“It’s wonderful here,” says Legge, 77. “I like everything very much . . . The staff is excellent. The care is good.”

In March Legge moved from a retirement residence, where he had lived for nine years, to the long-term care facility. His doctor suggested the move after Legge’s wife had to be hospitalized and couldn’t look after him anymore.

Legge has had heart problems as well as non-insulin-dependent diabetes for years.

Staff at the long-term care facility has been monitoring his condition closely, according to Joanne Zahur, registered nurse and acting assistant director of care.

Nursing staff-members perform a variety of blood sugar tests on a regular basis to ensure Legge’s diabetes is under control.

The facility also offers an extensive physiotherapy and restorative care program to help maintain and enhance the mobility and coordination of residents like Legge.

Zahur says Legge is one of those residents who needs a little extra encouragement to take part in the programs.

The nutritional department at the facility also sees that Legge has a modified diabetic diet.

Legge, who worked in construction for 50 years, says he couldn’t be happier with all the care he receives.

“No one could wish for anything better,” he says. Discussions are currently underway about whether Legge’s wife will be able to join him eventually at the home.

Zahur says Legge is one of a significant number of residents at the facility who have diabetes. The facility has a wing designated for residents of Sri Lankan descent and about 50 per cent of these residents have the condition, she says.

The home develops individualized programs to meet the needs of residents with diabetes, according to Angie King, director of care. The programs depend on what the residents are used to as well the protocol of their attending physicians, she says.