Shirley Levine likes to keep busy. The 88-year-old resident, who has lived in the Shalom Village assisted living apartments for the last 11 years, takes part in the drama program. She paints. She plays Mahjong. She’s a soloist in the choir. She also volunteers in the gift shop, where her latest task is selling raffle tickets. “I’m a very social person and doing this makes me feel good,” says Levine.
Shalom Village is a seniors community located in Hamilton, Ontario, and offers a variety of services to residents and the community at large. There’s a fitness club, independent living apartments, assisted living apartments and a long-term care facility.
While residents like Levine continue to enjoy the many activities in this vibrant senior’s community, there’s no doubt that it, like so many seniors facilities, have faced a number of challenges during the pandemic.
To help navigate the home into the future and renew its mission, former CEO Pat Morden came back to Shalom Village this past September to take on the role of interim CEO. In her 22 years with the home, she’s prided herself on leading with a very specific mandate.
“I knew when I came back, the mission was for residents to feel at home so that they can move closer to care but still live life on their terms,” she says. “I came back to do what I always want to do: help people be clear on who they want to be and how they want to be in the world.”
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She also thought the home could benefit from her post-Shalom Village life–namely, her work as an executive coach. Part of that help starts with the leadership team and Morden says while she’s bringing in new leaders, she’s also helping “build up” the leaders already there. “I’m also bringing in a leadership coach to help them be the best leaders they can be,” she adds.
Leading a home that packs in as many amenities as Shalom Village does is no easy feat. Along with the many activities Levine participates in, the home has many other offerings including a cinema, a cafe, a wood shop and more.
The fitness club is also open to Hamilton residents over the age of 65 years. While Levine used to exercise at the club, these days her arthritis aggravates some of her movements so she opts instead to walk regularly around the village.
At Shalom Village, feeling at home also means welcoming people of all faiths. While the home was founded by the Jewish community, more than 55 per cent of its residents are not Jewish and the home welcomes people from all backgrounds, cultures and faiths.
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There’s also the security of knowing that a home like this offers support for health issues that may arise and that’s reassuring to residents like Levine. “The staff is wonderful–thank goodness I don’t need anyone to help me but if I did, I know they’re here,” she says.
It is that kind of sentiment that indicates that the new direction of Shalom is well on its way. As Morden said in a recent letter to residents, family and staff, that “loving kindness and leadership that embraces the A.T.H.O.M.E. (Acknowledge, Together, Home, Organization, Memories, Enablement) standards is the way forward.”
Levine would agree. “I used to have a condo and you never knew who your neighbour was because they were busy,” says Levine. “Here, I know so many people from my building. I always chat with them and it makes me feel good to say hello and for people to acknowledge me.”
If you or a loved one would like to learn more about Shalom Village programs and accommodations, please visit here.