Marjory Hilliard and Donald Webb are all smiles as they display their Avalon Go-Getter certificates. They are the recipients of the restorative-care programming award for July and June, respectively.

Go-Getters always ready and rarin’ to go
Monthly award winners chosen for their involvement and enthusiasm
Tuesday, August 14, 2012 -- Lisa Bailey
Staff at Avalon Care Centre can count on seeing two faces at the restorative-care group exercise programs.

Donald Webb and Marjory Hilliard not only attend every session at the Orangeville home but are “always waiting to go,” restorative care co-ordinator Dawn Busby says.

And they participate with enthusiasm and a smile.

It’s because of their positivity and dedication that Webb and Hilliard have been selected for the Avalon Go-Getter Recognition Award for June and July, respectively.

Designed to be a positive reinforcement and inspiration for residents, the award celebrates their involvement and achievement in restorative-care programming. Go-Getters are generally very motivated, have a positive attitude, and demonstrate a willingness to remain active working towards specific goals.

“It’s that they’re choosing to be active and remaining healthy in their life,” Busby tells Morning Report.

Hilliard, who came to Avalon Care Centre in 2009, does restorative-care exercise five mornings a week and one-on-one physiotherapy three times a week.

Her constant smiles, nods, and thumbs up and down let staff members know she understands the work and her eagerness to participate.

“I chose her (for the Go-Getter award) because of her participation level and just how positive and happy she is considering she has limitations,” Busby says.

Webb, who is known as “Donny” by staff, has been involved in most every program and activity going at the Jarlette Health Services home since arriving there last year.

“He’s a go-getter that way, he’s involved in everything,” Busby says.

She says he really likes to exercise, and his friendly and outgoing nature enhances the experience for others.

Asked what he enjoys most about the program, Webb replies: “Doing all the exercises and talking to everyone.”

He and Hilliard were delighted to receive their Go-Getter certificates.

“Marjory had a big smile on her face, and she was laughing,” Busby says. “She was pretty proud, she had her thumbs up.”

Webb showed his award to most everyone he could. It’s framed and hanging on the wall.

Busby says residents’ families and staff are as happy for the honourees as the Go-Getters themselves. A display in the lobby shares the good news every month, and the recipients receive plenty of congratulations.

“I just talked to the August winner’s family and they say it’s nice to hear that we do recognize residents for positive things,” Busby says.

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