Baycrest

04/24/2026

It’s National Volunteer Week, and we're recognizing Pinchas Gutter's journey of dedication and impact.

For more than 25 years, he has quietly dedicated his time to helping others, offering companionship, spiritual support and leadership to a community that, in many ways, became his home. Despite the many roles he has held, Pinchas describes his approach simply. “I started doing all kinds of things,” he says. “I think there was nothing at Baycrest I didn’t do. I could help people when they needed it. I didn’t do fantastic things. I just did what I needed to do.”

Pinchas recounts many of those memories in his book Memories in Focus. He also speaks regularly to students and community groups around the world. “I believe that every person who can should get involved in helping people that need help,” he says. “The most important aspect of being human is finding a way to help people, even a little bit. That’s what it’s all about.”

📲 Read his full story by visiting https://www.baycrest.org/news/finding-a-way-to-help-holocaust-survivor-pinchas-gutter-volunteers-at-baycrest/

🌎 As we celebrate the individuals who generously give their time and talents to Baycrest. Volunteers enhance daily life through companionship, program support and special initiatives. Their presence brings warmth, encouragement and connection, enriching experiences for patients, residents, families and staff. Learn how you can become a volunteer by visiting https://www.baycrest.org/volunteers/

04/23/2026

Baycrest marked Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22 with a special on-site event that brought colleagues together for learning, exploration and action. The day included prizes, educational activities, e-waste collection and an office supplies exchange, all focused on reducing our environmental footprint.

This year’s Earth Day theme, Our Power, Our Planet, highlights the role each of us plays in advancing renewable energy, reducing our environmental impact and protecting the planet for future generations.

Together, our everyday actions can help power a more sustainable future. 🌎

04/22/2026

Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, marks the founding of the modern State of Israel in the historic homeland of the Jewish people – rooted in a connection to the land that reaches back thousands of years.

At Baycrest, the Heritage and Spiritual Care team brought residents, patients, staff and volunteers together for a joyful celebration filled with beloved Israeli songs and performances. Music and shared moments created a vibrant sense of connection, pride and community across campus.

Together, we marked 78 years of Israeli independence and spirit.

04/22/2026

It’s Administrative Professionals Day, and today we’re recognizing Lyzan Adams, Executive Assistant, Baycrest Hospital and Apotex.

Administrative Professionals Day recognizes the skilled professionals who keep our teams organized, informed and functioning smoothly. From managing schedules and coordinating communications to supporting leaders and departments, administrative professionals are the backbone of efficient, responsive care delivery.

Lyzan reflects on her career, “my impact began more than 15 years ago when the hospital was preparing for a major nursing renewal initiative, and coordinating the offsite education sessions required significant organization. Amid the fast paced environment, I demonstrated professionalism, reliability and the ability to ensure each day’s workshops ran smoothly and without delay. I am committed to supporting my peers by sharing my skills, knowledge and resourcefulness, helping them develop new capabilities as I continue to grow in my own role.”

🌎 Learn more about Baycrest by visiting https://www.baycrest.org/

04/21/2026

On this day, Yom HaZikaron, we mourn and remember Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror – people from all backgrounds and communities across Israeli society. This day is a solemn reflection of resilience, hope and the enduring power of remembrance. Their courage lives on in us. May we always carry their memory forward.

04/20/2026

It's National Volunteer Week and we're celebrating the individuals and the tens of thousands of hours of care and compassion our many volunteers have shared with the Baycrest community over this past year. Volunteers have enhanced daily life through their companionship, program support and special initiatives.

Thank you to all our volunteers, and to the staff who partner with them every day, impacting the lives of those across the Baycrest campus.

🌎 Learn how you can become a volunteer and make a difference by visiting https://www.baycrest.org/volunteers/

04/16/2026

It’s Oral Health Month, and today we’re recognizing Irina Hustwick, Dental Assistant at the Baycrest Dental Clinic.

Oral health professionals help prevent discomfort, infection and complications, while supporting nutrition, communication and confidence. Their specialized knowledge and attentive care play a key role in maintaining comfort and dignity for those we serve.

Irina notes a highlight of her career at Baycrest has been, “assisting with the dental health care of geriatric patients. I appreciate the special training and opportunities that comes with working at Baycrest in caring for some of our most vulnerable patients dealing with not just physical difficulties but mental health challenges as well. While we treat members of the general population, Baycrest Dental clinic is known throughout the GTA for its specialized treatment and care for the elderly, particularly those suffering from dementia. It’s been a career highlight to work with colleagues who share in the training, interests and passion in providing exceptional care for patients experiencing difficult and urgent dental issues.”

🌎 Learn more about the Dental Centre at Baycrest by visiting https://www.baycrest.org/all-clinics-services/dental-centre/

04/14/2026

In solemn remembrance of Yom HaShoah, Baycrest’s Heritage and Spiritual Care team hosted a commemorative ceremony, beginning with the reading of names of Holocaust victims. Each name marked a life lost and a story that must be remembered.

Holocaust survivors and family members lit six candles in memory of the six million Jewish souls lost, alongside prayers and poems that created space for grief, memory and reflection.

Each attendee received a candle upon entering, creating a shared and personal act of remembrance. We were also honoured to hear from a Holocaust survivor, whose words brought both the weight of history and the urgency of remembrance into the room.

Baycrest, where many Holocaust survivors are part of our community, recognizes Yom HaShoah as a time to remember, mourn and recommit to preserving memory — ensuring these stories and lessons are carried forward with dignity, care and responsibility.

04/10/2026

Music Therapy - Is Music Medicine? Join us on Thursday, April 16 at 11:00 a.m., in person or virtually, for a discussion led by Justine Stehouwer RP MTA, Music Therapist at Baycrest.

📌 In person: Baycrest, Centre for Health Information, 3560 Bathurst St. (Apotex first floor).

📱 Virtual: Register on Zoom by visiting https://www.baycrest.org/centre-for-health-information/health-talks/

Everyone is welcome. Join us to learn about the effects of music on the brain and body, as well the many ways it can positively impact the health of older adults.

Why attend?
✅ Stay informed with current health topics

✅ Get practical insight from health professionals

✅ Connect with others focused on aging, caregiving and wellness

Register and learn more at https://www.baycrest.org/centre-for-health-information/health-talks/

Baycrest is a global leader in aging and brain health, delivering innovative care, research, and education to improve lives worldwide.

04/06/2026

During Chol Ha-Moed, the intermediate days of Passover, residents and patients enjoyed a special concert featuring Eli Green from Jewish Music Toronto and Joseph Landau of Yosl and the Yingels.

Music is an important part of life at Baycrest, enriching daily experiences and bringing vibrancy to our community. Through song and celebration, the concert captured the spirit of the holiday and created a meaningful moment of connection during this special time.

04/01/2026

Passover begins tonight, and Baycrest’s Heritage and Spiritual Care team will host 12 Seders for residents and patients across our campus over the next two evenings.

Passover is a time to retell the story of liberation and celebrate freedom, hope and community. These Seders bring residents and patients together to experience the warmth of tradition, the comfort of connection and the joy of sharing the holiday with others.

Chag Pesach Sameach to all who are celebrating. May this holiday be filled with meaning and cherished moments.

04/01/2026

We explore how to talk to children and young people about dementia in age-appropriate, stigma-reducing ways—supporting connection and well-being for both the person living with dementia and the entire family. Guest Angeleta Cox shares how she talked about her late mother’s young-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis with her young child and two teens. And Hannah Gardner, Consultant Admiral Nurse for Children and Young People at Dementia UK, speaks to improving support and awareness for children and young people living in families affected by dementia.

🎧 Tune in at defydementia.org, or anywhere you get your podcasts.