Today, after 53 years of operations and care to residents, Partners Community Health (PCH) officially closed Camilla Care Long-Term Care Home in Mississauga.
For long-time colleagues Claudette Alexander-Rankine and Sylwia Klimek, both who celebrated their 23rd work anniversary this year, Camilla has truly been a second home over the years.
“What has made Camilla special for me is the residents, families and staff that I got to meet and interact with each day,” says Alexander-Rankine, who started as a Personal Support Worker before becoming a Resident and Family Experience Coordinator at Camilla. “When I’m able to help a family member or put a smile on a resident’s face, those are some of my favourite memories.”
Klimek, an Associate Director of Care at PCH who began her career as a Charge Nurse at the home, says, “Camilla has always been full of life and laughter. We are always surrounded by caring, compassionate and dedicated people who put residents first. Camilla is special because of the connection and memories we all share with each other.”
Since joining the team in 2000, Alexander-Rankine and Klimek have witnessed a lot of change at the home from advancements in resident care and medication management to three different name changes.
In March 1970, the home officially opened as Chelsey Park Nursing Home and advertised spacious accommodations, entertainment, and restoration therapy. Later, the home underwent a name change to Diversicare and then another to Leisure World Mississauga before receiving its final name – Camilla Care in 2015.
On April 1, 2022, PCH acquired the licenses and assumed operations of Camilla Care and Trillium Health Partners acquired the land and the building from Sienna Senior Living in a three-way agreement that included the sale of Camilla in its entirety.
Now, over 50 years since opening, the 236-bed long-term care home in Mississauga has closed its doors.
“For over 50 years, many seniors in the community have been able to call Camilla home. This is an incredible feat that could not have been accomplished without the effort and commitment of our residents, families, and staff. As an organization, we are committed to continue to deliver high quality and resident-centred care in the years to come at Wellbrook Place,” says Ruben Hernandez Rodriguez, Vice President of Senior’s Care and Clinical Services.
In November, Camilla safely and successfully transferred all the residents to their preferred alternative accommodation, which for some included Wellbrook Place, PCH’s newly opened two state-of-the-art long-term care homes. PCH staff working at Camilla also transitioned to Wellbrook Place.
Trillium Health Partners, the owner of the building and land, looks to use the property that Camilla Care is situated on as part of the future footprint of the new Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital.
“It’s an extremely emotional experience to say goodbye to a place that has been home not only for residents, but for us staff as well,” says Klimek. “When I think back to the space, I’ll always remember the residents who lived at Camilla and the bond we created with them. It’s bittersweet, but I am also excited for the future and what’s ahead of us.”
