A Resident’s Positive Experience at Lakeview Manor

As Theresa Parent wakes up each morning, she enjoys the view of some beautiful trees right by her room window and looks forward to the day ahead full of fun activities and socializing at The Salvation Army’s Lakeview Manor in Riverview, N.B.

Theresa’s everyday life now contrasts the challenges she faced in the past year, which led her to move to Lakeview. In April of 2023, Theresa suffered a fall that her doctor suspects triggered a heart attack. After spending a few months in the hospital, her family decided she needed 24-hour care and turned to The Salvation Army.

Theresa has enjoyed her time at Lakeview Manor.

“The grounds are unbelievable. It’s a beautiful place,” she says.

An Accessible and Supportive Environment

Lakeview Manor is a nursing home operated by The Salvation Army, providing 24-hour care with 50 available beds and attentive staff. Residents have a variety of activities and resources available to them that include a library, puzzles, guided exercises and even a movable bowling alley. These not only provide fun for the clients but also support their motor skills.

For Theresa, having something to do daily is important, as it aligns with how she likes to live her life.

“I was very active all my life. I skated until I was 82, and I did tai chi and yoga,” Theresa shares.

Executive Director, Major Lynda Wakelin, explains what sets Lakeview apart from other nursing homes.

“Our size is beneficial because it allows us to be more like a family. All of the staff know the residents. This includes our housekeeping staff, dietary staff and maintenance staff,” Major Wakelin says.

The bond residents and staff build makes the transition for new residents much smoother. In Theresa’s case, she is grateful for the support she receives.

“It’s a great place and it is not overcrowded. If you ring your bell at night, there will be one or two nurses who will come to help you.”

Getting Families Involved

Lakeview also provides flexibility and accessibility to the residents’ families.

“We try to be as supportive as we can. We encourage families to be here,” Major Wakelin adds.

The Parent family experienced this support first hand. In February, Theresa had some health challenges while staying at Lakeview, and it seemed like she was not going to recover. She was moved to a private room and her family was brought in. Theresa’s three daughters and a grandson were able to accompany her for a few days. Then Theresa improved. Her family is thankful for the access they were granted during this period.

Bonding with Residents 

Today, Theresa is one of the most social residents at Lakeview. She enjoys talking to everyone and loves solving big puzzles. She likes to bring in people to help her out, which allows the more introverted residents to join in the fun.

“I always love watching the residents engage with each other. Theresa is one of the people that can do that very nicely. She is in most of our activities and is also very self-directed, which is lovely,” Major Wakelin shares.

As summer approaches, Theresa is looking forward to adding some nice outdoor walks to her daily routine.

By Juan Romero