“A nursing home isn’t a place to come and die. It’s a place to come and live life to the fullest. With the right support and the right people, our residents come to enjoy their days. It’s not a place to give up,” according to Major Shirley King. 
Major Shirley King and staffShirley’s the executive director of Lakeview Manor, the only home in the area licensed to provide level-three care—24-hour, seven-a-week professional nursing care.
Located in a large green belt overlooking the Petitcodiac River in Riverview, New Brunswick, many folks in the greater Moncton area aren’t aware of this hidden gem—a testimonial to human kindness.
When you visit this place it’s hard not to have a rush of emotions—gladness that a place like this exists. Apprehension about your own, pending “twilight.” And if you should live so long, you can only hope that they have a space for you at Lakeview.
“We have people here who’ve been under our care for many, many years and they’re still with us. It’s a tribute to the quality of care and staff here.”
Therein lays the dilemma. There’s lots of people waiting to get in, but existing residents at Lakeview Manor live a long and happy time. “We could fill 15 extra beds tomorrow, if we had the beds. At the same time, we don’t want to lose the unique environment that Lakeview has become as a 50-bed home,” Shirley says.
The staff have things well in hand and provide an incredible level of caring and empathy, as you’ll see in the video (below). So, what are the challenges? “Budgeting and volunteers,” says Shirley.
“Our volunteer-population is getting older. And we’re often challenged in our budget with the unexpected. Such as roof repairs. Or a back-up generator, which was a major investment.”
“We were without power for 15 hours during an ice-storm several years ago. It was very touch-and-go that night. But thanks to the community and our staff, we’re prepared for that sort of thing again. However, the financial challenges will keep coming. We’ll need the community along side us more than ever.”
Shirley says that Lakeview is well-known by word-of-mouth and to anyone that may have a connection to a resident there. But other than that, Lakeview is a secret to the general public.
Not anymore. Come and experience this miracle of kindness by the river.
-Ron
Ron Zima ADpPR
Major Gifts Representative
Salvation Army, Maritimes Division
ron_zima@can.salvationarmy.org
For more details on the Salvation Army, visit:
Salvation Army, Maritimes Division
