b'is wonderful to know that we helprelieved of the burden of being a soleresidence, they may envision some-makeadi erenceinpeopleslivescaregiver.Onefamilymembercanthingdi erent,Brentcommented. during a dicult time. live in with the resident so that theyPeopleareveryimpressed.The Theres24/7medicalcarepro- cancontinuetobetogetherduringbuilding is beautiful and home-like. videdfortheresidents.Relativesthenal stages of life.Itsacomfortablespace,arelaxing receive comfort and support, and areBefore people come to the hospiceenvironment.Members of the public are wel-cometomakearrangementsto tour the Morgan and Sidhu House. Contact289-225-0202orinfo@RETIREDoakridgeshospice.com. patients Doctorswhoevaluate makeassessmentsandintakes. AreOAK RIDGES HOSPICEtheyreadyforhospice?Thisisthe key question. EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR The hospice residence is the best place for the palliative journey and end of life care, Brent feels. It has BRENT FARRbeen an honour and a privilege for me to be part of the opening of theand his Morgan and Sidhu House.Since 1980, Brent has had a fulsomeFRIENDLY TERRIERcareer serving the community in ad-ministrative and leadership roles.DEXTER BoardofDirectorsfortheDurham Over 20 years ago, he was on the Hospice,whichisnowrunbythePROMISE TO VISITEveryone loves Dexter and he loves them. The staff love Dexter too. VON.Please turn to page 18In November of 2020, Brent Farr came out of retire-rst hospice in Durham Region in his hometown of Port ment to take on the important role of Executive DirectorPerry. Brent credits him with providing support, leader-of the Morgan and Sidhu House, operated by Oak Ridgesship and guidance.Hospice. At New Years, Brent got a new dog. In FebruaryI had no intention of going back to work, especially of 2021, Brents adorable six pound Biewer terrier, Dexterfull time, Brent recalled. But it sounded like a great op-with the cute face became the ocial hospice mascot,portunity to be involved with something rewarding.delighting sta , volunteers, families and residents alike. Therst resident intake was in April 2020, and the of- cial opening was in June that year.On October 14 this year, Brent left the top role at thePortPerrybasedhospice.HepromisedthathewouldThe building at 1722 Scugog Street was completed be-come back to volunteer once a week, and of course, bringfore the pandemic caused construction prices to skyrocket, Dexter with him. Brent explained.When we walk into a room, Dexter gets all the atten- It was very tenuous to open during COVID, Brent tion, Brent said. Everyone loves this friendly little guy.said. But we did it! Thanks to recruiting extraordinary Dexter brings a smile to peoples faces. board members, staand volunteers. It was challenging Oak Ridges Hospice also welcomes certi ed therapybut quite an achievement.dogs to spend time with families and residents who wouldHe cant say enough good things about the Oak Ridges like some canine companionship, Brent reported. This isHospiceteam.Theircompetenceandcompassionis all part of the Morgan and Sidhu House being like a homeoutstanding.away from home, as opposed to an institutional setting. This is evident by the many appreciative testimonials. Dr. Steve Russell originally had the dream to create theThefeedbackisheartwarmingandmotivating.It 16 FOCUS - NOVEMBER 2022'