MEMO: Apts Power Washing of Decks and Windows

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Our annual spring cleaning is about to begin in the apartments. We have arranged for the same contractor as last year to come and wash the decks and windows. This project will begin as early as Monday, March 9th and is expected to take about 2 weeks per building to complete.

This memo is official notice that we will be accessing all suites to complete this work.

The work will begin March 9th in Primrose Gardens on the 6th floor, and we will work our way down floor by floor. We have asked the contractor to provide us with daily progress updates so that we can do our best to keep you informed. Listen for these updates at lunch announcements. Contact the Life Enrichment Team with any questions.

Schedule

Primrose Gardens: March 9th – March 23rd
Terrace East: March 24 – April 7th
Terrace West: April 8th – April 26th
Pavilion: April 27th – May 11th

The contractor will be using a power wash cart that will be rolled into each suite. Residents do not have to move any furniture in their suite. They will access your deck via the patio door.

Please move smaller items off the deck, including items that shouldn’t get wet (if you are able to do so).

Thank you for your cooperation

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

LTC: Exploring an App for Improved Communication

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Menno Home and Menno Hospital are exploring Gerry App – a phone-based app which allows caregivers to view current health-care information about their loved-one’s care.

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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

Staff Appreciation Awards – Honouring Achievements in 2025

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On February 5, 2026, Menno Place gathered to celebrate the annual Team Appreciation Awards—a tradition we have held for the past 12 years. This annual event is a chance to say thank you, to honour faithfulness, and to recognize the quiet, daily acts of compassion that shape the lives of residents and families across their campus.

This year 94 staff members were recognized, including special honours for four staff reaching 30 years of service, one reaching 40 years, and one reaching an extraordinary 45 years with Menno Place. Altogether the 94 staff members represent a remarkable 1,076 combined years of service—a legacy of care, consistency, and commitment that has touched thousands of lives.

Serving at Menno Place Since 1981

Our 45-year honouree, Ester Darco, joined the Housekeeping and Laundry team back in 1981. Nik Van Egdom, Manager of Environmental Services, described Ester as “a wonderful housekeeper who goes out of her way to make sure the residents feel loved.”

Our 40-year honoree, Vannareth Chang is part of the Dining Experience team. Her manager highlighted her thoughtful eye for improvement and her heart for making things better for residents and colleagues alike.

Four members of the care team were recognized for 30 years of service in Menno Home and Menno Hospital and each one was recognized by their manager:

  • Lana Bessett was praised for her willingness to teach and lead by example.
  • Deirdre Rosie was celebrated for her care rooted in dignity and kindness.
  • Ronald Simon was appreciated for keeping residents’ concerns close to heart and faithfully following through.
  • Heather Taylor was admired for always putting residents first and treating each person with compassion, dignity, and respect.

Outstanding Achievement Awards

 

In addition to long-service awards, three Outstanding Achievement Awards were presented—Everyday Hero, Living Our Values, and Best Leader. These awards carry special meaning because the recipients are nominated by the members from all across the Menno Place community.  This year, nearly 100 nominations were submitted by residents, families, and staff, recognizing 78 staff members from every team and every area of our campus. These nominations are powerful affirmation of trust, impact, and everyday excellence.

This year’s winners were:

  • Best Leader – Lana Harder, Housekeeping and Laundry
  • Everyday Hero – Julie Toopitsin, LPN
  • Living Our Values – Rhonda Henderson, Housekeeping and Laundry

We believe that honouring our staff is not just a good organizational practice—it is part of our calling. We are guided by a commitment to serve with compassionate Christian care, and we recognize that this care is lived out daily through the hands, hearts, and faithfulness of their people.

As Sujata Connors shared in closing, “We know that God is here at Menno Place. I see it every single day. Thank you for continuing to work here and support our mission to provide wonderful, compassionate, Christian care for our residents and for each other.”

Event Photos

To view images from the event go to the google album here: Go to Gallery

To download any of the images, click on the image then click on the three dots in the top right corner to open the dropdown menu. Select download from the menu to save the photo.

 

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