On September 18, long-term care homes across Ontario opened their doors for the third annual LTC Community Engagement Day. Led by the Ontario Long Term Care Association, the day focuses on showcasing long-term care homes as integral pillars of community for those who live, work and visit them. This year’s theme, Bringing Communities Together, captured exactly what the day is about. More than 280 homes across Ontario took part, welcoming over 200 elected officials and community leaders and making it the largest day yet.
Our Caressant Care homes joined in to celebrate the occasion, each in their own way. We’re thrilled to share just some of the many highlights for such a special event.
A Conversation Between Generations in Courtland
Caressant Care Courtland brought residents together with eighth-grade students from Houghton Public School for an afternoon of conversation. The pairs talked about their lives, and it quickly became clear how much the two generations had in common. One student and resident bonded over cooking and sewing. Another pair spent their time comparing favourite movies and most memorable scenes.
One resident reflected on what it was like to talk with the students about life at their age, and said the chance to share those memories made them feel good. That comment captured much of what made the afternoon worthwhile – students had the opportunity to learn from another generation, and residents had the opportunity to share wisdom and be heard.
Giving Back in St. Thomas
Residents at Caressant Care Mary Bucke marked the day by organizing a food drive in support of the Grace Café, a local street mission and soup kitchen serving the St. Thomas area. The home also welcomed the Silver Lining Ukulele Group, who filled the back patio with music, and enjoyed ice cream treats generously sponsored by Chill Cycle.
Throughout the day, residents, families, team members and neighbours talked about what the home means to the surrounding community and about the people whose support makes it a welcoming place to live. The food drive was also featured by OLTCA in its provincial recap of the day.
Carnival Day in Lindsay
Caressant Care Lindsay hosted its annual Community Engagement Day carnival, with fair games and prizes, live music and a caricaturist who proved to be the highlight of the afternoon. Residents enjoyed sitting for their drawings and watching their personalities take shape on paper. Guests were treated to freshly made Beavertails, hot dogs, ice cream and lemonade.
We were also pleased to welcome City of Kawartha Lakes Ward 7 Councillor Charlie McDonald, who spent the afternoon with residents, families and team members.
Music and Visitors in Marmora and Cambridge
Our Marmora home welcomed Zoo to You along with entertainment from the Rustic Strings, and residents at Cambridge Country Manor spent the day meeting some furry friends courtesy of Little Tracks Petting Zoo. We’re so grateful to our communities for joining us to help make this day even more special!
Why the Day Matters
Long-term care homes are more than places where care is delivered. They are part of the neighbourhoods and towns around them, and our residents remain part of those communities. LTC Engagement Day is a reminder of that and an opportunity to keep the conversation going with the elected officials and community partners whose support helps shape the future of seniors’ care in Ontario.
Thank you to our residents, families, team members, volunteers and community partners for everything you brought to the day. We look forward to celebrating again in 2027!
