Every day, we have opportunities to take small steps that could lead to something big. Here are two examples of the power of simple friendliness.

I am part of a growing market called "seniors". Many corporations are seizing the opportunity of building communities to serve this segment of the population. Large sums of money are spent describing how wonderful each new building is. Accordingly, it is common for prospective residents and their children to visit different places to see if they match their advertisements.

A resident who recently moved into Delmanor Northtown, told me that she had visited several places where she felt unwelcome. In contrast, she said that the first resident whom she met upon entering our community, greeted her with a friendly "Hello!"

This resident said that she immediately decided that she should move here, and has been happy ever since. All the expensive marketing campaigns were less powerful than the small step of a person greeting a stranger in a friendly manner.

Once a month, our General Manager has a meeting with the residents to inform us of anything significant. One of his announcements seemed somewhat strange to us - he requested that we smile and greet the mailman who delivers our mail faithfully throughout the year. He explained that the mailman had said that he likes coming to our building because the residents are so friendly and make him feel welcome. Sadly, he said that this was not the case in other buildings that he serviced. Our manager encouraged us to keep up the good reputation.

The challenge for me and you is to keep spreading God's love in positive ways. Small steps like a smile or a simple greeting may seem very insignificant, but they certainly are easy steps to take.

Reprinted in part with permission by Author. Originally printed in PresbyCan.

I am writing to express my very sincere appreciation for exemplary services and numerous kindnesses extended by Matt Ross and his staff.

My mother had been a resident for several years at DELMANOR and immensely enjoyed living there. More latterly, she was diagnosed with mixed dementia and suffered a very serious and quick decline in health. During my time seeking a more appropriate residence for her, Matt and his staff attempted and very successfully succeeded in making my mom’s remaining time as pleasant and as safe as could be managed.

Staff went beyond the call of duty……a warm hug, a reassuring comment, a watchful eye as to her daily wellbeing,,,,,all these actions made a strong impact on the quality of life which my mom was receiving. A call from the nursing staff advising me that my mom’s meds were being delivered but not taken helped me to put a plan in place, for better administration. Another staff suggestion regarding the removal of electric appliances created a safer environment. The examples are numerous.

I will be forever indebted to the DELMANOR family for attending to my mom’s needs in most expeditious manners, in resolving numerous minor but upsetting problems, and in general being so very kind and warm in attending to my mom’s every need.

Your staff is to be commended. Matt was always there, in person and at the other end of the telephone whenever I was in need of his help and expertise.

My very sincere thanks….

Barbara M.

I really can’t express the gratitude I felt after the meeting we had in Matt’s office just before I left on my vacation.

As you both know, I was feeling very apprehensive and anxious about leaving my mother, but the reassurance, support and compassion you left me with, made me know that she’d be in your exceptional care – so well looked after should something unforeseen arise. You’ll never know how much weight that took off my shoulders and truly, I can’t’ tell you how good I felt after leaving our meeting.

Thankfully, nothing unexpected took place re my mum’s health while we were away. Gord and I relaxed and rested which was the best medicine and we came back feeling 100% rejuvenated.

Simple heartfelt thanks, Matt, Evelyn, and your great teams, don’t seem adequate, but as I said words fail me.

Warm wishes,

Janice Y.

I am writing to you to formally extend my gratitude for the many happy years my mother, Reta spent living at Delmanor Northtown. We have since had to move her to a long-term care facility but our memories of Delmanor are great and treasured.

The remarkable team led first by Robyn and later by Matt Ross are truly some of the most extraordinarily kind, thoughtful and supportive people I have ever met. Without exception - from the friendly receiption staff (Tiz, Heli, Doreen!), the dining room team lead by Patrick Campbell (and chef Divakar Raju) to the housekeeping team (Tracy and Darlene and everyone else!), the admin group (Keri, Laurie and formerly Nikki), the nursing staff and of course, Beverley and later Kristina who kept the place hopping! I know that I have forgotten to name people and that is a function of my bad memory and not their lack of importance or my genuine affection for them.

I have visited regularly and felt truly like I was coming home. The dining room wait-staff were always fun and entertaining while also professional and efficient. The food was outstanding!

And when times were difficult dealing with my mother - the staff members all offered an open ear and shoulder to cry on - to share advice, a smile and support. I can't tell you how important that was - especially when it was time to make important changes in my mother's care. I cannot stress how much I valued the kindness I was shown during this challenging time.

Of course, you must already know the high quality of people you have working at Delmanor Northtown but I wanted to underscore how impactful they are on the lives of residents and family. Many thanks to everyone who made the past years such a positive experience time for Mum and for the cherished memories they helped to provide.

With respect and gratitude,

Pamela

I wanted to thank you and your staff for every aspect of Mum's move to date. Without exception, your staff have been accommodating, reasonable, patient, professional and compassionate. Truly, you have assembled a team of caring personnel, who exercise discretion and common sense to provide for the needs of their clients and their families.

Tomorrow will mark a full week of Mum's residency at Delmanor. While Mum adjusts to this huge life event for her, my family appreciates all the coaching and assistance she is receiving. Clearly, we have made the right choice, and already we have seen positive indications that Mum is coping, and growing in confidence.

Best regards, Dave

There are 3 factors that primarily that determined our choice of location, accommodation. food and staff.

After 18 months, the first two are very good including unusual feature like in-suite laundry and choice of sugar free desserts.

The 3rd is absolutely outstanding, the quality of the staff both in helpfulness and positive attitude is superb. Clearly, out of the 10 retirement homes, we made the right choice.

I have been living here for 3 3/4 years!! My husband & I moved and he died 12 days later. The staff became my family and helped me through that period of my life. The staff continue to be like family & my life here has been 99% perfect. I recommend Delmanor Nortown to my friends.

I have been living here for exactly 3 years - very happily I must add. The staff are well qualified. They smile easily and always helpful. Any problems that may happen is solved promptly. I know I made the right decision to come and live here.