The story below is a story about the everyday moments of care, kindness, and connection that shape life at Shoreham. Shared in VB's own words, she is one of our residents who has asked to stay anonymous.

For VB, life at Shoreham Village is filled with music, kindness, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Before becoming a resident, VB was already a familiar face in the home, often volunteering alongside local musician Jamie Junger and playing the washboard during performances. “It’s a time-keeping thing, a rhythm thing,” she said, remembering the joyful gatherings music brought to residents and staff alike.

Now living in long-term care herself, VB says the support she receives every day has made all the difference. “Often my daughters ask me, ‘Are you happy, Mom, now that you’re in long-term care?’ And I say, ‘What’s not to be happy about?’”

She describes the care staff as patient, attentive, and always willing to help. Beyond the care she receives, staying active and contributing in small ways helps her feel connected and needed. One of her favourite daily activities is folding aprons and towels. “It gives me a sense of being able to help out and of needing to be somewhere at a certain time.”

Beyond clinical care, daily life at Shoreham is shaped by therapeutic and recreational programming that supports physical, cognitive, and emotional wellbeing. Music Therapy sessions, funded through the Mental Health Foundation, provide cognitive, physical, social, and emotional support through singing, movement, sensory stimulation, and song writing. The Heart for Music program, supported by Rick’s Heart Foundation, gives residents personalized access to their favourite music through tablets and headphones, particularly meaningful for those living with dementia. The Winter Harvest indoor garden, funded by CHB Wellness, brings growth and sunshine indoors through the colder months. And the Line Dancers, led by community volunteer Erin Gore, keep spirits and feet moving with weekly sessions open to dancers of every level.

This year we also welcomed Annabel to the team as our new physiotherapist. With more than fifteen years of experience including in hospice care and supporting people living with lymphoedema, she brings a focus on helping residents maintain independence, mobility, and quality of life in ways that feel meaningful and engaging.

“The nurses give me whatever I want whenever I want. There’s nothing I have asked them for that they haven’t gotten for me. They have so much patience.”

VB, Shoreham resident

Therapeutic programs at Shoreham are supported through community grants, including Music Therapy, Heart for Music, and Winter Harvest.