January 14, 2021 – At their January 13th virtual meeting, Lennox and Addington County Council commended the Chair of the John M. Parrott Centre Family Council, Gwen Babcock.  Gwen has chaired the Family Council since December 2019 and in this role she is committed to working with staff and families to ensure a high quality of life for all Residents. 

The Family Council acts as a conduit for families to deal with the issues, questions, fears and stress experienced when the JMPC becomes Home for their loved ones.  This role has never been more important than it has been during the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

In early April, with families no longer permitted in the building it became apparent that there was a lack of connection with very important members of the Resident’s circle of care.  At that time, Gwen introduced the role of Family Council offering to be a listening ear of support for those new or just beginning their journey at the JMPC; by gathering questions from families to be included in the following week’s newsletter; and by helping countless individuals as they struggled to learn how to get set up and communicate via zoom. 

Gwen was also able to provide the JMPC with clarity around where families were struggling and was also there to provide support in trying to get answers.

Warden Bresee expressed County Council’s appreciation to Gwen and recognized her timely, compassionate and meaningful volunteer role at the JMPC.  He went on to say, “The Management Team has expressed how incredibly cognizant they are of the value of your role and are also appreciative of the time that you have given this important role.”

County Council also recognized the extraordinary commitment to the JMPC by Angela Malcolm.  Angela has been the Director of the Home since 2015 and has always provided exemplary service.  With the stress of the Pandemic, Angela has continued to rise to the challenge and deliver unparalleled leadership to all at the JMPC.

Warden Bresee thanked Angela for giving our Residents and staff the very best leadership and support and went on to say “We are so very fortunate to have Angela at the helm of our long-term care facility, especially during this pandemic.”