They’ve turned 55 at 99.
That’s 55 years for St. Andrew’s Residence, located at 99 Park St. in Chatham.
Allison Kocanovic, executive director at St. Andrew’s Residence, said the residence, which has 70 assisted-living units, spawned from the efforts of Neil McGeachy.
“Neal McGeachy was the spearhead. And many community groups came together to start this monumental task,” she said. “He started spearheading, tapping on shoulders of people he felt would be able to help this initially get started.”
Individuals, groups and organizations responded and what evolved from the process is St. Andrew’s Residence, which has been providing assisted-living space in Chatham for people since the early 1970s.
To celebrate its 55 years in support of local seniors, St. Andrew’s Residence is hosting a garden party May 28.
From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. the Residence is hosting the celebration, bringing together residents, families, volunteers, and community members to reflect on its legacy and look ahead to the future.
Kocanovic said staff will be unveiling a living legacy video at the gathering, with interviews from previous board members, staff and members of the community.
They will also have a mural commissioned for the reception area to serve as a legacy statement, and a reminder the Residence is not out to make money.
“We’re a non-profit and we really do benefit from people’s donations,” Kocanovic said.
To that end, they’re asking visitors to consider donating $55 to mark 55 years.
“It’s not a requirement by any means. But if people have the means, it would be a lovely tribute and legacy for our organization to keep passing everything forward in terms of care, and making sure we’re taking care of our community,” Kocanovic said.
Contributions will help sustain and enhance the programs and services that older adults in the community rely on every day.
Guided by its not-for-profit mission, the organization continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of seniors while maintaining a strong focus on quality of life, safety, and meaningful connection.
“Reaching 55 years is a significant milestone for our organization,” said Mindy Jenner, community and client relations manager. “It reflects the trust our community has placed in us and the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters who have helped shape St. Andrew’s into what it is today.”
Part of the original vision was to offer a continuum of care for seniors. Since the original building was completed in late 1970, there have been several additions, as well as The Terrace, a 32-unit standalone facility that offers independent living, with a side-order of support.
Being located across the parking lot, residents there have ready access to services at St. Andrew’s Residence.
““We have an established relationship with the residents in that community as well,” Kocanovic said. “We offer dining services for those clients over there. Some of them also take part in our Meals on Wheels program. And we also manage that building.”
As mentioned, St. Andrew’s runs the Meals on Wheels program in Chatham out of their facility. They also host other seniors through Seniors Day Out.
It’s offered to seniors living in Chatham-Kent who may be experiencing difficulty managing the activities of daily living, require caregiver support, or simply wish to expand their social circle.
Seniors Day Out is offered every Thursday. Clients are able to attend as often as they would like. A range of social, physical and recreational activities are provided.
It includes planned activities, a hot noon meal and snacks throughout the day.
If clients are interested, Seniors Day Out staff are able to arrange transportation, foot care services, hairdressing services and health care clinics.
Kocanovic said the program provides different activities and gives seniors in the community a chance to socialize.
“People come in for fitness class, to play bingo or cards. Our team here is superb,” she said. “They really do go above and beyond. It’s not just a job for them. It’s also a calling.”
As for what the future will hold for the Residence, Kocanovic said they are in the process of launching an enhanced care program for current residents.
“We’re closing the loop on the aging-in-place model,” she said. “Currently, we have the assisted living and the independent. But getting people into long-term care is a timely challenge. We’re trying to make that transition for our current residents more seamless.”
The Residence is adding staff to help clients transition into enriched care and then into long-term care, Kocanovic said.
In each instance, the “trajectory of health” is different, and will be treated as such, she added.
“Everyone’s journey is different. There is no cookie-cutter approach to care,” Kocanovic said.
