Bonus Episode - Erin Davis & Lloyd Hetherington are joined by Jamie Schlegel, President & CEO, on the green bench for a conversation about the Schlegel Villages organization, the differences between public, for-profit, charitable, and municipal long-term care, and the importance of community building.

The Schlegel organization started back in the 1950s by Wilfred & Emma Schlegel, spending their lives in service to people.  Making communities more inclusive, healthier, and allow people to be contributors to their community.  

"The Schlegel Villages mission has two fundamental components; creating a caring community with life purpose for each person." -Jamie Schlegel

The heart of our mission is to build healthy dynamic communities where everyone feels a part of.

"Let's focus on the 10% that isn't going as well as it should and certainly get better at that, but let's also not forget about the 90% that is going well, that we should be acknowledging, building on, and getting even better as a result." -Jamie Schlegel

What is the difference between a long-term care home and a retirement home?

The for-profit vs not-for-profit conversation has been getting lots of attention lately.

• Private/for-profit

"Let's just focus on doing the absolute best job we can and that's the best way to influence the system."

"The distinctions between private, not-for-profit, charitable, and municipal operators is largely a red herring.  We are talking about distinctions that don't really matter in the end. What matters is the quality of care and the quality of life that is provided within each of these organizations." -Jamie Schlegel

"Our team members deserve the credit for making our Villages a success and for bringing our mission to life." -Jamie Schlegel

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The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions