Clocks Go Ahead on March 8th for the Last Time

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On Sunday, March 8th at 2am the clocks will go forward one hour. This marks the final time the clocks will change in the province of BC.

On March 2, David Eby, Premier of British Columbia, announced that the province will switch to daylight savings time permanently. The clocks will not fall back this coming November. The new time zone will be called Pacific Time.  You can read more about this change here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-adopting-year-round-daylight-time-9.7111657

Dementia Education Series Continues on March 11th

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We are pleased to invite you to attend the second session of our Dementia Education Series, Perceptions in Dementia.

Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Menno Hospital Chapel
Presenter: Dr. Atul Nanda, Geriatric Psychiatrist

Dr. Nanda will lead this informative session and share valuable insights into the care and management of individuals living with dementia. This session offers an excellent opportunity to deepen understanding and enhance the support we provide to our residents.

We strongly encourage all staff members and family partners to attend and benefit from Dr. Nanda’s expertise.

We look forward to your participation.

Kind regards,
Smitha Varghese
Director of Care,
Menno Home and Hospital

Thank You for Donating Yarn for Prayer Shawls!

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We have received dozens of balls of yarn for our volunteers to knit and crochet into prayer shawls. Thank you!

When the group meets later this month they will have a shelf full of colours to choose from. With your help they will create shawls that will bring warmth, comfort and a touch of home to residents and their families.

The prayer shawl program is ongoing. If you would like to donate yarn  please drop it off with any of the LEAs in the apartments or bring it to the main entrance of Menno Hospital.

February is Recreation Therapy Month

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We proudly celebrate the incredible impact our Recreation Team has on the health, well-being, and quality of life of the residents we serve.

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Yarn Donations Needed for Prayer Shawls

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If you would like to donate some yarn please drop it off with any of the LEAs bring it to the main entrance of Menno Hospital.

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You’re Invited to the Staff Appreciation Awards!

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The Staff Appreciation Awards are will take place on Thursday, Feb 5th. Come and celebrate with us as we recognize our long term service and outstanding achievement award winners. Dessert will be served.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a staff member – over 90 nominations came in!

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month – January

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January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and share reliable information about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Dementia affects not only individuals living with the condition, but also the families, friends, caregivers, and care teams who support them every day.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It affects memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to carry out everyday activities.

Although age is a risk factor, many people live full and meaningful lives for years after diagnosis with the right supports in place. Early recognition, compassionate care, and informed support can significantly improve quality of life for individuals living with dementia and for their families.

Supporting a Person Living with Dementia

Small, thoughtful approaches can make a significant difference in quality of life. Helpful strategies include:

  • Focusing on abilities, not limitations
  • Using clear, calm, and respectful communication
  • Maintaining familiar routines and environments
  • Recognizing behaviour as a form of communication
  • Supporting dignity, choice, and independence wherever possible

For families and friends, learning about the disease can help reduce stress, improve communication, and strengthen relationships over time. Caring for someone living with dementia can be both rewarding and challenging. Seeking information, peer support, and professional guidance is an important part of maintaining caregiver well-being.

If you are a caregiver, remember that asking for help is a strength—not a weakness.

Our Commitment

At Menno Place, we are committed to dignity for residents, through person-centred care  and by supporting residents, families, and staff through education and evidence-based practices.

Together, we continue to create a community where everyone feels supported, respected, and valued.

Trusted Resources & Helpful Links

Below are credible, evidence-based resources for learning more about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia care, and caregiver support:

Alzheimer Society of British Columbia

A leading source of education, support groups, and caregiver resources in BC.
Website: https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en

Government of Canada – Dementia Information

National, evidence-based information on dementia and aging. Caregiving information
Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/dementia.html

Dementia Friends Canada

A national initiative focused on reducing stigma and building understanding. Short learning modules for the public
Website: https://alzheimer.ca/en/get-involved/become-dementia-friendly/dementia-friendly-canada

 

Last Chance to Be a Sock Angel — Ends December 31!

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There are just a few days left to take part in the Sock Angel campaign.

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Thank you London Drugs & The Old Spaghetti Factory!

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We’d like to extend our thanks to London Drugs and The Old Spaghetti Factory who partnered with the local Abbotsford community to bring gifts to 275 of our residents this Christmas! Recreation staff have been as busy as elves all week getting the gifts to residents – primarily to those in long-term care and some in our apartments as well.

When she received her gift one resident said:

I prayed for joy and light Christmas and you have answered my prayers.

Linda Weatherly, Manager of Recreation and Volunteer Services said, “It’s such a delight to continue to work with the community to bring joy to our residents. Huge thanks to both these companies and Merry Christmas!”

This is the second year both London Drugs and The Old Spaghetti Factory have chosen Menno Place as a focus for their Christmas generosity – London Drugs through their Stocking Stuffers for Seniors program and The Old Spaghetti Factory through their Menno Place Angel Tree initiative.

Our thanks, again, to both companies, their teams and the community members who came together to bring some extra Christmas joy to our residents.