Maple Syrup for the event was donated by Mapleside Sugar Bush; and music for this event was performed by Blaine Sack,  Church Musician at Zion Lutheran Church.

We at Carefor would also like to thank everyone who came out and made this event a huge success. Together we raised just over $3,500 towards our Everyone Deserves a Place to Call Home campaign. With this funding, we will be able to help keep costs affordable for Ottawa Valley seniors who call Carefor Civic Complex and Mackay Center home. The Everyone Deserves campaign was created to help residents at Carefor Civic and Mackay access the holistic care they truly deserve. Through the funding of essential programs such as a full activities calendar, nutritious meals, and the peace of mind and security of knowing that help is there when they need it, be it help with medication or assistance from our Care teams. For more information on the Everyone Deserves a Place to Call Home campaign and how you can help visit everyonedeserves.ca 

Volunteering is a common activity that seniors will engage in as they gain more free time post-retirement. Volunteerism has the potential to improve health, relationships and skillsets. This is especially true for seniors who turn to volunteering as a productive and positive pastime. There are several benefits that seniors can experience from volunteering within the community.

5 Benefits to Volunteering for Seniors…

1. Volunteering prevents isolation and loneliness… A lack of social interaction can hinder good health, putting adults at risk for high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, obesity, and cognitive decline. By getting out and engaging with the community, seniors can reduce the likelihood of health issues that come with being lonely and isolated.
2. Increases physical activity… Maintaining physical fitness is an important aspect of staying healthy and independent as individuals age. Volunteering creates the opportunity to keep moving, be it serving meals, providing transportation, or offering companionship to someone who needs it.
3. Bridges the generation gap… Volunteering in the community can give seniors the opportunity to interact with younger generations, and in turn share important life lessons. On the flip side, seniors can enjoy new perspectives and energy that younger generations offer.
4. Promotes a feeling of purpose… In often cases, as individuals age and transition into retirement living, they may feel that they lack fulfillment. Volunteering offers a way to regain the feeling of purpose. It creates a goal to work towards and can encourage a resurgence of excitement for life.
5. Develop new skills… In older stages of life it is common to dwell within one’s comfort zone. This can lead to feeling stuck and bored, which can lead to cognitive decline. Volunteering opens doors to trying new things and new ways of thinking, and potentially exposes individuals to new passions they didn’t even know they had

Volunteering Opportunities at Carefor…

Carefor has benefited greatly over the years from the support and passion of our volunteers. There are many opportunities at Carefor for you and/or a friend. More information regarding the programs needing volunteers can be found under the services tab on our website. Or for additional information email Beth Monaco at BMonaco@carefor.ca. Here are some of our opportunities in the Ottawa region.

Ottawa

• Richmond Care Home
• Adult Day Programs (Carling ADP, Vince Malette Functional Fitness, PWR!Moves etc)

Pembrooke / Renfrew County

• Driver – Non urgent medical transportation
• Friendly Visiting – In person or virtual
• Volunteers for Special Events
• Recreation Volunteers (Civic and Mackay)
• Palliative visiting in the community
• Special Skills Volunteers (musicians, crafters, singers)

Although we may not be too keen about the rainy and damp April weather, it is important to keep in mind how thankful our gardens are for their chance to soak it all up before flourishing into bloom. With gardening season approaching, it is important to consider the benefits of gardening for seniors.

Right off the bat, gardening is a great activity for seniors as it gets them outside and into the fresh air. Some will think that gardening requires a plot of land, which comes with great work and effort, but in reality, it can be as much or as little as you want. Planter boxes, potted plants and more offer options for people not looking to make as much of a physical investment in their garden. But no matter what you do, there are great health benefits to gardening:  

• Reduces Stress – Gardening can reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. It can increase a sense of fulfillment in times of feeling helpless.
• Strengthen Bones – When skin is exposed to sun, the body is prompted to produce vitamin D; this helps the body to absorb calcium, a mineral essential for bone building. The exposure to sunlight can also help to counteract bone decalcification, but don’t forget to wear your sunscreen and a hat.
• Helps you stay active – As we age, staying active replaces the concept of exercise. In gardening there are various motions that keep your body moving. Movements such as digging, pruning, pulling and lifting work muscles, and in turn increase strength, stamina, and flexibility.
• Experience Success – Gardening can be a very rewarding hobby, as the hard work eventually amounts to the growth of something new. Seniors witnessing the fruits of their labour will lead to a feeling of accomplishment, ultimately building confidence.
• Keep in touch with the Community – Visiting and contributing to a community garden will reap the above benefits with the added bonus of a chance to socialize with others who share similar interests. You can also join your local horticultural society or connect with other green thumbs online.
• Share it with your family – Gardens can be a great way to connect with your children and grandchildren as you teach, learn from one other and share the fruits of your labour.

Additionally, research has shown that gardening has several mental and physical benefits to those with Alzheimer’s as well. This is due to the fact that gardening is an activity that engages all the senses. Research shows that gardening therapy could even help people with Alzheimer’s recall pleasant long-term memories.

Carefor recognizes what gardens can mean to people and how they require consistent care and compassion. As an organization that supports seniors and people living with disabilities, and in turn their caregivers, we want to create a place in Ottawa that celebrates the importance of caregiving. This is why this spring we will be unveiling the Carefor Caregivers’ Garden in Strathcona park. This garden will be a testament to caring for those we love and the notion that although caregiving can be difficult at times, it brings joy, and comfort to our loved ones – much like the blooms of a garden after all the hard work of tending to it. We encourage you to create your own garden and use it as a tool to enrich the lives of your loved ones and become a place where love can continually grow.

Learn more about the Carefor Caregivers’ Garden at caregiversgarden.ca

I have been a nurse for 13 years now. The driving factor that drew me to nursing was the stability that this career provides. Through working as a nurse, I can connect with patients and help them on their journey to health; this is why I initially fell in love with the work. I have been lucky enough to spend 10 of my 13 years as a nurse with Carefor.

I joined Carefor in 2013 when I first moved to Ottawa. Up until that point, I had only worked as a nurse in hospitals. However, after hearing about Carefor and their outstanding reputation of high patient care, and flexibility in scheduling, I decided to make the switch from working in hospitals, to a full-time home-care nursing position with Carefor.

During my early days at Carefor, I worked as a visiting nurse, and soon began training to be a Wound Champion. Working in wound care has been extremely rewarding as it allows me to challenge myself through caring for complex wounds and in turn, improve my patients’ quality of life. After a few years of working in wound care, I decided to specialize in the area. Carefor offered abundant support as I worked towards obtaining the certifications needed for this specialty, as well as a Masters degree in Wound Healing. I would not have had the opportunity to pursue this education while working if it were not for the continual support from the nursing team at Carefor.

Beyond the encouragement that Carefor has offered me in enriching my credentials, they have also given me the chance to grow professionally, and move up in the organization. First being promoted to a nursing supervisor and then again as the Professional Practice Lead (PPL) in the Visiting Nursing Program. I was the first PPL in the nursing department at Carefor. The position was created to enhance and promote nursing career development and progression within the organization. The goal of having a PPL in nursing is to create and implement evidence-based and professional nursing practices to support the provision of quality care through development, coordination, and implementation of education/training for the staff.

Through this role I hope to use my passion for lifelong learning and my commitment to providing the best patient care to support fellow nurses through education and mentorship. I am also hopeful that my team members will recognize me as approachable and willing to help, and that in turn, can inspire them to do the same. Going forward, I hope to use what I have learned so far to continue to improve the state of Carefor’s Visiting Nursing Program.

My time at Carefor has allowed me to reach many of my career goals. I have been able to dedicate time to supporting the patients who need me, as well as transition into leadership roles within the nursing department. When it comes to professional growth, Carefor is certainly supportive, and I feel extremely fortunate and grateful to be a part of this organization.

We at Carefor Health & Community Services have spring fever and are excited to bring you some handy tricks and recommendations for healthy senior living this spring. From dressing for the weather to dealing with seasonal allergies, or staying hydrated, don’t forget to create healthy habits to live a healthier life.

Layer Up and Down

We all remember those days when we didn’t want to pack that extra sweater or put on those gloves but these Ottawa Valley Spring weather conditions can change on a whim. Some days seem like we should be laying out on the beach while others have us bundled up to our ears with the chills.

On those sunny days, it is important to remember to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes or try a fashion-forward wide-brim hat if you like, but remember not to block your vision when out for walks or spending time outside. Alternatively,  it is always wise to check the weather before venturing outside just because yesterday was bright and sunny doesn’t mean today will offer the same great temperature. On those cooler windy days try a windbreaker over your sweater to stay warm and don’t put the warm hats and mitts away just yet they are an easy way to regulate one’s body temperature outside. 

Seasonal Allergies

As we age many of us find ourselves dealing with more spring allergies than when we were younger. While going outside or opening windows may trigger these unwanted allergies it might be best to limit your time outside or keep any doctor or pharmacist-recommended allergy medications on hand for those high pollen days.

High on Hydration

With our activity levels increasing as the snow melts and the temperature rises it is key to remember to hydrate. Regardless of our age or time of year, it is crucial to remember to stay hydrated as studies have shown dehydration can have negative effects on memory and overall focus as well as increase fatigue.

In general healthcare providers recommend drinking at least 8 cups of water a day if you don’t like water, try herbal teas and freshly squeezed or juiced fruit and vegetable drinks. Though they may taste great it is also important to limit the number of sugary drinks like coffee and sodas.

Get in the Habit

Spring is the perfect time to start a new habit maybe it is crosswords on the front porch, walking around the block, building news, or continuing regular visits with friends. What is important is to stay active and stay moving. Many of the residents at Carefor Civic Complex and Mackay Center find that springtime is the best time to start getting out and enjoying the fresh air and visiting with other residents. Which we at Carefor fully support, with a fully loaded activities calendar, and multiple outdoor spaces that will be reopening when the snow has melted for the residents at Carefor to enjoy.   

As Ottawa Valley’s most affordable all-inclusive retirement home Carefor Civic Complex and Mackay Center it is our goal to make residents feel supported, reassured, and free to make choices that work for them through all seasons of the year. By providing high-quality care to vulnerable seniors living in Pembroke Carefor creates a place they can call home.

With what we hope is the last of winter, behind us, and the warmer spring days on the way in this month’s blog we ask the question “Are you ready for spring cleaning?” and give tips and tricks to work your way through the ups and downs of cleaning and decluttering your home this spring.

Little Steps Win the Race

Sometimes when looking at the road ahead spring cleaning can be a daunting task. There are windows to clean walls to scrub, shelves to dust, and not to mention all the paperwork we pile on our desks. It is best to try and look at the major spring clean as a series of small tasks.

Not sure where to start? One cloth in front of the other, or top to bottom, working your way through the hardly used areas and moving on to places you spend the most time. The important thing to remember spring cleaning does not need to be done in one day.

Leave the heavy lifting to some else

Like most of us, you may want to move bedroom furniture or change up how the couch is in the living room. Though it may have seemed manageable by yourself in the past it is best to ask a friend or loved one for help. Often times we can forget how heavy an item is and moving it can result in injury.

It is important to stay safe while spring cleaning to prevent any major injuries. Ask a friend or family member to help move those hard-to-maneuver objects or hire a professional who will come and clean and move furniture.

Ding! Ding! Don’t forget the detectors.

With daylight savings time coming up on Sunday, March 12th many use this as a reminder to change, test, clean, and update any smoke/carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. 

These often-forgotten items in homes help keep you and your family safe. Like moving heavy objects often these detectors are often in hard-to-reach areas. Do not hesitate to ask a neighbor or friend to help change batteries and inspect detectors around the home.

Get Rid of Clutter

We are all guilty of having those dump rooms or junk drawers or maybe a closet that is full of clothes that no longer fit or have not been worn in a while. Though the items found in these areas of the home may hold some value it is important to keep control of the number of things we hold onto.  It may not seem to be a nuisance, however some items in these piles can become overwhelming and become fall and or fire risks limiting the space one can move around in one’s home.  Not to mention the possible risk of hygiene and health issues when these piles make it difficult to clean in and around common rooms.

Studies have shown that tackling and organizing these areas in our homes have proven to help, regulate emotions, improve focus, and create a sense of balance and control of our lives.

Included in Carefor Civic Complex and Carefor Mackay Retirement Home’s all-inclusive pricing are many helpful services which help our residents feel at home in the Ottawa Valley. With laundry and light housekeeping, our residents no longer have to worry about the day-to-day stresses of keeping a home clean. Along with those services our lowest in the Valley all-inclusive pricings also includes nutritious meals, a full activities calendar, help with medications and the security of knowing help is there when you need it.

If you or someone you know is interested in knowing more about Carefor Retirement Living please contact us at 613-732-9993 ext. 3223

For 126 years Carefor has existed largely due to the passion, commitment and skill of women who have seen the need for quality home and community care in their communities and taken it upon themselves to provide it. They have given so much of themselves for others, and in so doing have helped inspire generations of girls and women to seek a path for themselves while helping others.

This International Women’s Day we spoke with the longest-serving staff in each of our three regions about why they joined Carefor (then VON), why they’ve stayed and how their jobs have changed through the years.

OTTAWA: Grace Carpenter, Registered Nurse, 36.75 years

When Grace Carpenter started as an RN at Carefor nearly 37 years ago it was a very different place. So different in fact that it wasn’t even Carefor; it was the Victorian Order of Nurses. More than Carefor being different, providing in-home nursing was especially so: “All the things we have now we take for granted,” she says. “We didn’t have cell phones. We’d have to go into the office two times a week to plan the week with all the other nurses. I’d spend forever on the phone…When I was at a client’s house, I’d borrow their phone to call my next client. It’s just the way it was.”

She moved to Ottawa from New Brunswick after university, starting at the Civic Hospital in 1986. “I couldn’t stand it,” she remembers. “I hated the 12-hour shifts, the shift work and working nights…I was new and low on the totem pole. I saw myself having to be there for many years so knew I had to go.” While studying nursing in New Brunswick she did a placement with VON and really enjoyed home care so after a year at the Civic made the switch and hasn’t looked back.

When asked what has kept her working in home care with Carefor for nearly 37 years, she says, “I love my clients. When you visit a client, you’re all theirs…My supervisors are wonderful. There’s ongoing training and support. I’ve really appreciated the opportunity to learn. They build their training into our work so we can be better and more proficient in our field.” She also speaks about the flexibility her work has afforded her in raising her young family going from fulltime to parttime to casual back to parttime.

Today she’s part of the South-East nursing team but remembers driving her old VON car through North Vanier having to pull a muffler off on the streets of Rockcliffe. “It wasn’t great branding with the VON logo on the site,” she laughs and remembers how nurses had a fleet of cars and a mechanic on staff to keep them on the road. While much has changed, her spirit for providing care to her community’s vulnerable in their homes has remained constant.

PEMBROKE-RENFREW COUNTY: Angela Mulligan, Supervisor, Dietary Services, 23.75 years

As one of Carefor Pembroke-Renfrew County’s longest-standing employees, Angela Mulligan has seen so much and has been part of so many residents’ lives. “I remember the day I applied over 20 years ago I walked my way to the Civic Complex retirement home and handed in my resume to Mary McBride and I remember leaving thinking ‘just give me an interview’ and within a week I was hired. I had been working at a local convince store and raising my daughter. I needed a change to better support my young family so applied to Carefor”.

Having started as a dietary team member Angie was able to apply and get the position of cook giving her more hours, which led to the position she has had for eight years as the Supervisor of Dietary Services running both dietary teams at Carefor Civic Complex and Mackay Centre.

When asked about the impact her job has on residents, she responds, “I think of the team mentality we all have here working at Carefor. For example, we all had to shuffle from Civic to Mackay Centre and a couple of other hotels when we had a fire at the Civic Complex. Every single staff member put in the extra time and effort to keep the resident’s spirits up and make sure they continued to live their best lives. It’s moments like those that make you feel grateful that you are part of a team that cares so much. Even seeing the dietary teams setting the tables specifically for each individual resident is something that shows how much our staff cares about the residents.”

Having been part of the Dietary team for over twenty years Angie has seen and helped many of the incredible and resilient residents that call Carefor Home.

EASTERN COUNTIES: Caroline Rooney, Supervisor, Nor-Dun Seniors Support Centre, 29.25 years

Caroline Rooney’s career at Carefor started over 29 years ago while she was a volunteer for VON’s Meals on Wheels committee. She remembers, “When the opportunity came up to work for VON, I opted to apply for the job. My mom had been a nurse so it was pretty special that I had the opportunity where I could work for an organization of nurses. At the time it was a part-time secretarial and part-time cleaning out the building because there wasn’t enough for full-time hours, so it was a combination of both roles.”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my years with Carefor and learning the many aspects of the various jobs. I was very proud to be part of an organization that had such a wide range of services to offer clients.”

Caroline says that her favourite part of working with Carefor has been the opportunity to meet with clients, caregivers, and families, and often seeing them through till they’re moving to retirement or long-term care. “You see firsthand the whole continuum of care and being able to help them from the beginning to end for what we’re able to offer them for programs and services.”

Over the years, she has changed positions at the Carefor Nor-Dun Centre as they came available. “I started as a cleaner and secretary, and eventually over time moved into a supervisor position. Although the role came with more responsibility, Carefor supported me along the way with different training opportunities. I work with a very supportive management and site-level team, and really embraced being part of an ever-evolving team approach.”

Having a healthy diet and cooking healthy and affordable food during these winter months can be a challenge for seniors living in the Ottawa Valley. With the snowy weather pounding on into February you can feel lost not knowing where to get nutritious meals or not wanting to go that extra mile and cook a full meal when you are alone or living with your partner.

Here are some tips on keeping meals easy in the winter months.

Eat the Rainbow

Try to eat lots of colors and make your meals appealing. Try substituting regular potatoes for sweet potatoes, or mini baby potatoes. Trying red or green onions instead yellow onions. Add spinach to your cream sauces. Just make sure you are keeping overall nutrition in mind.  

Keep it Fun

Go on a culinary adventure and travel the world in your kitchen. With YouTube videos, food blogs, and the food network at your disposal, dig in and try new recipes from Europe, Asia or South America. Many of these recipes are nutrient-dense and full of flavors. You never know you might just find your new favorite food.

Go to Flavor Town

Many seniors find they lose their sense of taste later in life, so pump up the seasoning without adding more salt. Try cooking with lots of herbs and spices, as well as try avoiding salt or use low-sodium spice blends.

Healthy Eating at Carefor Civic Complex and Mackay Center and the Ottawa Valley

Carefor Pembroke Renfrew County has many healthy meal options for local seniors and seniors living at Carefor Civic Complex and Carefor Mackay Centre. While living at Carefor retirement homes our residents are treated to an all-inclusive meal program that features nutritious options for each meal three times a day. Set in a communal dining hall where many social connections have been made and are also encouraged.

Try our Frozen meal program today

During the pandemic, Carefor Pembroke Renfrew County partnered with local producer Griffith Farms providing frozen meals to often isolated seniors in the Ottawa Valley. With over a dozen nutritious meal options to choose from as well as soups and desserts, it is quick and convenient for meals to be ordered and enjoyed by members of our beautiful community.

To order frozen meals visit our website at https://carefor.ca/services/frozen-meals-program 

Meal Planning Made Easy With Epicure 

Carefor Health & Community Services is excited to partner with Stephanie from Epicure just in time for spring madness. At the end of February, Carefor Pembroke Renfrew County will be fundraising with Epicure and selling their convenient Weeknight Dinners Kits with proceeds going to help local seniors in our area. These Dinner Kits include five easy meal solutions for even the pickiest of eaters. As an affordable option, try some healthy and adventurous meals including Taco Seasoning, Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Seasoning, Pulled Chicken Seasoning, Crispy and Crunchy Coating Mix, Mac and Cheese Seasoning, and (the best part) Chocolate Pudding Mix. With pick-up available for the week before March Break this kit makes for a great way to meal plan and get the family in the kitchen during March Break.

Epicure Products are:

• Gluten Free
• Nut Free (excludes coconut)
• Free of Corn syrup and hydrogenated Fat
• Free of artificial colors sweeteners and preservatives
• Sugar and sodium conscious
• Made from ethically sourced ingredients
• 90% Non-GMO-Project verified
• 80% Vegan

To order this kit click here or

Contact Andrew at achenard@carefor.ca or 1 (833) 922-2734 x 3237

Finding love can seem daunting, filled with the highest of highs and lowest of lows. On top of that looking for love in later years of one’s life can add even more pressure. Often, we can find ourselves being less social as we age, looking for that one person for companionship.

Although dating methods have changed and can be seen as a younger person’s space with the ever-growing list of apps, websites, and other dating methods, it is still anyone’s game. Studies on marriages in Canada have shown that individuals in the 60-65 age gap have become the largest group of people getting married. Below are some examples of ways to meet that special someone or find that sense of community we all crave as we live on through the later years of our lives. 

Rekindle Old Flames.

Sometimes reconnecting with old friends and getting together socially is the best way to meet new people. The methods of dating may have changed but often it’s our friends that we trust the most. You never know, your high school friend may know the perfect person for you. Worst case scenario you reconnect and get to spend time with old friends.

No Pressure… Slow and Steady

Don’t put too much pressure on any new budding relationships. Often, we can feel we are running out of time to find that one person. Many people later in life have become set in their way and may need the time to slowly let others in and share their lives. Take the time to get to know each other and remember that this time in your life should be spent getting out there and meeting new people while enjoying every moment.

Try Groups

Put yourself out there. Many small communities in the Ottawa Valley have various seniors clubs that offer classes in quilting, photography, cooking or outings. Many seniors join these clubs to meet, mingle and make new friends. The worst that can happen is you leave with a new blanket, photo album, or a new set of recipes to try on your friends and family.

Find a Sense of Community At Carefor Pembroke Renfrew County

Carefor Civic Complex and Carefor Mackay Center residences are not only safe places for seniors to call home but are also great places to find that sense of community that brings joy into our lives. Residents at Carefor Civic Complex and Mackay Centre are treated to full monthly calendars with activities designed to foster a sense of community, allowing seniors to meet each other tell stories, and participate in both physical and creative activities.

What’s more, as Carefor Civic and Mackay are the most affordable retirement homes in the Ottawa Valley you’ll have some extra money for those outings with friends, or that special someone. To find out more about safe affordable Retirement Living at Carefor Pembroke Renfrew County click here. https://carefor.ca/services/retirement-living