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The new executive director at Trillium Court Seniors Community in Kincardine is familiar with this area and glad to be back home.

Mary Margaret Fuller grew up in Goderich and now lives in Point Clark.

She took over the job in the fall and has enjoyed getting to know the residents and staff.

"I was the executive director of a private childcare treatment centre just outside Trenton for 12 years," she says, "but I really wanted to get back to working with adults and seniors. 

"My mother was a registered nurse and I spent years wandering the halls of Maitland Manor. I am quite interested in seniors and long-term care facilities."

The other plus to taking the job at Trillium Court was returning to southwestern Ontario, says Fuller. "I drive into work along the water and it's just gorgeous. It doesn't get much better than that."

Fuller has a Bachelor's degree in social work and a Master's degree in leadership and adult training. She began her career at the Bluewater Youth Centre in Goderich and then worked in the fields of mental health and long-term care before taking the job at the childcare treatment centre.

She is enjoying herself now at Trillium Court and says the residents and staff are warm and friendly, and the atmosphere is welcoming.

"I'm very lucky to have the staff I have here," says Fuller. "They care deeply about the residents and they are very concerned about the residents' well-being."

Trillium Court offers a lot of programs and Fuller says any changes that would be made would be to enhance the community and quality of life for the residents. "It's nice to have the renovations completed," she says. "The place looks great. It's also a beautiful setting here. It's like we're in a park, but we're close to all the amenities, and we're part of the community here."

When asked about concerns that Trillium Court is facing major upgrades, Fuller says the building is considered a "C" facility by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and all facilities must be upgraded to an "A" classification.

"We are continuing to work with the ministry as to what upgrades we have to  make and the timing," she says. "It all depends on adequate funding. It's a constant battle to get the necessary funding for the care required."

The best part about Trillium Court, she says, is that it offers three levels of care: the leisure living apartments, the lodge rooms, and long-term care.

"Our residents can stay here and transition as their care needs change," she says. "It's great for them because they can stay in the community."

When not at work, Fuller enjoys reading and singing, and she hopes to join a local choir. She also looks after her two dogs, and she likes visiting with her many relatives in Goderich.

The new director of care is Helen Mullenix.

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Friday, April 02, 2010