When Tom Uphill Home opened in 1967 a Ladies Auxiliary was promptly formed. Built mostly by volunteer community effort the Home was managed by a board appointed administrator.
The Auxiliary donated gifts and required equipment for decades, moving with the residents to Rocky Mountain Village, and today still diligently providing the same services it did in the past, with the only change being that two members are now 95 years old.
Wilda Quail, longtime member and president of the Auxiliary says, “We have donated many items over the years, oxygen generators, Broda chairs, active trainer, hair dryers, as well as individual Christmas, Easter, birthday, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day gifts for all residents.”
On Monday, February 7, the auxiliary gathered to present a new aspirator suction machine to Trish, Director of Clinical Care at RMV. Trish explains that this is used for palliative clients that need suction for mucus or if choking.
Wilda adds, “These are expensive. The one available is outdated so this one is very much needed. We have also purchased a digital spot monitor for blood pressure, oxygen levels, temperature and pulse, so now the group is poor again.”
Christmas turkeys, contributions towards family barbecues, a barbecue unit supplied for the courtyard for the use of residents, staff and recreation are other ways the women contribute.
This is accomplished by a few women: Wilda Quail, Julia Markland, Elsie Singleton, Doreen Neidig, Catherine Pinotti, Margaret Caldwell, Celia Roccamatisi, Cathy Barnett and Wendy Angus. Some have a history of decades of work with this group. They are keeping this auxiliary functioning both physically and financially by personal contributions such as donating cash in memoriam of deceased family and friends says Doreen.
“Rotary and Lions Clubs have been very generous,” adds Wilda. They also lobby friends for in memoriam donations but want to emphasize that any monies donated must be clearly marked for the Auxiliary otherwise it doesn’t go to their effort. “We work really hard to keep the auxiliary going, friends give, within our group we give, we want to carry on, to provide the extras needed, a lot of people think that since this building is a private - public partnership they don’t need to donate so it has been extremely difficult to get assistance although charitable tax receipts are issued. “The donations given to us are going to the seniors not the corporation,” say the women.
There are 62 individuals in residential care, these are the people who need constant 24 hour care. Some of those people don’t have family close by. Some may have outlived family. RMV supplies institution quality soap, body wash, cream and shampoo, but the more individual, personalized stuff is not provided.
After the presentation the group is having their monthly meeting held on the first Monday at 1:30 p.m. at the Village. They will gift wrap 62 large bottles of moisture lotion to give out, “a comfort because it’s so dry and hot here.”
Rocky Mountain Village is a beautiful and comfortable home that supports 86 private suites and many common areas. According to the website it was built by Endre Lillejord and Pace Setter Construction. It offers independent living, assisted and residential care housing hospitality and support suites. Government funded residential care housing, hospitality and support services provide meals and 24 hour professional nursing care. These women are amazing volunteers saying “we want to give the best quality of life to the residents that we can.” The meetings are also a way to socialize, enjoying get-togethers.
If you have a couple of hours to spare a month call Wilda at 250-423-6703 for information.