A long-time Dresden retirement home is under new ownership.
Local business owners Krista and Kerry Mall, along with Amy Bhatia have taken over Heritage Court Retirement Home.
“We live in Dresden and we also have the Veterinary Clinic in Dresden,” Krista said.
“We’ve grown roots here, so we wanted to look for something in this town. My cousin Andrea (VanHooft) was helping manage a nursing home in Sarnia for years. We had the opportunity for her to come and run the place for us. She has over 10 years experience working in the industry. We had the perfect person to do the day-to-day stuff.”
Krista added: “We know a lot of the people in town from owning the Dresden Vet Clinic. We got a lot of feedback from the town and it seemed like the right thing to do.”
Andrea said Heritage Court is like a “big home.
“It is very person-centered here because it is a smaller community. You really get to know the residents quickly… it’s more personable because it is a smaller group,” she said.
The change of ownership took place on April 2.
Mike and Glenda Pilon were the previous owners.
Andrea said they have a PSW, healthcare aids and house keeping on staff.
“The staff have been here a fairly long-term. They’re great, warm happy people. They know the job and they are local, they’re from the area. They’re fantastic, excellent cooking too.”
Andrea added: “We still have some rooms available. We have one empty room upstairs. We can house 21 people, that is our occupancy.”
Krista said they do plan on making some changes.
“It is always good to update it with some young, new faces in here. We’re going to change the menu, based on what the residents really like. We’re going to get into more day programs, outings, activities. It is good to get the residents up and active.”
Krista added: “We’re still getting all the kinks out and getting out feet wet. It’s not going to take long before we really get into the groove of how things are going here.”
Krista said the location of Heritage Court is ideal.
“The nice thing about this place is it’s central, it’s a nice small, little town, it’s a nice cozy place to live. Everybody that comes in here can’t believe how much it feels like home. It doesn’t feel like your living in an institution. It’s walking distance to the Slots here in Dresden, to Tim Horton’s and to uptown.”
Krista said Heritage Court is also looking for volunteers who may be interested in running activities, such as bingo, movies or other entertainment.
For more information, visit Heritage Court online here.
Photo: Amy Bhatia, left, Andrea VanHooft and Krista Mall.
