Letters From Families Express Thanks and Support to Sun Parlor Home Staff

The week of May 3-9, 2021 families and residents of long-term care homes in Ontario are being encouraged to give some TLC to the dedicated staff members. Family members of residents of Sun Parlor Home in Leamington wrote these letters expressing their gratitude and care for the staff. Everyone in the community is invited to join them by posting their words of encouragement on social media and using the hashtag #TLCforLTC.

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I would like to take this opportunity to express the thanks of my family for the wonderful care that my parents, Lyle and Ethel Finlay, receive at Sun Parlor Home. The staff has done a fantastic job in keeping the residents as safe as possible during the pandemic, a time that has obviously been extremely stressful for all of them. We so appreciate that the staff does an excellent job of keeping our family aware of any concerns.  The staff does a terrific job in carrying out the procedures necessary that allow us to visit. The on-site testing is so convenient and is always done quickly and courteously.

My parents had their 75th anniversary last year, and the staff was wonderful in assisting us in giving them the best celebration we could hope for under the circumstances.

This campaign to show our support is a great idea. Kudos to all the management and staff of Sun Parlor.

Carol Cole

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I would like to give a heartfelt thank you for all that the Leamington Sun Parlor Home has done for my father. They took him in, at the beginning of the pandemic (March 2020) when we were desperate. Their kindness, compassion and patience are so grand and appreciated by our family. We can’t thank them enough.

Dad was disoriented when he got there, and never understood what was going on in the world of COVID. He is now aware and understands what is happening. This is due to the ultimate and continuous loving care from the staff, personal support workers, nurses and doctors, and whoever else participated. He is a stubborn old goose and very set in his ways. Somehow, they brought him out of his shell, something we could not have done at home.

Thank God Sun Parlor was there for us. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Keep up the good work! You will never be forgotten!

Denise Tourangeau

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To all of the Sun Parlor Home staff:

Thank you so very, very much for the amazing work that you do for both our mom and all of the residents of Sun Parlor Home each and every day. Your tireless care and your endless compassion make all the difference in their lives. You also make a huge difference in our lives as the family of one of your residents. Knowing that you are all there – giving your best to Mom everyday when we cannot be – takes an enormous worry off our minds. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for you all.

Although we cannot understand its full impact on you, we know that this pandemic has taken a toll on you precious people. May you find strength in knowing that we are behind you and couldn't be more appreciative of you. You are doing such important work – thank you.

Out of all of the stories that Mom has shared with me about wonderful things that staff has done for her or said to her over the past year, two stand out in my mind:

1. The first was on a morning that Mom was feeling particularly lonely. She was pining for her family and really missing our late father. One of the staff member on her floor entered Mom’s room and said, “Marilyn, I need a hug. Can I, please, have a hug?” This was so very kind. Not only did she recognize that Mom needed some love, but she approached it as though Mom was doing her a favour. As a result, Mom got what she needed in the way of physical contact and felt empowered in the process.
2. The second story was a lengthy one that Mom shared with me not long ago. She carefully detailed the fabulous day that one of the staff gave her when she took Mom outside, chatted with her for an extended time, and even helped Mom to order and receive a pizza. That day made Mom’s week! I couldn’t help but think that that staff member must have lovingly set aside a great amount of work in order to give Mom so much of her time; work that she would have now be pressed for time to complete.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! There are not enough words to adequately express to you how very thankful we are for you. No matter what part you play in the care of our loved ones, your contribution is essential and your daily sacrifices for their welfare are appreciated beyond measure.

Sincerely and on behalf of the entire Pierce family,

Tracey Pierce

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Thanks for all you do in taking care of our Mom, Audrey Morris. It is very comforting to know you are filling a need since we can’t get over to visit her. Thanks for helping us with FaceTime calls and keeping us informed.

Sue Morris Peters, Eileen Morris Ball, Mark Morris and Andrew Morris

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Thank you to all the staff of the Sun Parlor Home. Words alone cannot express how thankful my family is knowing that you have taken excellent care of our mother during this pandemic.

Mary Ann Vickery

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To all the staff at Sun Parlor Home in Leamington:

You are amazing, I have not worried once about my Aunt Theresa in your care. I know you are doing everything in your power to keep her safe in these difficult times. Thank you for your kind and loving care, treating her like you would treat one of your own family members.

Take care and stay safe out there.

Sincerely,

Gerard and Susan Rood and family

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To all the wonderful staff of Sun Parlor Home:

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful care given to my husband Nick. It has been a very stressful and difficult time during this pandemic. Your compassion, kindness, caring and cheerful attitude have been a blessing to my husband, to me and my family. Thank you so much for all you do! You are true heroes! God bless you all!

Sincerely,

Heidi Schell

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I cannot truly imagine what it has been like to work in long-term care during this past year, except to say that I know the staff have endured fear, uncertainty, exhaustion and the huge challenges of wearing PPE.

Despite those immense difficulties, the incredible staff at Sun Parlor Home have kept my mom, Joyce McLean, safe and happy during this most difficult time. The COVID-19 lockdown hit just two weeks after my mom moved into the home in late February 2020, and I had little time beforehand to settle her in. And then, of course, I couldn’t see her in person for about four months. Although I missed her terribly, I took comfort in the fact that she was being well cared for. My frequent phone check-ins with the staff and video chats with Mom gave me peace of mind. I was thrilled when outdoor visits were offered last summer and indoor visits began when I became an essential caregiver.

Doing this valuable work well takes a very special kind of person, and my mom and I are so fortunate that she is surrounded by people who truly care about her and her well-being. As her dementia has progressed, the staff have done a wonderful job at adapting to her needs while trying to keep her as independent and stimulated as possible.

A huge thanks to Sun Parlor’s RNs, RPNs, PSWs, Life Enrichment staff, food and nutrition staff, physiotherapists, housekeeping and maintenance staff, and the administration!

You are angels!

With much gratitude,

Brenda Thompson

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We want to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication to all the residents during this terrible pandemic and even before this. You have always contained any sickness at your home with exceptional care. Your home is the “best” home away from home. The staff are all so happy and pleasant. They love what they do, therefore the residents receive their exceptional care. Obviously, Sun Parlor Home is an employer that takes great care of their employees.

Mom (Cecile Kolody) has been there since October 2019 and I thank everyone there for taking such good care of her. She is healthy and looks so good when I see her. She is happy and content, even says the workers spoil her. Wow. I know she is never alone for long, which brings me joy and I can rest easier knowing that.

Your people care about people. Your premises are spotless. Everyone is happy, pleasant and helpful. Everyone living there has their dignity.

Thank you also for the FaceTiming, which we love when not able to be there.

Can’t say it enough: thank you for all you do! You are champions. So glad mom is there!

We need more places and people like yours everywhere.

Judy and Mike Shafer

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Thank you so much for all your hard work in this unusual time and always.

Your kindness and dedication go along way in keeping both residents and their families happy and healthy.

I hope you know that you are appreciated each and every day.

Thank you again for all that you do.

Karen Kennedy

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To all the caring staff in special care:

You are the best! Words cannot express my gratitude for the amazing care and compassion you have shown my dad for the past six years, as well as my mom until she passed in 2019. You become family to the residents you support and make it so easy for us to be at peace when we cannot be with our loved ones. It takes special people to do that and you are all very special and appreciated. I wish I could give each and every staff member a big hug and tell you in person how wonderful you are.

Please know you are loved!

God Bless.

Nancy Chobrda

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My mother, Antonia Javornik, was admitted to Sun Parlor Home Feb. 22, 2021. With the decline in her health (dementia) it was time. Just a little background on mom: she was a very strong independent women, full of life and always on the go. She was the centre of attention at every party and gathering, loving on people and making them laugh. This disease had taken so much from her. The day of admission to Sun Parlor was the saddest day for our family, mom asking, “Please take me home.”

In her two-week quarantine mom did pretty good with all the love that was given to her by the staff. We are also thankful for Sun Parlor’s grace allowing my brother to be there every day while I was at her condo getting it ready to sell. This helped so much with mom's transition. After quarantine mom was free. I mean really free. We watched her come to life again in such a different way.

The care overall has been such a blessing to our family, and we want you to know how much each and every one of you plays such an important part in mom’s life and how well she is doing. She actually tells me how happy she is. Every time she says those words it brings tears to my eyes (happy tears). We can all sleep at night knowing that she is being well taken care of and loved. I work in health care and understand how hard it is with this pandemic. I struggle as well. I want to encourage you all to press on. You truly are making a difference for the residents. You all have a special gift that God has blessed you with that has and will overflow onto others.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you do.

I would also like to especially thank Dillon Underwood for all his patience and kindness through this whole transition. He has taken every one of my calls and has been so helpful and compassionate. Words cannot express my gratitude. Thank you, Dillon!

Much love,

Christine, Victor and Doris (Antonia’s children)

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Thank you! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We know Mary (our Mom) is in a residence that is well managed and has health-care workers that are caring and compassionate. Thank you for putting your residents’ health and safety as a priority this last year. Thank you for your caring hearts and capable hands.

The Shaften Family

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Dear valued and esteemed staff at Sun Parlor Home,

These words won’t begin to convey the depth of our gratitude for your care for our daughter, Jen. As MS continues its course, her needs have continued to grow, and as COVID restrictions have limited our opportunity to assist her, your assistance and care has also grown to meet her needs.

Thank you for being our hands and eyes upon her when we haven't been able to be there, and even more often, being her hands and eyes too as you’ve helped her in the activities she is no longer able to do for herself, brought dignity in even routine aspects of daily care, and facilitated connection with the world by sharing with her stories, video calls to family and, so often, a smile and joke. Thank you for being a joy-bringer, comfort-maker, dignity-grasper and hope-sharer to our girl. Knowing the level of your care brings peace to our minds and warmth to our hearts.

Thank you again.

Sincerely,

Don and Brenda Bauder

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I am old school and not very good on the computer, so please bear with me.

My wife of 41 years entered Sun Parlor Home in November 2020. She has never received such care prior to then. The staff is very dedicated to treat each resident with compassion, dignity, patience and understanding. They treat my wife as if they were caring for one of their own family members. I cannot express how much piece of mind I have when I leave Sun Parlor Home after each visit. The staff there are the most loving of all the residents I have ever been witness to. Her care there is second-to-none in my books. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. You are all a blessing to me and my family.

Jerry L. Bottos

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I cannot say enough good things about the staff at Sun Parlor Home! My mum, Win Wilson, has been a resident for over three years now, and the staff has always treated her with such professionalism, respect and kindness – especially in this past COVID year. I live in Michigan and, of course, have been unable to cross the border to see Mum since March 7, 2020. It’s been hard. But the staff keeps me up to date on how Mum is doing and have facilitated virtual visits through FaceTime, which have helped a lot.

I know all the staff members have their own families and themselves to worry about in these trying times, yet they extend themselves to the Sun Parlor Home residents every day. Thank you, thank you to all of the Sun Parlor staff. God bless you!

Sue LaBenne

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My dear staff at Sun Parlor Home:

Words cannot describe how grateful I am to all of you for the care, kindness, patience, consideration and special accommodations you provide my mom to meet her specific needs. A special shout-out to the staff of the floor where my mother Umadanthi lives! I am also very touched by how hard your staff works during this awful pandemic to avoid an outbreak. Every time I visit her I can see how well organized your home is and how it runs like a well-oiled machine. I am thankful for your courage and bravery to keep going to make sure you do your best to keep the residents safe and happy.

Please know that when I do yoga every morning and every night before I go to sleep, I send positive energy your way to keep you and your families safe.

Sincerely,

Champa Kumari Edirisinghe

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Dear Sun Parlor Staff and the County of Essex:

We are so grateful for everything that the Sun Parlor Home in Leamington has done to see our dad through a brutal 2020/2021 winter. Stepping into the courtyard of Sun Parlor for the first time after the snow receded was one of the most joyful times of our lives. Sun Parlor staff got my dad through a terrible winter – weeks and weeks of not opening his eyes or responding at all. We were prepared by nursing staff to expect the worst. Thankfully he pulled through and was given only the best in treatment to gain his strength back. Please know Sun Parlor staff that you are all rock stars!

This said, we believe the most reliable way to ensure that the provisions of excellence in patient care is maintained and championed in all senior care homes, is to equally and urgently champion the care for the valiant providers. Healthcare workers, especially personal support workers and nurses, are doing the best they can with weakened personal reserves and dangerous levels of stress. Tangible support from the long-term care organizations, the municipal government, the provincial government and the federal government are required! Thankfully the government provided vaccinations! Thankfully there is now a drive to train more PSWs! However, these jobs are so intense. Better wages, paid sick leave and mental health supports are very much central to the health and well-being of the staff. Please know that as Canadians, we should not be making money off the backs of the most vulnerable – our seniors. The monetization of senior care homes for profit has clearly been detrimental to the health and well-being of our country. We need to do better, and we need to learn from our mistakes. Non-profit care homes like Sun Parlor Home should be the model used for all.

Thank you County of Essex for creating and sustaining this incredible place! We are so very grateful.

With very best regards and with many, many thanks,

The Goodchilds

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Dear medical staff, support staff and management at Sun Parlor Home:

Prior to moving to the Sun Parlor Home, my mom lived in three other private care facilities. Compared to our prior experiences, I can say with confidence and joy that Sun Parlor Home has provided her with the best level of care, with compassion and utmost professionalism. The staff is highly professional, knowledgeable and compassionate and are respectful of my mom’s medical privacy and dignity. I can not say how lucky we are to have found the Sun Parlor Home for my mom. You have risked your health and well-being in order to care for the most vulnerable of the population at a time we couldn’t assist you due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We felt safe and were at peace knowing you were doing everything possible to keep my mom and all other residents safe and happy. You made the time to respond to our phone calls and emails in a timely manner, and we routinely received FaceTime calls so that we could see our mom and mom could see us. Thank you for all you do. Stay safe!

Regards,

Nirodha Weerapura

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My parents, Lyle and Ethel Finlay, have been residents of Sun Parlour Home for a couple of years. Our family feels so thankful knowing that our parents are so well cared for by the dedicated staff. During COVID we appreciate all of the strict procedures which ensure Mom and Dad stay safe and healthy. Last year, they celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. Due to COVID restrictions we couldn't have the party that we wanted, but the staff helped set up a Zoom call for the family and arranged for a special table with flowers and balloons for lunch. A huge thank you to all of the caring nursing staff and to the administration people for making Sun Parlor the excellent long-term care home it is!

Karen Brouillette

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Words can not express the gratitude my mother and I feel towards the staff at Sun Parlor Home. My mother has lived at Sun Parlor now for over 16 years. I am and will be forever grateful to see the smile that my mother has on her face and the connection and love the staff share with her. My mother and I believe we are an example to our community that it is really OK to bring your loved ones to a nursing home. It’s not a bad thing; it’s a great thing. They have been a part of giving my mother a much longer, happier and fuller life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for showing my mom that she is apart of a larger family at Sun Parlor Home.

Thank you,

Mary Porrone

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I am so thankful for the care and caring my husband, Stewart, is receiving at Sun Parlor Home.

He had a stroke on May 17, 2016, when he went from surgery to ICU to rehab at the Tayfour campus of Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare and, finally, home in September that year. A wonderful team of professionals came to our home three times a week from September to December for speech, physio and occupational therapy. From then on our daughter Stephanie and I got him to the different venues for continued therapy.

On Oct. 2, 2020, Stewart went into the Sun Parlor Home. We were in crisis mode. I was becoming exhausted, even though he had wonderful personal support workers each morning for his morning care. I had support from family, friends and his church. I thought about single parents and how challenged and fatigued they must be. I was so thankful for my support. I have felt divinely guided through this whole journey.

Our doctor suggested placement in 2019. Finally, through the encouragement of our children and testing by the Alzheimer Society, I reached out for placement. I didn’t really realize the toll it had taken on me. After seven months of Stewart being in Sun Parlor, I still feel the effects of having to be on call 24-7.

Stewart is happy and peaceful. He often says in times of clarity, “This is a nice home. The people are nice.” He is cared for and cared about. I am in constant communication with nursing staff, who update me on his care and also to keep him physically safe.

Management is doing the utmost to keep everybody safe during this time of pandemic with testing, vaccine and education. Stewart is assessed periodically by the doctor for any adjustments to his medication. There are altered programs now because of COVID by distancing and having a sing-along that they had for St. Patrick’s Day; a special meal for times of celebration. Even the people who bring in his freshly laundered clothes greet him by name. Those serving his food address him by name with a “Hi Stewart. How ya doing today?”

I prayed for the right time and the right place for placement and my prayer was answered. I am so grateful.

Blessings,

Carolyn Wolf

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This email is for the purposes of providing words of encouragement for the awesome care workers at Sun Parlor Home.

One of the residents has appointed me as his power of attorney, and over the past several years, the home staff have been looking after his health and care needs in a very special way.  He has no friends or family, so the home staff are his only real caregivers. If it wasn’t for the home staff, this gentleman would have no one to care for him.

I have been so impressed as to how I have been informed of his care needs, and medical condition and how the staff attends to his medical and other personal needs in such a caring and nurturing fashion. Despite this gentleman being difficult at times, the staff have been able to handle every situation and crisis in a professional and caring manner.

I have told many of my clients about the excellent care that residents receive at the home. I personally want to thank all the staff for all they have done for my client and for all of the residents at the home. They have made my job as power of attorney easy.

The Sun Parlor Home is an excellent run facility, and they have gotten through this challenging time relatively unscathed. They have kept me and other caregivers and family up to date in this difficult time, and have managed this COVID-19 crisis in a professional and diligent manner. 

Thank you so much.

Frank C. Ricci, partner Ricci, Enns, Rollier & Setterington LLP

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Special thanks to Sun Parlor Home, for the dedicated, ongoing care and support they provide for our Dad and now our Mom, too.

The nurses continually keep us informed regarding issues that arise and always welcome our concerns. I’ve seen them struggle through the pandemic and continue to work with PPE gear, that I’m unable to tolerate when I visit. 

Love you all on the floor where our parents live. You are angels (Nancy, Juliet, Kim and everyone else I'm not familiar with, you are amazing. Cynthia you make video calls fun. Great help from Kandice; you are a very special lady. Your social worker, Dillon, is amazing. He has definitely found his true calling. You should hang on to him!

All in all, unless you have had to place your loved one in long-term care and had the assistance from these people, you do not know what they do daily and how much their heart and soul goes into their work.

Many, many thanks.

From the Salvati Family

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I would like to send my thanks to the staff of Sun Parlor Home for their kindness to my husband of 78 years, Robert Knight.

Due to a fall when COVID-19 just started he ended up losing his memory and everything else. But due to the staff’s patience, they help me to phone him, though he doesn’t know me. Now when I leave he says, “Cheerio Margaret.”

That is worth a million dollars to me! Thank you all.

Margaret Knight

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My mom came to Sun Parlour as an emergency in November 2020. We were scared. All of us were watching COVID-19 and the losses at LTC. Watching horror stories.

My mom has a well-cleaned room and lots of attention. She loves the food. She loves the bathtub. She loves your pampering her and doing her nails. My mom loves being outside.

The entire staff look after her both on her floor or her outside adventures. The nursing staff are fabulous and informative as we navigate Alzheimer’s disease. All of staff entrusted with my mother’s care are fantastic.

Your COVID testing staff are fantastic. My nose thanks you too. Security and all front office and front entrance staff are welcoming and informative. Laundry and maintenance staff are fantastic about getting clothes in and back up to the resident. Maintenance staff, too. Quick efficient and friendly.

A big hug and thank you to great staff.

A second big thank you for your hard work to eradicate COVID-19 from Sun Parlour and keeping it out. You guys make LTC look good.

My mom is happy, safe and well looked after thanks to all of your hard work, dedication and friendly attitude. You give me peace of mind. I am very grateful for all of your hard work.

Sincerely,

Peggy Kennedy

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Thank you so much for all your hard work and care for our loved ones. For much of the time you act as family to the residents when their family cannot be there with them. You never know how much a kind word means to a lonely elder person who longs for a hug or someone to hold their hand.

We are so grateful for the ability to see our loved ones over FaceTime. Thank you for that program. It brings joy to the residents and the family members who cannot come in to visit. A special thanks to Cynthia, Lisa and Dana who have kindly set up many visits for our family over this long year.

We are ever so grateful also for being able to visit in person. It means so much to be able to go and spend time with our loved ones and hold their hand and show our love to them. Thank you to Candice and the staff that work at the front desk and the front entrance/lobby for being kind, patient and welcoming even in these circumstances.

Thank you for keeping the families informed throughout all the changes.

Thank you to the nurses especially Kim and Nancy for always calling to inform of any changes. Thank you to the personal support workers on our dad’s floor who are always busy caring for the many needs of the residents.

Thank you to the housekeeping staff for always keeping everything so exceptionally clean. I have never gone to the nursing home when there was a bad odour or anything. It is really amazing.

Thank you to the wonderful kitchen staff that make many wonderful meals that are served hot to the residents.

There are so many hardworking and caring people that work as a team to make this home so wonderful. I thank all those that I didn’t list, as well. We are so glad that our dad has such good care.

Sincerely,

Roberta, Terry and Joy (The family of Wilf Hernandez)

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