As many of you know, COVID-19 has been particularly virulent with elders in our community, especially in long-term care and retirement homes where it has been running rampant.
As Toronto’s Seniors Advocate, I’m very concerned about, and deeply saddened by, the devastating impact this virus is having on our senior population.
For those who are in self-isolation, I want you to know that we care about you and you are not alone. For those who are unwell because of the virus, I wish you our support, strength and a full recovery. And for those families and friends that have lost a loved one from COVID-19, my deepest and most sincere condolences to you.
Our community appreciates the heroic and caring personal support workers, nurses, doctors, health care workers, management teams, cleaners, kitchen staff, coordinators and everyone who works tirelessly to support our loved ones. No words can adequately express our heartfelt gratitude and support.
Many of you have asked how you can offer your support from a physical distance.
Please leave a message of encouragement, love and gratitude for the Christie Gardens community in the comment section below.
Most importantly, if we all do our part, spend time at home and slow the spread of the virus, more of our parents, grandparents, family members, friends and neighbours can get the care they need to survive this.
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Thank you for your kindness and support for the people who need us now more than ever.
Sending best wishes to all the residents and staff at Christie Gardens. Have a happy, healthy holiday and year ahead.
We are all thinking of you and are with you in spirit – thank you for being there and bringing so much love and joy to your work! You are signs for all of us of how to live compassionately. Merry Christmas to all! May you be greatly blessed.
with great admiration and regard for the dedication and care that you give, thank you for your courage and kindness.
A huge thank you to all of the front line staff at Bradgate Arms. The work that you do makes such a huge difference in so many lives. Thank you for being there for our loved ones, when we cannot be there. Your kindness and endless support goes a long way to help the residents and our families cope with these strange times.
And to the residents, please know that you are loved and are not alone. These are strange times we are dealing with and may you be able to rest comfortably, be well taken care of, and feel the love that we are all sending you! –Marcie
Dear residents and staff,
A home away from home, that is what a nursing home is. When my mother was in one, I noticed all the little details that made it a home for her.
The most important of course is the staff. A smile, a pat on the back, an extra juice, these things make all the difference, because they are full of care.
And care can pull people through the most difficult of challenges.
Thank you to the staff who care for the residents. And all strength to the residents.
Be well. In support,
Teresa
Hello to everyone in the Courtyard Community! I think of you often and know that you are all taking good care of each other under these very difficult circumstances. I cannot wait to visit you next time! Sending lots of hugs! Take good care everyone!
Sending all my love and support to the personal support workers, nurses, doctors, health care workers, management teams, cleaners, kitchen staff, coordinators and everyone else who works so hard to care for the residents living at Christie Gardens. Thank you.
My Lovely Mum is a resident in Christie Gardens. Never once throughout these difficult times have I worried about the care that she receives from the staff. I trust each and everyone of the people who I see as her extended family. Yes, she has been lonely. So have we all.
Thank you all for your care, concern and hard work!
I understand that visiting, in some format, might begin as early as June 18th. How do we prepare for that inevitable occurrence? Please advise.
Warm, virtual hugs sent to the Christie Gardens family,
Lynn Dodwell
Thank you to you all who continue to work so hard during this strange and difficult time. Please know that there are still so many people who appreciate the work you do and know that it’s hard and want to see change. Thank you!
Hello All!
I hope and pray that during this difficult time you find hope, strength, and joy through Jesus. I hope the restrictions and fear do not get to you but you find a way to enjoy every moment you can!
My heart goes out to everyone at Christie Gardens – the residents, caregivers, staff and families. My mother spent 2 years of her life in a LTC home in St. Catharines, and I saw first-hand all the hard work, care and compassion that goes into caring for our elderly. Thank you for everything you do!
Please know that many of us in the Toronto community are doing all we can to stay in isolation and stop the spread of this virus. Although both my parents are now gone, I “get it” – I value all of your lives, so I am happy to sacrifice a few freedoms to make sure we all come through this safely.
Sending much love and support, Elizabeth
Thank you for the hard work you do every day with so much compassion and selflessness. <3
Thank you front line staff for keeping our community members’ healthy and safe while you battle this virus head on. You work every day so we can stay home. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Also, sending love and thoughts to those who are residences in the home, the community cares and prays for your safety and health. It is just a matter of time until life returns to normal and our community will come out stronger than ever! Lots of love and support. xo
I am a Nurse at Christie Gardens, but unfortunately unable to work as my fulltime job is on outbreak. I am find myself thinking about my Christie Family constantly. It is such a wonderful place, everyone is like one giant family, I could not ask for a better place to work, or have a loved one live at. I know that everyone at Christie Gardens is doing their very best, everyone is so caring, loving and empathetic. All residents are no doubt getting the best possible care that they can, and I know that the staff are all there for one another as they always are. I wish I could be with them to help at a time like this. I miss them, and wish all the residents, their family and all staff the very best. ❤
Sincere thanks to the caring and wonderful staff of Christie Gardens. We know our mother is in the best place for her and that she is being well cared for. Your dedication and thoughtfulness are exceptional.
My parents live in Christie Gardens and although they are not currently in residence, we are still thinking of all their friends who reside and work there. Sending gratitude to the amazing staff and support to residents dealing with self-isolation. Virtual hugs to all.
I worked at Christie Gardens many years ago, and my grandmother Myrl Sandusky later truly enjoyed her time in the independent living apartments. Christie Gardens is a wonderful and very supportive community and I know that these strengths will help in these hard times. Thinking of you all, sending my love and support from the outside community.
Sending a virtual hug to each and every frontline staff member and resident. We’re in this together!
Sending my love and thoughts and goodness to all the residents and staff. I am thinking about you an keeping you in my Heart.
Many thanks for your hard work and dedication especially at this time.
Sending you wishes for health and peace.
Dorothy
To our elders and to all workers, much love and respect! Thank you for your wisdom and courage! Wishing you a beautiful and fruitful spring.
A little poem;
“It’s all I have to bring to-day” By Emily Dickinson
It’s all I have to bring to-day,
This, and my heart beside,
This, and my heart, and all the fields,
And all the meadows wide.
Be sure you count, should I forget, —
Someone the sum could tell, —
This, and my heart, and all the bees
Which in the clover dwell.
I live in the neighborhood and often run by Christie Gardens. I am wishing you all well in this challenging time. Know that, though you may not see us, we your neighbors are thinking of you constantly and wishing you well. We are sending you positive energy and love to get through this. ❤️
Many thanks to all of you for your care and dedication during these challenging times!
My partner and I walk past Christie Gardens to do our weekly groceries and think of all of the staff and residents at the facility. Sending you strength and best wishes during this difficult time!
I have know many who passed through Christie Gardens over the years, and a couple of people there now. My thoughts are with the entire community of residents, caregivers, medical and nursing staff. Wishing strength to all and sincere gratitude for those who work on the front lines with our most vulnerable. There is no more important work.
My husband, David, and I are thinking about Christie Gardens, the people we know there and the people we wanted to get to know better. We were scheduled to visit yesterday but that is on hold for now.
Wherever we visit, everyone we meet tells us how much they like it there. Can there be higher praise?
Keep well, everyone.
You should know that you are amongst the most important, indispensable people in our society. Never doubt that!
I am thinking of all the staff and residents of Christie Gardens… sending a special virtual hug to Mabel… sending you strength and hope… and deep gratitude to all on the front lines.
Your care and presence to those im long term care and to those in apartments and condos at Christie Gardens is so very critical. Those of us in the community who havevdear friendsbthete are hearing about your professionalism and carong. Thank you so much! We send our love and blessings to ALL the staff there.
Sending blessings of healing and peace to all of you all.
I popped by to do a window visit and was so impressed with the professionalism and loving care by the staff, despite the pressures of the pandemic. They made it seem like just another joyful day interacting with the seniors in their care. Thank you Christie Gardens!
Blessed Be! May God keep you safe + well as heroes of unprecedented + historic times!
In my thoughts and prayers at Weston+Lawrence 🥰
Sending all the love and support to the residents, caregivers, staff, and family at Christie Gardens.