“Grace Sweatman sees possibilities where others see problems. She built and sold life lease units, enhanced our Courtyard, led us away from Ministry restrictions, and built neighbourhoods with empowered staff and person-centred care. Reading each of her blogs reminded me of so many experiences during those years and provided background information of the time preceding. I’m excited this important story is now going to reach a wider audience, as it will provide a foundation for the winds of change ahead in eldercare.”

Ann Peachman Stewart

Christie Gardens

annpeachman.blogspot.com

“Christie Gardens is a well-respected industry leader in exceptional elder care. It didn’t get that way on its own. For as long as I have known Grace Sweatman in her roles as leader, administrator, executive director, and CEO, her unwritten personal motto has been to ‘Lead, serve, and change the world of eldercare.’ She might just not have realized it at the time. Thank you for the heart and soul you have given to your work and to those whom you have served.

I was so glad to hear that you had embarked on this project to share your stories and your vision.”

Yvonne Sweatman

Smart Staffing

www.smartstaffing.ca

 

“Many years ago I was fortunate to attend one of the strategic planning meetings that were organized for management and support staff at Christie Gardens … for three days I listened carefully and was amazed by your stories, which always came with a very valuable lesson. Your vision to change the culture in retirement living has had a tremendous impact on my daily thoughts and decisions. I have never forgotten your words: ‘Elders deserve their right to choice, services, and most importantly, their independence’.”

Elma Luis

New Horizons Tower

“I sat in the front row mesmerized. At the podium stood Grace Sweatman, CEO of Christie Gardens, former president of the Ontario Long Term Care Association, telling the story of how she came to realize that everything she had worked hard to build for 30 years had to be dismantled and rebuilt from the ground up. She called it her ‘Bold Call to Action.’ It was not enough to provide good care or employ kind and compassionate staff. To truly fulfill its mission, Christie Gardens needed to become a caring community unlike any other.”

Dr. Paula Neves

University Health Network