News Briefs from the December 2019 Blue Water Rest Home Board Meeting…

Free Community Exercise Classes
Please join us for FREE GENTLE EXERCISE CLASSES AT THE Blue Water Area Family Health Team on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30am & at Maplewoods Apartments on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:15am. 

40 years of Service Award
We are absolutely delighted to recognize Wendy Masse for 40-years of service at Blue Water Rest Home.  Wendy has worked in many departments at the Rest Home and is commended for her dedication and commitment to the Residents.

Announcement Huron Perth and Area Ontario Health Team
Huron Perth and Area Ontario Health Team has been accepted as one of the first 24 Ontario Health Team s in the province.  Blue Water Rest Home, along with 60 other healthcare partners across Huron and Perth and neighbouring counties will work together to bring a new model of healthcare that will better integrate with a seamless experience for our patients when moving between health care services, providers and setting.  
The announcement was made on December 6, 2019 and more information will be follow in the coming weeks and months.  For our residents and staff, there will be no immediate changes occurring.  2020 will be a year of implementation for the Huron Perth and Area Ontario Health Team.


Blue Water Rest Home is a Non-Profit Charitable organization and donations of $10 and greater are receipted and $500 and greater are recognized on a Donor Plaque. 

News Briefs from the November 2019 Blue Water Rest Home Board Meeting…

Exciting News – Completion of West Huron Care Centre Hub of Services

See attached announcement

Meals on Wheels

Do you know anyone in the Zurich and immediate area who may benefit from Meals on Wheels?  Meals are prepared onsite and delivered Monday to Friday between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. for a cost of $8.00 per meal.  If interested, please call Patty Groot 519-236-4373 x 631.

Resident Satisfaction Survey

Every year residents or their power of attorney complete a satisfaction survey.  In 2019, the completion rate was 80.4% and 89% of residents would recommend Blue Water Rest Home to others.  We use the results from the survey to make improvements so that we continue to be a long-term care home of choice in Huron County and surrounding area. 

Blue Water Rest Home is a Non-Profit Charitable organization and donations of $10 and greater are receipted and $500 and greater are recognized on a Donor Plaque.  

News Briefs from the October 2019 Blue Water Rest Home Board Meeting…

Welcome to Blue Water Rest Home’s Team
We are pleased to announce that we have recently hired a Registered Nurse, two Registered Practical Nurses, a Personal Support Worker, two Dietary Aides and one Activation Staff to our team of approximately 95 dedicated staff.  If you know any Personal Support Workers interested in part-time employment, please have them call Janet Thiel 519-236-4373 x 628.   

Resident Family Christmas Dinner
Blue Water Rest Home is holding our annual Resident Family Christmas on Sunday, November 17, 2019.  Entertainment by Brad Cassel.

Gentle Persuasive Approach Training 
The Alzheimer Society of Huron County is offering Gentle Persuasive Approaches to Dementia Care, Responding to Persons with Challenging Behaviours at the West Huron Care Centre on Friday, November 28, 2019.  Cost is $25 (lunch included) and register by calling the Alzheimer Society 519-482-1482. 

Rental Spaces
West Huron Care Centre has rental space and a community kitchen available for special events.  If you are interested in booking the space, please contact Patty Groot 519-236-4373 x 631. 

Blue Water Rest Home is a Non-Profit Charitable organization and donations of $10 and greater are receipted and $500 and greater are recognized on a Donor Plaque. 

News Briefs from the September 2019 Blue Water Rest Home Board Meeting…

Ladies Auxiliary Donation
The Ladies Auxiliary raised $668.90 from their quilt raffle, and they added an additional $400 to purchase two new tables for the Blue Water Rest Home dining rooms.  A special thank you to the Ladies Auxiliary for this generous donation.  We appreciate it very much!   
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Inspection
On August 28, 2019, there was an inspection and no areas of concern were identified.  Special recognition goes to our entire team as this is the second inspection this year and both visits resulted in no areas of concern.
Flu Season
This is a good time to remind everyone not to visit if you have coughs, colds or are unwell in any way.  Please use hand sanitizer and wash your hands frequently.  Hand washing is the best defense against the spread of germs.  Thank you for caring!  

Blue Water Rest Home is a Non-Profit Charitable organization and donations of $10 and greater are receipted and $500 and greater are recognized on a Donor Plaque.  

News Briefs from the July 2019 Blue Water Rest Home Board Meeting…

New Minister of Long-Term Care
The Provincial Government announced that there will be a dedicated Minister of Long-Term Care and appointed Minister Merrilee Fullerton.  The addition of this new cabinet position signals that the government is putting on a priority on senior’s care which is a very important portfolio.  

Rental Offices/Space
We are thrilled to welcome Essence of Harmony Spa, owned by Amy Regier at the West Huron Care Centre starting July 1, 2019.  This is an exciting addition to the services available at the centre.

Upcoming Event
Kids Cooking Camp – August 19-23, 2019 is being held at the West Huron Care Centre in our learning kitchen.  This camp is being hosted by Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre.

News Briefs from the June 2019 Blue Water Rest Home Board Meeting…

Zurich Water

The Municipality of Blue Water held a public meeting on May 13, 2019 to relay the results of the feasibility study into alternative water supply options for the community of Zurich.  Due to the financial constraints the existing water supply puts on the equipment and plumbing at Blue Water Rest Home, the Board and Leadership support the project.  Currently, Blue Water Rest Home estimates $50,000 per year is expensed to equipment and plumbing repairs and as equipment ages, that cost will increase.  Another community meeting will be scheduled at a future date and if this moves forward, it will take a minimum of two years.  

Student Positions

We were approved for a Canada Summer Jobs student in Activation for the summer along with a Rural Work Placement student in Activation and Wellness.  Both students are mentored by our staff and receive some on the job experience.

In addition, we are grateful to have some BScN Nursing students to support the Personal Support Workers and back fill vacation time.  

These extra supports are in addition to our amazing group of dedicated staff.  

Upcoming Event at the West Huron Care Centre

Kids Cooking Camp – August 19 – 23, 2019 and is hosted by Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre.

Blue Water Rest Home is a Non-Profit Charitable organization and donations of $10 and greater are receipted and $500 and greater are recognized on a Donor Plaque.  

News Briefs from the April 2019 Blue Water Rest Home Board Meeting…

Volunteer Appreciation

Blue Water Rest Home values and appreciates the support we receive from our volunteers.  An appreciation event is being held on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. at the Zurich Mennonite Church.  Entertainment and refreshments will be served.  

News Briefs from the March 2019 Blue Water Rest Home Board Meeting…

Medical Director Changes
A retirement celebration was held on February 7, 2019 to honour Dr. O’Connor’s 48 years of service at Blue Water Rest Home.  It was a lovely ceremony and the Exeter Lakeshore Times Advance captured highlights of the event.  We wish Dr. O’Connor and his wife, Wendy all the best as they embrace retirement and pursue some travel plans.
We are so fortunate to announce that Dr. Michael Hammond accepted the role as Medical Director at Blue Water Rest Home effective January 1, 2019.  Dr. Hammond joined our medical team as Attending Physician in July 2018 and has transitioned quite nicely into the Medical Director role.  He is well respected by the staff and we have received many positive comments from residents about his bedside manner.

Zurich Mennonite Church Director Replacement
We wish to thank Linda Hendrick for representing Zurich Mennonoite Church on the Blue Water Rest Home Board for the past six years.  Linda retired from the Board in December 2018.  Zurich Mennononite Church appointed Dianne Loerchner to complete a three year term.  Dianne is no stranger to Blue Water Rest Home as she worked here as a Registered Nurse and most recently retired as the Spiritual Care Counselor.  

AdvantAge Ontario – Celebrating 100 years
Our long-term care association, AdvantAge Ontario is celebrating 100 years and a submission on behalf of the organization has been completed to promote our intergenerational programs offered and the wonderful partnership with the West Huron Early Childhood Learning Centre.  This is exciting public relations for us. 

Upcoming Events
Audiology Clinic at the Bluewater Area Family Health Team on March 27, 2019.  All appointments must be made with Heidi Klopp, Wellness Co-ordinator 519-236-4373 x632.  You do not have to be a patient of the Family Health Team.


Blue Water Rest Home is a Non-Profit Charitable organization and donations of $10 and greater are receipted and $500 and greater are recognized on a Donor Plaque.  

News Briefs from the January 2019 Blue Water Rest Home Board Meeting…

Retirement Party for Dr. O’Connor

Join us on Thursday, February 7, 2019 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. to honour Dr. O’Connor’s 48 years of service at Blue Water Rest Home.  Entertainment and refreshments provided.  

Director Vacancy

Blue Water Rest Home is looking for someone interested in joining the Board of Directors for a three year term.  Anyone interested is encouraged to call Angie Dunn, Chief Executive Officer for more information 519-236-4373 ext 630.

Annual General Meeting

Blue Water Rest Home’s 54th Annual General Meeting is being held at the West Huron Care Centre on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at 7 p.m.  Annual membership to remain a voting member is $10.00 at the door or can be returned with your proxy that gets mailed out.

Blue Water Rest Home is a Non-Profit Charitable organization and donations of $10 and greater are receipted and $500 and greater are recognized on a Donor Plaque.