Baycrest

Lifelong Connections Gail Goldenberg was introduced to Baycrest through her grandmother who was a member of the women's mutual benefit society that founded Baycrest. Gail, a former therapeutic recreationist, supervised woodworking, stained glass and ceramics classes, and other activities at the Terraces arts studio. Now a youthful 80-year-old, Gail has made Baycrest a part of her life once again. Her husband Joe, who spent 20 years as a social worker at Baycrest, is a resident at the Apotex Centre, Jewish Home for the Aged. "Baycrest has been in my blood since before I was born," Gail says. When she found out a few years ago that Joe needed 24/7 dementia care, Baycrest was the only home she chose. "He's content. He's happy. He's well looked after, and he has never asked to go home. This is home." Joe Goldenberg spent two decades as a social worker helping clients and families at Baycrest. He developed a reputation for compassion as well as an audience for his popular politics group where he discussed current events with residents. Now Joe is on the other end of care, assisted by staff like Ocia Henry, a registered practical nurse (RPN) on his unit. Gail has high praise for Ocia, "She understands the needs of each one of her residents, and treats each one as an individual. Her ability to be part of a team and to run a team is incredible." Ocia Henry started coming to Baycrest when she was about 12. "I used to ride my bike past here. I was always fascinated by the seniors sitting outside or going for walks. Sometimes I'd just hang out and stare at the building." Ocia got her start at Baycrest as a volunteer helping residents, leading sing-alongs, and assisting with field trips. A fear of math had initially kept her from pursuing a career in health care, but she was drawn to the work and the residents. So she studied, first to be a personal support worker, and later to become an RPN. "Looking back I realize how accessible Baycrest made my education." Ocia says she never stops learning at Baycrest. "But to truly succeed at this kind of work, you have to be passionate about care. It's not something that can be taught." Ocia Henry Registered Practical Nurse "The interconnections at Baycrest are really quite extraordinary. We have many stories of volunteers and staff who have become residents. Many of our volunteers return to Baycrest to build their careers. We have multiple generations of families who have been with Baycrest as hospital patients, residents or participants in our community programs. Many of our invaluable donors and researchers have had loved ones here and have a deep personal motivation to give back." – Dr. William E. Reichman, President and CEO, Baycrest. 8

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