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Westmount residents take pride as hand-hygiene champions
Residents are playing key safety role in the dining room
10/3/2025
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Deron Hamel
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Westmount Gardens residents John and Leny have been enhancing hand-hygiene practices in the dining room.
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What began as a simple idea to maximize hand hygiene at Westmount Gardens has blossomed into a meaningful job that provides a strong sense of responsibility for residents of the London, Ont., long-term care community.
Earlier this year, IPAC manager Allie Rhoades came up with an idea to have resident “hand-hygiene champions” in each of Westmount Gardens' five neighbourhoods.
The idea was first brought up at a residents' council meeting, where several residents expressed interest in the initiative.
Resident hand-hygiene champions have since been stationed at the dining-room entrance to offer sanitizing wipes to residents and staff as they arrive at mealtimes.
Adnan Resh, Westmount Gardens' life enrichment manager, says everyone was surprised by how much joy and meaning the project has brought residents, with two Daisy neighbourhood residents standing out for their enthusiasm.
Residents John and Leny “take high pride” in what they do and take the job seriously, knowing the importance of having clean hands when entering the dining room, Adnan says.
“The amount of purpose they see in this brings smiles not only to my face but to all the other life enrichment staff, especially Allison, who is the full-time staff member on Daisy," Adnan tells S&R Today.
“Allison mentioned to me how much John and Leny look forward to each shift and tell Allison, 'I can't wait until my next shift.' Allison is in awe of how well this is going for her neighbourhood and is just loving the enthusiasm in the residents.”
The residents say having this job is an important part of their day.
“It feels good to be needed, and it's my instinct to be helpful,” Leny says.
John echoes Leny's sentiments.
“With so many illnesses, it's important to protect the other residents against germs,” he says.
Allie highlights the fun residents are having as one of the greatest parts of the initiative.
“It has been really great to see the residents having fun with hand hygiene, as it's super important to ensure clean hands before mealtimes.”
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