Balsam Care

03/25/2026

We didn't let the weather dampen our spirits. We may have pivoted a bit to ensure a safe trek to Bayers Lake, but we did it 🙌

Person directed looks like.....

Individuals or groups of people decide what they want and Balsam staff support the desire being met. 🕶👍

Several persons served chose to take in a movie at the Scotia Bank Cineplex, sharing the experience together. They wanted to be a part of the movie going community and our caring staff made the magic happen ✨️ 🎬

As options are presented to engage in conversations about where to eat, persons served decide what they would like. Like any other group planning (as we all have had to do in our own lives), the group discussed options and made a unanimous decision--Good ole' McDonald's for the win! 😊🍔🍟🥤

Being a part of a community is more than showing up-- it's participating 😎

Balsam staff are rock stars in person directed skills and supportive independence 🙌👏

03/24/2026

Because we want to share what we know....

Belonging vs. Presence:
True inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) goes beyond physical presence in public spaces to engage in a community of choice. It is a sense of belonging and making authentic meaningful relationships 😊

Benefits of True Inclusion:
○ Improved well-being-- community inclusion is connected to higher self-esteem, self-confidence, better mental health, decreased loneliness, and increased happiness 😊
○ Valued social roles-- inclusion allows individuals to act as neighbors, co-workers, volunteers, and friends-making meaningful relationships and improving quality of life.🤸👥️🫂
○ Skill development-- participation in community activities fosters functional, social, and communication skills.🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️

Societal gains:
● Inclusive communities are stronger, more diverse, and benefit from the unique abilities and perspective of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.👩‍🦯🧑‍🦼⛹️‍♂️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Effective inclusion:
■ Friendships beyond staff-- authentic inclusion means developing relationships with community members who are not paid support staff or other individuals with IDD.👨‍👦👫👬
■ Personalization-- inclusion initiatives are most successful when they are person directed; based on the person's interests rather than generic group activities.🎯🎳🎬📚🔭
■Supportive environments-- successful inclusion often requires supports to build relationships, such as "bridging" by support staff who help create natural connections. 🛤🌈
■Role of technology-- virtual groups and social media are increasingly used to build social networks and reduce isolation, especially when tailored to personal interests. 💻📲🎮

03/23/2026

Small option homes offer comfort, consistency, and a true sense of home. These spaces support independence while fostering strong relationships.

03/22/2026

It is officially spring 🌷🌸

Mother nature may have missed the memo, but we didn't. We have made the best of the winter months, waiting patiently for spring so we can take in fresh air and spring holidays. One of those holidays we enjoy shopping for is Easter. We know those chocolate eggs will soon be gone, so we shop early for them 🥚🍫🐰

We are always up for drives to communities around us, sight seeing and meeting new people. We recently took a drive to Chester, enjoying the beauty of a community neighbor. 🌊🌞⛵️

We want to give a positive shout out to Jerry's Diner in Bridgewater for accommodating our wishes-- lunch for breakfast. We were craving fries and fried chicken for our morning nourishment, and they came through for us. Thank you 😊 🍟🍗

Did anyone say "BINGO!" The Hub recently held an evening of fun with a game of BINGO. Friends, snacks, and prizes for the win! 🏆

03/21/2026

Today is World Down Syndrome Day. This year’s theme, Together Against Loneliness, reminds us that true inclusion means connection, belonging, and showing up for one another. We celebrate the unique strengths each person brings to our community — and the power of standing together.

03/21/2026

Yay 🎉

Although we believe in celebrating unique abilities every day, today is World Down Syndrome Day and we love that 😀

Did you know.....

~ Down Syndrome is a common chromosomal condition, affecting 1 in 700 to 1 in 1000 babies born around the world 🌎 This is something to celebrate because it means more people are filling communities with diversity and joy 😊

~ In 1983 the average life span of a person with Down syndrome was 25. Today, the average life span is 60, with medical advancements, community support, and inclusion making this possible 🥰

Inclusion....
People with Down syndrome are active members of society; attending school, playing sports, working, and contributing to their communities. 🏆⛹️⛹️‍♀️🚴‍♂️🏫🎉📙

Diverse achievements....
People with Down syndrome often achieve high levels of independence, maintain meaningful relationships, have lasting friendships, get married, earn university degrees, act in films, and own businesses. This is something to talk about! 🏅🏆😎🎬📚📖👨‍🎓👩‍🎓🤵‍♂️👰‍♂️

Strong social skills....
People with Down syndrome are characterized as outgoing, empathetic, friendly, kind, and helpful in breaking down societal prejudice barriers🩷🩵🫶💪👏

Focus on abilities....
People with Down syndrome have a diverse variety of abilities, with many individuals functioning in the mild to moderate range of cognitive impairment--showing great creativity and insight 👏 👍 🥰

Research is strong in the positive impact people with Down syndrome have within their families. Siblings are shown to be more tolerant and supportive of those with intellectual or developmental disabilities in their schools and communities. They are often more compassionate and aware of diversity around them, becoming advocates and allies ❣️🖐🫂👥️👨‍👩‍👦‍👦

Let's continue to do our part in being inclusive, breaking down barriers, supporting individuals, and creating safer spaces for abilities 🎊✨️

03/20/2026

We are here to brag a bit 😊

We know our staff are some of the most skillful, compassionate, and creative people. They go above and beyond to meet the needs of persons served, often without being asked to do so. 😎

Our staff provide support in a number of areas-- Small Community Living Options Homes, Independent Living Support Program, respite, residential care, and day programming.

Recently, we wanted to show some love and appreciation to our Small Community Living Options, Independent Living Support Program, and Hub staff with some sweets and kudos 👏 🍰🧁

Thank you all for showing up and being the amazing team you are! You rock!

03/20/2026

Today is the International Day of Happiness. For us, happiness shows up in connection, laughter, and feeling supported—every single day.

03/18/2026

As we support people in their transition to independent living, it is important to us that we listen to their identified needs, likes, dislikes, and interests.

At the Hub, we learn about persons served through conversations, open ended questions, and engaging observations. When we know someone wants to learn a new skill, gain knowledge, or explore their environment, we put a plan together. Recently, persons served were interested in learning about math and the laws of physics through hands on science activities. We used what we could find around us to create a fun experience for everyone. In this case, the common coffee stirrer provided the learning requested ☕️🥢⁉️

We also like to invite community partners in to talk with us about supported employment, education, or other topics of interest. Recently, Employment Solutions provided information to a number of persons served as they learned about various levels of applying for work in the community. 👷‍♂️👮‍♀️👩‍🚒👨‍🍳

Inclusive communities benefit everyone ;)

03/17/2026

A little green, a lot of connection. St. Patrick’s Day is a great excuse to celebrate together and enjoy the fun of community living.

03/17/2026

Debbie and her steady companion, Annie (sweet dog) volunteered many hours at Balsam over the years, bringing love and smiles with their visits.

REID, Deborah Jean – Age 76, of Bridgewater, passed away peacefully at the Halifax Infirmary, on Thursday, March 12th, 2026. She is survived by her two sons: Matt (Christina) and Mark (Julie); 2 grandchildren: Victoria, and Dean; Sister Lynne; and nephew Jamie (Edyta). “Grammie Mumford” was th...

03/17/2026

With a heavy heart, we share in the sad passing of a special volunteer who warmed the hearts of many people at Balsam.

Debbie Reid and her beloved companion, Annie, brought many smiles to all who loved the visits and friendships formed.