OMNI’s Cobourg home ‘a culture of a family’
Thursday, September 2, 2004 - OMNIway staff
It wasn’t long after his wife was admitted to Streamway Villa that Fred Evans knew she was home.

Norah, 88, while in good physical health, has Alzheimer disease, says Fred. He took care of his wife for three years on his own before moving her to the Cobourg long-term care home just over five years ago.

“To be alone for the last five-and-half years is heartbreaking for me,” says Fred, who visits his wife of 68 years daily.

While it has been difficult living apart, there’s nowhere else he’d rather Norah be.

“This is probably the best move I’ve ever made,” says Fred.

“I wouldn’t move my wife out of here if they tried to make me. It is like being home.”

Aside from visiting Norah, Fred also volunteers at Streamway Villa, which is located in a residential neighbourhood near Cobourg’s downtown. The single-level home is surrounded by a plethora of flower gardens and has a courtyard with gazebo.

He says staff members have become like family. “The young women here are like daughters,” he says. Fred is impressed how employees treat residents. He explains if a resident is unhappy, it’s not uncommon to see a staff member throw her arm around the resident just like it was her own relative. “I would say it’s a family home.”

Leeanne Hadley, administrator of the 59-bed home, says Streamway Villa being a small home lends itself to developing meaningful relationships between staff, residents and family members.

“Our biggest asset is the size of the home and relationships within the home,” Leeanne explains.

“We’re able to accommodate people better” by personalizing the care and support. “I think that’s the biggest advantage of a small home – everybody knows everybody.”

Leeanne believes when visitors walk through Streamway’s doors they’ll experience “a sense of welcomeness, compassion and caring – a family. It’s a culture of a family.”

Streamway Villa is currently welcoming new residents and has private, semi-private and basic rooms available. Visitors are welcome to drop by and tour the home. An appointment is not necessary. For more information, call Leeanne Hadley at (905) 372-0163.