Gary Is Home!

Almost exactly two years after Gary was struck by a mysterious illness that left him paralyzed, he has finally returned home to Port Carling! 

Those of you who have been following this blog know that this has been a long and difficult journey, one that will continue now that Gary is back in Muskoka. Returning home required a lot of preparation: renovations to make the house accessible, the installation of a backup generator to power Gary's ventilator, extensive training for family members, and the hiring and training of a great medical support team. It goes without saying that the support of the Muskoka community was instrumental in making all of this possible.  

Throughout the past two years Gary has remained closely involved with the running of Muskoka Chautauqua, and now that he's back at HQ he's right in the thick of things. With the help of an eye-operated computer he is able to work alongside Gayle and Chautauqua staff in the office. Given that we're just about to hit Chautauqua's busiest season, everyone is overjoyed to have Gary back home!

Chautauqua's signature culinary fundraiser event, Flavours of Muskoka Chautauqua, is happening this Sunday, June 28th at J.W. Marriott the Rosseau Resort & Spa in Minett. It features delicious selections from top local chefs and restaurants, as well as Ontario wineries, breweries and distilleries. Tickets are $75, and funds raised go to support Chautauqua's Kaleidoscope Arts in Education programs. 

Gary will be attending Flavours on Sunday, so if you haven't seen him yet make sure to stop in and say hi. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.muskokachautauqua.com/unlimited-sidebars/flavours-of-muskoka/, or by calling the office at 705-765-1048. 

Visit With Gary

On Saturday, Feb 21st I had the pleasure of visiting with Gary and I'm floored by his enthusiasm for life and his commitment to his recovery! 

I personally witnessed Gary's tremendous progress, including no longer requiring assistance when speaking and his ability to remain upright for longer periods of time. He was enjoying life - free from tubes, monitoring equipment and the activity of constant oversight. 

Gary has made huge strides and I know he will continue to do so. Throughout our visit he asked many questions and spoke of his eagerness to return to Port Carling and the care he will require when that occurs. 

I left our visit feeling inspired by Gary's resilience and positive attitude on life! Life is truly beautiful and a gift and Gary's outlook exemplifies this! 

- Daniel Bradbury

Getting Close... Home Care Team Needed

Gayle and Gary are beginning to put together the team that will enable Gary to finally come home!

They are looking for several energetic and dedicated personal care workers to be part of a home care team. Team members are supported and encouraged to be creative, innovative and collaborative in their approach to deliver safe, integrated health care. Specialized and professional training will be provided. Start date April 2015

Responsibilities

• Provides personal care to the client
• Utilizes proper body mechanics and transfer techniques in order to carry out safe lifts and/or transfers
• Provides assistance with a variety of household tasks
• Prepares nutritious, varied and economical meals and snacks and uses proper food preparation, storage and hygiene practices
• Promotes a safe environment for both the client and worker

Qualifications and Position Requirements

• Experience working with the vulnerable population, in a home setting
• Available for non-traditional hours, including nights and weekends
• Access to transportation/vehicle
• RPN, RN, PSW, HCA Certificate an asset but not a requirement

Compensation

• Flexible hours and diverse assignments
• Competitive wages

How to Apply

Please send resume and cover letter to MCI, Box 172, Port Carling ON POB IJO or email mci@artsinmuskoka.com.

Holidays at West Park

Gary's holidays at West Park were full of family, activities and a move to Gage House, a part of West Park where people live in a less institutional, more natural home environment.

Merry Christmas!

Gayle's family visiting Gary

Leading the carol sing

Yes, they even had reindeer!

Happy New Year! Gary with his mom, his sister Linda and Gayle

At The Gage: room enough for everyone to paint!