Kerry Williams was quick to credit the staff and volunteers at Ayre Manor for any recognition it received receives.
The care facility was recently chosen for a Business Excellence Award in the Non-Profit and Volunteer category from the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce.
“Everyone here takes pride in providing safe, reliable care for our residents,” said Williams, the executive director at Ayre Manor for the past 11 years.
“Everyone is on a friendly, first-name basis. We have amazing staff who care for our residents, and volunteers who take care of our beautiful garden and volunteer-run store. Their level of dedication, support and care goes above and beyond.”
Only six of the 75 staff that includes full-time, part-time and casual positions do not live in Sooke, Williams noted.
“While many facilities are struggling with staffing issues, we’re in a really good place here,” he said. “There’s a real attachment to the community.”
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Ayre Manor, which is run by the Sooke Elderly Citizens Housing Society, has 18 independent cottages, 25 assisted living units, 21 complex care units, and two hospices.
The fact every room is private and has a ceiling lift is another element that sets Ayre Manor apart from most care facilities in the region, Williams said.
Ayre Manor received accreditation from Accreditation Canada in 2021 for its governance, leadership, delivery of care, emergency and disaster prevention and control, medication management, and residents’ care.
“We strive to provide our residents with the highest level of care,” Williams said. “We’re very pleased to be honoured with the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce award, and I want to take the opportunity to thank members of the board, our staff and volunteers for their efforts and dedication.”
Ayre Manor began with a single cottage built on a seven-acre property purchased for $8,500 in 1969. Another 17 cottages were added, which are still in use today. Work on the facility as it stands today began in 2006 and was completed in 2008.
Visit ayremanor.ca for more information
