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.

“It gives our whole family a chance visit in a home-like setting,” Dick says, “We can have lunch or a coffee together and include Fern.”

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. And because Fern used to love to play the piano, she enjoys the music entertainment provided in the Village Square. Without her wheelchair, it would be more difficult for Fern to get out and about.

Dick appreciates everything that Mount St. Mary does for Fern, and believes that the Room to Care project is valuable not only because it will make rooms look better, but because it will make it easier for staff to care for her.