GEM Health Care Group

04/21/2026

This morning at the Admiral, music therapist Rebecca provided uplifting, fun music to brighten residents' days! 🔆

04/21/2026

Next up from Melville Heights is Phyllis Weaver, a resident whose presence is a large part of the meaningful relationships and daily life within the community.

Four years in and Phyllis is still one of the most active and involved people at Melville Heights. A proud member of our knitting club, Phyllis has also spent years giving back beyond the community walls, including rowing in support of breast cancer research in the New Glasgow area and participating in initiatives across Nova Scotia.

Phyllis is described by friends and family as a devoted mother and grandmother who is always the first to lend a hand. Her energy and caring spirit are truly contagious, and we're so glad she's part of our community!

04/18/2026

With our communities filled to the brim with wonderful residents, it makes our team’s job of providing high-quality care and support that much better.

In celebration of our residents, we’re happy to introduce you all to the infamous Eva Mae Gray from Melville Heights!

Eva Mae has lived a life defined by generosity, and she hasn't slowed down one bit. A former teacher from the Sambro area, Eva Mae has been a valued member of the community’s knitting club since it began in March 2005. In that time, the group has knitted over 547 blankets for people in need across HRM. In addition, she's a founding member of the Sambro Dinner Club, which has been going strong for over 20 years.

A proud mother, a great friend, and a go-getter are just some of the words used to describe Eva.

Thanks, Eva Mae, for always connecting and contributing at Melville Heights. It is a pleasure having you!

04/15/2026

Our next team member spotlight from Melville Heights is someone who always puts the “E” in effort: Mike Jenkins!

Ten years. That's how long Mike Jenkins has been keeping Melville Heights running, and we can't imagine the community without him.

A Spryfield local through and through, Mike brings years of experience in moving and construction, making him a stellar fit for the head of maintenance position.

His colleagues confirmed that no matter the task, he shows up with a good attitude and a smile. What makes it even more special? His son Wesley also works alongside the team in night housekeeping, making the Jenkins family a true part of what makes the community tick.

Mike- On behalf of GEM, thank you for ten incredible years of hard work and dedication to the Melville Heights community.

04/14/2026

Yarmouth Heights rolled up their sleeves (and their sushi 🍣) this week!

Residents put on their chef hats and embraced Japanese culture with a hands-on sushi-making class that was both fun and flavorful.

A wonderful way to get the community together, explore new cultures, and try something different. Well done, Yarmouth Heights!

04/13/2026

This weekend, Yarmouth Heights successfully held its third Toonie & Accessories Sale!

This DEIA initiative enables residents to shop for clothing from the comfort of their own homes, offering private shopping time for residents and staff before the event opens to the public. The sale provides a fun and creative way to raise funds that support recreational activities for residents.

The event would not have been possible without the support of volunteers Louise Salvatin and Tanya Deviller, as well as recreation therapist Madison Hodgins for coordinating the event, and Jason Melanson for his assistance with storage and transportation.

Thank you to everyone who donated clothing in the recent months! Your generosity is greatly appreciated by the community.

04/13/2026

Residents of Yarmouth Heights enjoyed a fantastic performance from a group of local line dancers. They were even fortunate enough to learn some of their moves! The community had a ball and can't wait for their next visit.

04/12/2026

Our first feature in the April Melville Heights series is the warm and welcoming Joyce Johnston!

Five years ago, Joyce walked through the doors of Melville Heights, and residents and team members have been smiling ever since.

As the community’s administrative assistant, Joyce is the first face you see at Melville Heights, and she makes sure that first impression counts.

With over 30 years of experience from her career at Nova Scotia Power, she brings warmth and professionalism to the front lobby, truly setting the tone for all the special things that take place at the home.

Joyce, we're so grateful to have you sharing your positive and bright energy with the community. Here's to five amazing years and many more to come!

04/10/2026

We would like to provide an update regarding the ongoing provincial labour negotiations involving CUPE - The Canadian Union of Public Employees. We have been notified that a legal work stoppage is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 13th, at 7:00 a.m. at several long-term care facilities across Nova Scotia, including our own locations at Whitehills Long Term Care Centre in Hammonds Plains and the Admiral Long Term Care Centre in Dartmouth.

Our Residents Are Our Priority:
While we navigate this provincial labour dispute, we have established an Essential Services Agreement with CUPE to ensure core care continues without interruption. This will be further supported by other current non-striking team members in our facilities.

We will continue to welcome families and friends with open arms. To respect the privacy of all residents and adhere to our essential services protocols, we ask that visitors focus their support specifically on their own family members or loved ones during their visit. While you may see picketing near our entrances, we want you to know that access to our facilities for visitors and families will always remain open and unobstructed.

We recognize the important bond between our team and our residents, and we remain hopeful that a fair and mutually beneficial resolution will be reached quickly between the Union and the Province. As these parties work through the collective bargaining process, GEM remains committed to the health, safety, and comfort of our residents.

We appreciate your patience and trust in us as we work through this period together. We will continue to share updates as new information becomes available.

04/10/2026

Yesterday, Yarmouth Heights recognized Vimy Ridge Day.

The anniversary reminds us of the courage and sacrifice of Canadians during the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917, an important moment in our nation’s history that helped shape Canada’s identity.

The community was especially honoured to celebrate the veterans who call Yarmouth Heights home. Their bravery, strength, and dedication to our country continue to inspire us every day.

Thank you to all who have served and to the legacy you have shared with all of us.

Lest we forget.

04/09/2026

This month, we're featuring Melville Heights, one of our retirement and assisted living communities that has made a name for itself in caring for its residents and helping them feel at home.

At Melville Heights, the focus is on giving residents the freedom to enjoy their day however they want. Some spend time walking the landscaped paths or heading out on local outings, while others prefer a quieter afternoon catching up with friends in the games room. The building itself overlooks the Northwest Arm and the Armdale Yacht Club, offering stunning views year-round.

The community’s suites are designed to feel like home, with full kitchens, spacious living areas, and walk-in closets. It’s independent living with support close by when it’s needed. Family and friends are always welcome to drop in for tea, stay for dinner, or book one of the guest rooms for an overnight stay.

There's a lot to look forward to at Melville Heights this month! The team has a fun lineup of activities and events planned, including a pizza party for both staff and residents, a birthday celebration for April residents, live music every Friday, crafts on the weekends, and movies to round out the week.

When asked what they’re most proud of at Melville Heights, the team collectively agreed that it is the quality time spent with residents.

The activities planned aren't just a box to tick off the list. They're where authentic connections happen and where the community truly comes alive. Every moment spent together is a reminder to the team of why this work matters so much.

To learn more about what Melville Heights has to offer, see the video below:

Enjoy a 4K virtual tour of Melville Heights Retirement Residence in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Shot and edited by Mosy Photography

04/08/2026

April 8 is the International Day of Pink, a day when people wear pink as a representation of support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

At its core, the day is about treating everyone with respect, speaking up for others, and working together to create a more inclusive and accepting world. It also reminds us how important it is to foster spaces where people feel safe, accepted, and valued for who they are.

At GEM, we recognize this responsibility and hold ourselves accountable to these values. Whether you are a resident or a team member, everyone deserves a positive, inclusive environment in our communities.

To learn more about the 2026 theme “ECHO”, visit: https://www.dayofpink.org/en/home