Riverview Manor improved my life, says resident
Tuesday, June 5, 2007 -- Deron Hamel
When Annie Stoddard came to Riverview Manor two years ago, she preferred to keep to herself and stay in her room.

Today, the 82-year-old resident at the Peterborough long-term care home says her quality of life has improved since coming to Riverview Manor. She enjoys socializing with other residents and takes part in nearly every activity Riverview has to offer – save for one.

“I don’t like the bingo,” she says with a chuckle.

Born in Sussex, England in 1924, Stoddard, a war bride, met her Canadian husband while he was serving with the Canadian military in Britain during the Second World War. The couple came to Canada when Stoddard was 20 and settled in Nova Scotia.

Stoddard lived alone after her husband passed away 24 years ago. She later relocated to Lindsay to be closer to her son. Although wary about the transition, Stoddard says once she moved into Riverview her life became more enriching – although she had a little encouragement at first.

“Her family got after her and said, ‘There are all those activities and you’re stuck in your room,’” says activity aide Mary Lou Rayment. “Now when she’s asked to come out (to activities), she does.”

Stoddard says she is appreciative of the encouragement she has received from Riverview’s staff members. She says the activities she partakes in have had a positive impact on her life.

“They’re telling me they’re getting me out more than I used to,” she says. “They’re coming in and coaxing me. I think it does you good . . . I’m very content here.”

A devout Roman Catholic, Stoddard enjoys attending mass every Wednesday morning. She also attends religious services for other denominations which are offered at the home.

Music is another important activity for Stoddard.

“I go to all the entertainment (activities). I love the music. The tunes they play here are the tunes that take me back home,” she says.

She is also an avid sports fan, Stoddard says she loves watching all sports on TV, but has an affinity for hockey, especially when the Ottawa Senators are playing.

And what does Stoddard say about life at Riverview Manor?

“I would say this is a very good place to be,” she says. “I can’t complain. I’ve had a very good life here.”