Staff at Extendicare York were treated to barbecued cheeseburgers, salads and chips on Sept. 11 by family members of residents.
Disco music rocked the west parking lot as personal support workers, nurses, housekeepers and activity co-ordinators lined up at the serving table.
"It gives us great pleasure to be able to give back to the staff who have become my mother's family at Extendicare York," said Sue Johnson, chair of the family council.
Lousie Rafuse, who has worked at the long-term care home for 23 years, said she felt "appreciated."
Long-term care homes often make the headlines for other reasons - complaints by family members.
"We get a lot of negativity from the community," said Rafuse, "but when they come in they realize it's not as bad as they think it is. Because we're good at what we do."
Extendicare staff have a customer service motto called CARE (courtesy, attitude, responsibility and excellence), explained social worker Joanne Russell. "These are our expectations."
She said the staff often go above and beyond their job description. For example, they'll help residents get all dolled up for a wedding or open Christmas cards.
Extendicare is home to 288 people who can no longer live on their own. While most of them are elderly, the younger population is growing, Russell said. It includes people who've had a stroke or are disabled.
The home employs close to 300 staff and provides work placements for high school, college and university students.
