A simple ‘hello’ was all it took to help make Shirley Collins feel at home at McKellar Place.
Collins moved into the supportive housing facility on Archibald Street in December. She said she enjoyed her stay so far because of the friendly staff and the help she receives.
Despite having to cut her stay short because of health reasons, Collins said she’s never felt more welcomed than she did at McKellar.
“This is the first place I’ve been to that when we walked into the door people said hello,” Collins said.
“They didn’t do that elsewhere. Just that simple hello made you feel like you were home. It was a great feeling. The staff here is fabulous. They really are great here and you couldn’t ask for a better bunch of girls.”
Collins said she wished more seniors ventured out of their rooms more often to play card games with her but they find it difficult.
Most people like to stay in their rooms and make it difficult to hold big activities.
Although a small crowd wasn’t a problem for the one-year anniversary of McKellar’s grand opening on Monday. Most of the 85 residents joined Collins as they celebrated their first year with cake and music.
Building general manager Sean Adams said they had some delays with opening the building because of construction but once they were up and running they were able to provide residents an opportunity to live more independently.
“One of the biggest problems that you will see I think in health care right now is that there is such a lack of affordable housing for seniors that will look after their needs and keep them in the community longer,” Adams said.
“Part of our agreement with St. Joseph’s Care Group and the Local Health Integration Networks is that we’re able to keep them in their homes longer, keep them independent and provide the care for them that they need.”
