STOUGHTON - As people grow older, it is their hope to be in a caring long-term care facility such as the New Hope Pioneer Lodge in Stoughton, which is located at the north end of town.
According to Veronica Daenckaert, the interim manager at the home, this is a wonderful place to be and work. She drives from Radville daily to do her job. Daenckaert is taking Daphne Merke-Opruk’ place as Merke-Opruk is presently on a maternity leave.
The government-owned facility was built in 1986 and its home to 26 long-term residents. The LTC can house 30 residents and also has a homecare office.
This facility employs 59 staff, including kitchen staff, maintenance, caregivers and administration. All are such important roles to keep this home comfortable for the residents and well cared for.
Daenckaert explained that during the pandemic, staff followed all rules and regulations very closely to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the residents, who call the lodge home.
At times, like everyone, they had their struggles through these tough times, but the staff worked extremely hard along with family and friends to make this pandemic an easier situation for all involved, especially during the challenging time of lockdowns.
During the lockdowns, they made sure that family and friends could do virtual calls, regular phone calls and even window visits. The staff did their utmost to accommodate these visits, as this was an especially important part of the health and wellness of the residents.
The hallway became a music room and dance hall. As staff would dance with their clients up and down the halls, the residents were very appreciative. Bingo was another exciting event for the home, along with Bible study groups. The Stoughton Central School also did their part by painting the windows. Extra activities became part of the agenda to keep everyone busy and happy.
Daenckaert said, “I’m so grateful for the hard-working, amazing staff that stayed educated and focused during that time.”
She went on to say they had daily communication so everyone could stay on top of the events happening with COVID.
Church services are also a part of the lodge. Pastors from churches in Stoughton, Weyburn and Carlyle come regularly.
With several of the mandates being removed, it is important to get volunteers in. A new volunteer program is available for those who wish to help out. Volunteers are always in demand in most areas including the Meals on Wheels program.
Volunteers for essential to the residents, as residents may not have family or friends nearby. When a resident has the opportunity to interact with a caring volunteer, it can make all the difference in the world to them. Someone may just like a book read to them or to play a game.
In 2019, according to the Saskatchewan Health Authority, over 257,000 hours were logged through the volunteer program with the SHA. Approximately 30,000 volunteers are registered. This program is vital to the residents, but also to the staff.
