New Owner of La Chaumiere Making Significant Improvements

WINDSOR, Ontario, Oct. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- The new owner of La Chaumiere Retirement Residence is making significant improvements after years of dealing with multiple owners and financial troubles.

Treco Development Corporation bought La Chaumiere in January 2013 after the retirement home in Lakeshore, Ontario faced three years of various owners and financial hardship.

Harmen Verbrugge of Treco said he has put the past behind them and has spent a lot of time and money improving the building, changing the way the staff view management and the way the residents feel in their homes.

The staff feel secure in their jobs and a sense of pride. "The resident's smile at the staff and the staff smile back," said Verbrugge.

"It's really refreshing to have someone show interest in La Chaumiere and is willing to commit to improvements and enhancements to the building," said Aimee McIvor, Administrator at La Chaumiere. "It is nice to see an owner who is present and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty."

"It is time for La Chaumiere to put its past behind it and start fresh with new improvements and ideas," said Verbrugge.

Verbrugge has already invested a lot of time into the structure of the building itself. The beams, supporting floors and the sump pumps had to be repaired or replaced under the facility. The heating and air conditioning was reconditioned as well.

With the bones of the building up-to-date and secure they have moved onto making improvements to the cosmetics inside and out by painting, adding new carpet and updating some of the vacant suites. Verbrugge has also implemented an electronic medical records system for nurses to use with their clients and has also added new administrative software. They also stepped away from using frozen food in the kitchen, to providing fresh home-cooked meals for the residents.

Barb Bickford, Kitchen Manager said working at La Chaumiere is a home-like atmosphere. "I have worked at other businesses in the industry before, and there is no place like La Chaumiere. We treat our residents and guests like family," said Bickford.

Under previous owners there was a real clash between management and staff said Verbrugge. "We spent a lot of time trying to change the way staff and management communicate."

"It's nice for the staff to feel respected and have an employer and manager who listen and care," Lynne Pelletier, Dietary Aid at La Chaumiere.

"I love the residents at La Chaumiere like family," said Theresa Moore, Personal Support Worker at La Chaumiere.

About La Chaumiere
La Chaumiere is a retirement home in Belle River, located just outside of Windsor, Ontario. It is currently home to 49 senior residents and staffs almost 40 employees from registered practical nurses, personal support workers and dietary technicians. There are a total of 75 units available in the retirement home. The price to live at La Chaumiere is approximately $1700/month for a semi private room and can get as high as $2,600/month for a large private room. The monthly fee includes food, housekeeping, laundry, activities, doctor, medication administration and 24-hour nurse assistance. Additional services available at La Chaumiere can include physiotherapy, hairdresser and foot care specialist.

For more information please contact:

Harmen Verbrugge
Phone: 519-727-5506
Email: [email protected]
Or visit: www.lachaumiere.net

Media Contact: Aimee McIvor, 519-727-5506, [email protected]

SOURCE La Chaumiere Retirement Residence