Margaret Cavanaugh’s legacy of care will support those facing dementia for years to come

Margaret Cavanaugh had a life-long connection to St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph. And now, a very generous and thoughtful donation made by her children in her memory, will help ensure others have access to the day programs and supports that became so vital to Margaret and her family in her later years.

Margaret and her husband Don moved to Guelph in 1959 and a few years later, she began a twenty year career at St. Joseph’s as a nurse in the Recovery Room. Margaret loved her work and remained committed to providing exemplary care to her patients until she retired.

Many years later, Margaret began to develop signs of dementia and she and her family turned to St. Joseph’s to receive the compassionate care she herself had provided to so many. Margaret began attending St. Joe’s Out ‘n About program which offers a welcoming, stimulating environment for those who are experiencing difficulty in daily living but wish to stay in their own home.

“St. Joseph’s Day Programs were a godsend to our family and allowed my mother to live in her own home much longer,” shared Siobhan Cavanaugh, Margaret’s daughter. “Mom was so well cared for because the staff were so attentive to her individual needs. She loved getting up in the morning and eagerly waited for the transit service to pick her up.”

When Margaret passed away, her children honoured their mother’s memory and legacy of care by making a donation to St. Joseph’s through the Cavanaugh Family Foundation. The donation will purchase mobility equipment devices, support recreation and music therapy, and create a new subsidy for those who may need assistance with the Out ‘n About program’s $20 per day fee.

“This donation reflects a beautiful legacy of a life dedicated to healthcare,” shares Jennifer Hall, VP Development of St. Joseph’s Foundation. “It was an honour to support Margaret Cavanaugh’s family as they identified meaningful programs and projects to support. Their gift will ensure those facing a diagnosis of dementia, and their loved ones, will continue to have access to the support, respite care, and unique services they need.”

St. Joseph’s offers a variety of day and overnight programming and supports for individuals and their caregivers. To learn more please visit www.sjhcg.ca or contact us at 519-824-6000 ext. 4417.

 

This story was published in the spring 2023 edition of St. Joe’s Newsletter.