Seniors Care Breaks New Ground in Amherst
EDITORIAL OPINION
I have attended many sod-turning ceremonies over the years, but this was one like nothing I have ever seen.
Sure, it had all the usual components — developers and promoters, lots of politicians, and numerous silver plated shovels — but aside from the participant list, it felt more like a family reunion.
They were all there to formally launch a new 96-bed long-term care home in Amherst, one that will replace Gables Lodge.
Owned and operated by Gem Health Care Group, a family owned business that opened its first seniors care facility in 1979 with three Victorian homes in Amherst. Saeed Hussein (a police analyst) and his wife (an R.N.) moved from Toronto with a vision and a desire to serve.
The three separate homes with their stairs and irregular layouts were not practical for seniors living so they were replaced by Gables Lodge and the true Gem Health Care was born.
That venerable facility will now give way to a modern complex to be called the Roger Bacon Long-Term Care Centre, in honour of the farmer who became Premier.
That brings me back to the unusual nature of the ceremony. There was no government press release either before or after. There was no hype for politics, just an emotional, heartfelt, and sincere few moments among family and friends who are building something important together.
The Hussein family invited the Bacon Family and they in turn invited their political in-laws so-to-speak.
Premier Tim Houston was there. So was his Minister of Senior Long-Term Care, Barbara Adams and her colleague Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources. Dr. Stephen Ellis, the Member of Parliament tagged along, so too Amherst Mayor David Kogan and County Councillor Rod Gilroy. They all had a personal connection!
Chris Hussein, son of the founder, recounted the early days in Amherst. He lived in the first complex from the age of two. He grew up with the care givers and he witnessed the changes in the Amherst operation and the additions the company bought and built, totalling 14 homes in Nova Scotia and two in Ontario.
He noted that his son, also at the age of two, will now grow up in the new complex, almost as a family tradition.
When he invited his father to speak, he reaffirmed this was not your normal public event as he embraced his Dad in a clearly emotional moment.
The elder Hussein recalled his long-standing relationship with Roger Bacon and the significance of having his name represent the future of seniors care in Cumberland County.
Hussein remembered the good old days which he said were often challenging. Gables Lodge made life easier with its then modern facility, and now, over 40 years later, the Roger Bacon Centre will advance the technology and the care once again. Ninety-six modern, single rooms represents the next generation for Gem Health Care and for local seniors care.
The speakers included the Husseins — father and son— Premier Houston, Minister Barb Adams, and Doug Bacon, clearly a chip off the old ‘farmer.’
The sod breaking ceremony was made difficult by the near frozen ground of the construction site just up the street from Gables Lodge. A few pieces of sod, imported from nearby, allowed the special guests to lift the sod to complete the ceremony.
The photo, not of dignitaries but rather family and friends, shows the only part of the ceremony that resembled anything close to formal.
It is a major announcement for the county but the ceremony was funny, emotional and delivered with sincerity and humility — a first for political announcements.
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