Generations of Families at Dundurn Place Care Centre

Generations of care and connection thrive at Dundurn Place Care Centre

Location: Dundurn Place Care Centre, Hamilton, ON 

“There’s pride in knowing that our family has helped shape the culture here, and there’s comfort in knowing that this place has shaped us too. It feels good to be part of something that matters.” 

Claire (left) and her daughter Lisa (right) represent two generations of care and compassion at Dundurn Place Care Centre, in Hamilton. Claire, now retired, used to work at the home, while Lisa continues the legacy. Together, they remind us that at Dundurn, continuity isn’t just part of the job — it’s part of the heart.

Across Ontario, long-term care homes are more than places to live or work. They’re communities where people belong. Staff and residents share milestones, celebrate each other’s successes, and create connections that feel like family. This sense of purpose and belonging keeps so many team members in long-term care for years, even decades. Dundurn Place Care Centre, in Hamilton, is one of many homes where that commitment shines through every day, showing what’s possible when care, community, and continuity come together.

While many long-term care homes across Ontario foster a culture that feels like family, Dundurn Place Care Centre truly embodies it. Those who spend time in long-term care know it’s not just a workplace or a residence; it’s a home where relationships grow, laughter is shared, and care runs deep. Dundurn’s team includes a remarkable network of 21 family members – parents, children, brothers, sisters, cousins, spouses and in-laws – each sharing the same goal: to provide the best possible care to residents. This kind of multigenerational commitment can be found in homes across Ontario, where staff bring not only skill but also heart to their work every day.

One staff member says, “There’s pride in knowing that our family has helped shape the culture here, and there’s comfort in knowing that this place has shaped us too. It feels good to be part of something that matters.”

Like a family heirloom, this spirit of kindness at Dundurn Place Care Centre is being passed on from generation to generation, and in some cases, even a third! Those who have spent time in long-term care know it’s not just a workplace or a residence; it’s both a place of living and healing. Homes like Dundurn Place remind us that long-term care is where medical support meets deep human connection.

Residents here receive 24/7 support, but they also experience laughter, belonging, and familiarity. This stability – strengthened by intergenerational staff – helps residents feel safe and known, day after day.

The benefits of this family culture are apparent in every part of the home. On the busiest shifts, there is laughter coming from a resident being helped by a team of sisters; a mother-daughter team swiftly tackles the housekeeping duties, while a nurse brings invaluable empathy to his role knowing his wife and sister-in-law are also part of the care team.

Mother-daughter housekeeping team Margaret and Cheyenne help keep the home safe, clean and comfortable for residents. Their teamwork reflects the care and connection that fill Dundurn’s hallways. 

Ask another staff member and they will tell you, “That sense of community extends beyond just blood ties — it’s in the way the team support one another, how leadership truly listens, and how everyone works together to give the residents the best possible care. When you find a workplace that genuinely values people, you don’t want to leave it behind.”

A long-time team member, who has worked at Dundurn since 1994, chose to celebrate her wedding ceremony at the home — a testament to the deep bonds between staff, residents and families. 

This culture wasn’t built overnight – it’s part of a shared commitment seen in homes across Ontario, where care and connection grow stronger every day, being cultivated with intention and heart. Team members say it feels natural to bring in a sibling, a spouse, or a child—not just for a job, but to join something meaningful.

That sense of belonging has ripple effects far beyond Dundurn’s walls. When staff stay and grow together, residents benefit from consistent, compassionate care — the kind that makes long-term care feel like both a community and essential healthcare. Dundurn Place reflects what’s happening in homes across Ontario, where staff commitment and connection lead to better care and stronger teams.

By nurturing these multigenerational connections, Dundurn Place not only strengthens its own home but also reflects the spirit of long-term care across Ontario. It shows that when people feel valued and connected, they stay – and that’s what leads to the best possible care for residents and a stronger future for Ontario’s long-term care system.