Resident-Centered program brings community together to help bridge one man’s lifelong dream

Thanks to a resident-centred program implemented at Queensway Long Term Care Home and the support of the community, Sim, a non-verbal resident, has realized his lifelong dream of riding in a fire truck during the Hensall parade.

On Saturday, June 9th, Sim, outfitted in his very own fire department jacket, helmet and replica radio, became an honorary member of the fire department and joined his fellow firefighters in a ride on the fire truck which travelled through the town.

The staff at Queensway Long Term Care Home worked closely with Hensall’s fire department in order to bridge the barriers and bring Sim’s dream to reality. The parade route, decorated in blue and yellow (the colours of Down syndrome awareness) courtesy of local businesses, the Hensall Kinettes and children from BlueWater Coast Public School, was lined with cheering crowds.

Operated by Southbridge Care Homes, Queensway Long Term Care Home has implemented Bridge to Dreams, a resident-centered initiative developed by Southbridge Care Homes in partnership with the home. Sim is the first resident at Queensway Long Term Care Home to have his dream fulfilled under this program and was nominated by his fellow residents.

“We are immensely grateful to the Hensall Fire Department for the care and respect they have shown Sim by accepting him among their ranks as an honorary fire fighter and working with the home to see his lifetime wish realized. The Bridge to Dreams program is a purposeful way for us to honour our residents in meaningful ways, and together with the direct support of the community in Hensall, we were able to do just that,” remarked Keith McIntosh, Chief Executive Officer of Southbridge Care Homes.

Queensway Long Term Care Home is home to 60 residents in Hensall, Ontario, and has an adjoining retirement community onsite.

In photos (top to bottom): the community cheers on Sim along the parade route; Sim, outfitted in his fire department gear, rides along in the Hensall fire truck; supports cheer Sim on as he rides by them.

Southbridge Care Homes
Creating Caring Environments for seniors is a remarkable responsibility that Southbridge Care Homes takes seriously. Managing more than 30 long-term care homes, retirement and independent living communities across Ontario, we strive to ensure our residents feel connected, supported, loved and cared for.

Contact Information
Patrick Moore
Director of Communications, Marketing, Stakeholder & Government Relations
766 Hespeler Road, Suite 201
Cambridge, ON N3H 5L8
P: (519) 621-8886, x. 201
M: (647) 539-3953
F: (519) 621-8144
pmoore@southbridgecare.com
www.southbridgecarehomes.com