We have implemented Montessori within St. Peter’s Residence at Chedoke in order to create an environment where people living with dementia can achieve success and have the opportunity to live each day with meaning and purpose. Montessori strives to remove the focus that is too often placed on disability by replacing it with a focus on ability. Everyone in the home has a role in implementing Montessori-based interventions, but we certainly have many shining stars!

Darlene Hammer, a St. Peter’s Housekeeper, knows how to set the wheels in motion to assist our residents in Montessori-based activities. She will often be asked by residents “what can I do?” or “do you know where I should go?” During a busy day these questions could easily be ignored and go unanswered, but not here at St. Peter’s! Darlene is an exceptional advocate and supporter of our Montessori philosophy as she happily sets residents up with purposeful activities to provide meaning in their day and a sense of accomplishment.

Often you will find Darlene with her helper Ida. She has her push along the cart to the storage room where Ida will busily stack toilet paper rolls on the shelves. Ida will ask “am I doing well?” and Darlene will motivate and encourage her to continue in the task. They will cover the whole Terrace until all the shelves are fully stocked.

Darlene always displays a positive spirit, pleasant and smiling. Her caring attitude towards the residents is exemplary and she promotes our Thrive culture of excellence. It has been reported by staff, volunteers, residents and their families alike, that beyond their essential housekeeping role, the housekeepers at St. Peter’s Residence are also the caring and watchful eyes on the Terraces. They continually engage in meaningful conversations, make beneficial changes to the home-like environment and provide valuable feedback to other staff members to ensure compassionate client-centered care for our residents.

Housekeeping is an essential and well respected department within St. Peter’s. Thank you to Darlene and to all of our dedicated employees as you contribute every day to the well-being and best interests of our residents, their families and our staff.

She sits in the corner of the room, intense and focused on her tasks and daily routine. You can feel her presence through the music that streams from her work station. She likes working with the radio on; the music stimulates her mind.

Susan Sparks is an AbleLiving Supervisor at Aghabi Place in Mississauga, having worked her way up from personal attendant when she started in 2000. She works with a natural flair;

“being client-focused and someone who tries to make a difference” are two phrases she uses to describe herself. Susan embodies her moniker, always displaying ‘sparks’ of thoughtfulness and kindness, endearing her to both clients and co-workers.

In addition to Susan’s regular duties in overseeing the care of adults with disabilities who live in accessible apartments at Aghabi Place, she also manages the Independent Living Program Camp (ILP). This annual, intense two week program is a collaborative venture with some of AbleLiving’s community partners. The Camp provides life-changing experiences and builds confidence in young people with disabilities. They learn life skills for increasing independence and control over their lives, preparing for the day when they may leave the shelter of their parents’ home and venture out on their own. “Being able to make such an impact and a real difference in the lives of the young, vulnerable individuals that attend the ILP Camp is just so rewarding” says Susan.

The ILP Camp has a positive effect on the entire staff team that chooses to participate, leaving them inspired and re-energized. Nurturing this important program is a milestone in Susan’s career and has been a true source of joy and fulfilment during her many years with AbleLiving. The ILP Camp will always be the highlight of each year for her!