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Resident Stories

Fern Scarisbrick

In January of 2008, when Fern’s devoted husband Dick was no longer able to care for her at home, she came to live at Mount St. Mary.

Dick is very happy that Fern is able to live here, because he feels that the staff are so devoted to their jobs and to the well-being of the residents, and that Fern is living in a place that feels more like a home than a hospital. In order to be near her, he moved in to Rose Manor, right across the street, so he can visit often and bring friends and family to spend time with her.

Fern’s electric wheelchair allows her to take part in her favourite activities. One thing she loves to do is to go for “walks” in her wheelchair. Dick takes her around the circular path in Mount St. Mary’s garden, because it reminds her of the gardens near the University of Victoria where they used to live.

Keith Turner

For many years, Keith was a truck driver for Island Farms. He and his wife raised two children before Keith’s multiple sclerosis worsened and made it impossible for him to continue living at home. That’s when he came to Mount St. Mary, where he has been for more than six years.

Keith’s wife Liz visits often, sitting with him and other residents in the Village Square and helping out with resident outings. Both Liz and Keith enjoy the social atmosphere of the Village Square, and like having the opportunity to meet and chat with other residents.

There are many other things Keith enjoys about living at Mount St. Mary, including the way staff and residents get know and care for each other, so it feels like everyone is part of a big family. Keith also likes the food, the comfort and privacy of his room, and (of course) Tinkerbell, Mount St. Mary’s resident cat.

Willie Lam

Willie calls himself “survivor Willie” because of all of the challenges he has faced in his life. He grew up in Vietnam during the war, and spent two years living as refugee in Indonesia before he was able to emigrate to Canada.

For 10 years, Willie worked very hard – in a grocery store during the day and a restaurant at night – until he was finally able to realize a dream and open his own restaurant.

Willie calls himself “survivor Willie” because of all of the challenges he has faced in his life. He grew up in Vietnam during the war, and spent two years living as refugee in Indonesia before he was able to emigrate to Canada.

Else Jerusalem

When Else Jerusalem was just 55 years old, she had a stroke that changed her life forever.

 Because she could no longer care for herself or stay in her own home, she went to Evergreen House Residential Care Home in Vancouver. Soon after, her daughter moved with her family from Germany to Victoria due to work and to be closer to Else. Since 2003, Else has called Mount St. Mary home.

While the transition from one residential care facility to another can be stressful, Else has settled in well and enjoys taking part in some of the many resident programs offered at Mount St. Mary.  “Art club is my favourite,” says Else. “Because I can express myself.”

 

 

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