-
font size
decrease font size
increase font size
Home names resident of the year Featured
A local nursing home has chosen its Resident of the Year.
Helen Whaley, 85, was presented the award at Carveth Care Centre on June 28.
Born in Brockville, the mother of three says she doesn’t know how she won.
“I don’t know how that happened,” she says with a modest laugh about winning the coveted title.
A resident of the accredited long-term care home since Dec. 1, 2017, Helen lives there with her husband, Tom, who moved to Carveth seven months before her.
“My husband was born and raised in Gananoque,” Helen says from her private room. “He has Alzheimer’s now, but in many ways he’s the same guy I met long ago.”
According to her, Tom worked in industry for several years and was a traffic manager in a plastic’s plant in Gananoque.
She says Tom’s lucky break arrived in the form of a customs officer job on the Thousand Islands Bridge. Tom worked at the bridge for 16 years before retiring.
Before she retired, Helen worked in the financial services department at Queen’s University.
“I just loved my job,” she says with a smile.
The couple has three children, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
When she is not in her room surrounded by pictures of her family and friends, Helen can often be found sitting with Tom.
“I came here mainly to have a rest,” she explains kindly. “I hate cooking anymore and I knew I wouldn’t have to cook here. Tom has to be here because of his disease. I try to spend time with him every day.
“I don’t mind it at all,” says the friendly woman when asked about living at Carveth. “A couple people told me I wouldn’t like living in a nursing home. I had no idea what to expect. But it’s not too bad. I like the people and the food is pretty good. I’m happy to sit & read and watch the world go by.”
Speaking on behalf of the home, Administrator Brett Gibson notes, “Presenting Helen with the Resident of the Year Award was an unbelievable moment. To see how humbling and deflective she was, is a great indicator on why she was chosen. She spoke of her fondness of her employment at Queen's University for 16 years and demanded that I get back to work! There is more than 140 deserving candidates in our home, but I do know we did not go wrong in choosing Helen as she is well respected by everyone.”
“Helen is always helping around the home,” adds Shannon Buell, Activation Director. “She’s very understanding and compassionate with the other residents.”
Asked to describe herself, Helen says she is quiet and shy.
“I read a lot,” she says, motioning to an open book resting on a table next to a comfortable chair. “The Gananoque Library brings me murder mysteries every couple of weeks. They keep me supplied.”
Carveth Care Centre is proud to have Helen Whaley as our Resident of the Year. To learn more about living or working in our home, please call 613-382-4752.