Elgin Lodge of Kingsway Arms retirement home in Port Elgin (Saugeen Shores) had reason to celebrate when they found out that one of their residents had been ‘crowned’ Provincial ‘2023 Champion Resident of Ontario’ by the Retirement Home Regulatory Authority, out of all residents in more than 750 retirement homes in Ontario.
Fran Durdle has been a force in the Lodge when it comes to advocating for residents, welcoming new residents, sharing advice and helping others.
Carol Lee Foster, Marketing Director, said that Durdle’s kindness, generosity and positive attitude had made a difference to many.
“This is a very esteemed recognition,” said MPP Lisa Thompson. “This is the first time that this has been achieved in Elgin lodge or locally. Fran is a true inspiration who has made a difference in the lives of many. For anyone sharing the community with Fran, a finalist in the province of Ontario, you are in really good company. ”
MP Ben Lobb referred to his own grandmother saying that, when she moved in to a retirement home, it changed her life. “She had been living on her own in isolation and, when she moved into a home like Elgin Lodge, she made friends and wished she had done it 10 years sooner and it changed her life. These are the best places and, for someone who makes it home like Fran, it is very special.”
Durdle said that Elgin Lodge residents are like a family. “I want you to talk to each other, to laugh with each other. This is home, so let’s make it home. Transition here is really hard for some people so speak to them. I am so grateful to management and to those residents who really helped me along the way … I couldn’t have carried on without them. Thank you too to all the management and staff who have listened to all my complaints and worked to fix everything that they could.”
Elgin Lodge Executive Director, Jason Boelhouwer, said that, “Jen Whitfield, Director of Care nominated Fran, and she is the only one outside of Toronto to ever be selected as ‘Resident Champion’. We are very proud of her.”
