Resident’s enthusiasm, hard work helpful to residents, staff members
John Fuller an ‘inspiration to others'
Wedneday May 7, 2008 --Deron Hamel
In the 18 months John Fuller has lived at Muskoka Landing, he has made a positive impact in the lives of residents and staff members at the Huntsville long-term care home.

Calling bingo numbers, running programs and advocating on behalf of fellow residents through his role as vice-president of the residents’ council at the Jarlette Health Services-owned long-term care home are some of the things Fuller can be found doing on a daily basis.

Never one to back down from a challenge, the always-energetic Fuller has also expressed interest in creating his own programs to activation co-ordinator Pamm Griffin, who marvels at Fuller’s enthusiasm. In March, Fuller organized a St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the home.

Fuller notes that staff members at the home have busy schedules and because of this he does what he can to make everyone’s job a little easier.

“I even make my own bed, because the (staff members) here are way overworked,” he tells The Morning Report. “Anything you can do help the situation I think is appreciated.”

Born in the United Kingdom 96 years ago, Fuller says he believes he’s one of the few surviving “home children” — 100,000 orphans who left the British Isles in the 1920s and early 1930s to work in Canada during a shortage in farm labour at the time.

Being given the opportunity to come to Canada is something Fuller says he is “most thankful” for, and his appreciation of life’s blessings is one of the things that drives him to continuously help others.

Griffin describes Fuller as an “enthusiastic trooper” who can always be counted on by residents and staff members in need, adding he has been a major asset to the home.

“He’s a natural-born caring person,” she says. “He tries to help out wherever he can. He thinks of others before he thinks of himself.”

If you have a story you would like to share about a resident who strives to make a difference in a long-term care home, please contact send your comments to deron(at)axiomnews.ca.

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