Barnswallow Place celebrates 25 years in Elmira

A long-term care home in Elmira is marking a major milestone this weekend. CTV's Hannah Schmidt tells us more.

A long-term care home in Elmira is marking a major milestone this weekend.

Barnswallow Place Community is celebrating 25 years with a special event on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Beyond long term-care, we’ve been a place where joy is nurtured, laughter is care and moments of meaning are created every day,” said Executive Director, Mark Recto. “At the heart of it all is commitment to cultivating happiness.”

Residents, families, team members and neighbours gathered at 120 Barnswallow Dr. to celebrate the anniversary with festivities and reflections.

“I like living here because it’s a home away from home and you’re looked after so well,” said first-year resident, Dianne MacPherson.

“It’s been my home for five years,” said David Miller. “I feel that this place of work has done a lot for the community.”

A time capsule created the year the home first opened will be unveiled during a 3 p.m. presentation, led in part by Patti Turney, a team member who has been with Barnswallow Place for nearly the full 25 years.

“I personally didn’t know what I was getting into,” said Turney, jokingly. “All I heard was ‘we ware building a long term care in Elmira’ and I thought why not? It’s very welcoming and warm and you’re gonna always run into people that think they maybe don’t want to be here. But some are looking forward to it. They’re tired, they just want someone to take care of them. I can’t believe it’s been 25 years.”

The capsule held a photo of the homes’ very first residents — Mr. and Mrs. Beetle — along with old bingo chips, brochures, newspaper clippings and other memorabilia.

The home supports 96 residents and 168 staff.