Remarkable Rose

NYGH’s Edwin S.H. Leong Geriatric Supportive Care Outreach Program Honours Lives Richly Lived

Seated comfortably on a sofa chair in her North York retirement residence, Rose Steer – 109 years old – is a captivating presence.

On the walls behind her, glistening plaques from Buckingham Palace as well as accolades and citations from the city and board of education. Hundreds of photos surround her as well, many of her dancing and many of her children, grandchildren, and even great-great grandchildren, as well as stacks of newspaper clippings — altogether telling a century of stories from a life fabulously lived.

Remarkable Rose

NYGH’s Edwin S.H. Leong Geriatric Supportive Care Outreach Program Honours Lives Richly Lived

Seated comfortably on a sofa chair in her North York retirement residence, Rose Steer – 109 years old – is a captivating presence.

High-Stepping History

“She was born in 1915 in a small village on the outskirts of Edinburgh,” says her daughter Margaret, who sits proudly alongside her mother. “Growing up in Scotland there were always dances going on, and when she came to Toronto in 1957 I suppose she brought those traditions with her.”

With glowing enthusiasm, Margaret recounts her mother’s vibrant history, emphasizing the time she rallied the surrounding community to form a Saturday night dance club at Bickford Park High School. The popular Scottish-country-dancing and square-dancing to-dos continued for 16 years, drawing a loyal crowd of 115 dancers led by Rose herself.

“It was from there that the Second Mile Rockettes, also known as Rose’s Rockettes, came to be,” recalls Margaret. “They were a touring group of senior dancers — led by Mom — who performed and high-kicked at senior care homes across the city. They even entertained on Seniors Day at the Canadian National Exhibition!”

Care Begins at Home

For Carolyn Willson, a Nurse Practitioner with North York General Hospital (NYGH), her newfound acquaintance with Rose through the Edwin S.H. Leong Geriatric Supportive Care Outreach Program (Leong Outreach Program) has felt particularly special given this history.

“Meeting Rose this year as her home visiting nurse practitioner, I’ve come to appreciate how much she has given back to the community — particularly to seniors — throughout her incredible life,” says Carolyn. “I thought, how lovely that we now get this opportunity to do the same for her.”

Rose, as Carolyn explains, is one of approximately 50 individuals who are now part of the Leong Outreach Program — a unique, donor-driven initiative led by NYGH which provides one-to-one supportive and palliative care in the home for those living with life-limiting, progressive, non-cancer illnesses.

“This program, which is the first we know of its kind in Canada, was designed for what is sometimes, quite unfortunately, a forgotten population, “ says Carolyn.

“By addressing the health concerns of these important individuals directly in their homes, and honouring their wishes and preference for care, we can improve their quality of life and avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency room. It’s a way of showing people like Rose, and showing their families — how much they are valued.”

Relief in Knowing What’s Next

For Margaret, who becomes emotional when asked about the impact of the Leong program on her own life, the connection has been monumental.

“I wish I’d known about it sooner, honestly,” says Margaret, recalling several painful trips to the emergency room with her mother. “The first time Carolyn came to visit with mom, she was funny and lovely and we all clicked right away. She addressed the plan moving forward and the stress just felt like it melted away.”

“I knew from that moment that she — and that NYGH — would be there for us.”

Margaret explains that this reassurance has meant the world to her and her family, as Rose’s needs have become greater. She says that she’s particularly heartened to know that when the time comes, there will likely be no need for her mother to pass in a hospital bed. That she, and all the people who adore Rose as much as she does, will be with her in this very space, allowing a brilliant life to conclude with comfort and dignity.

Acknowledging A Life Well-Lived

“Of all their interactions so far I won’t forget the way that Carolyn spoke to Mom directly, the first time they met,” adds Margaret. “Oftentimes, given her age, people will ignore her — and forget there’s someone in there. She’s wise to it — she’ll keep quiet but her eyes will twinkle and say, ‘hey, I’m right here.’”

As she speaks these words, Margaret holds her mom’s hand tightly. The connection of their eyes results in a burst of laughter, with Rose’s 1000-watt smile making an exact match for a nearby vintage photo of her high-kicking with her fellow Rockettes so many years ago.

“You’re my girl, “ Margaret says to her mother. “You’re my girl”.

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