A song of her own: Arlene Clyde’s journey with person-centred care

Feature story

Meet Arlene Clyde, a 76-year-old mother of four and grandmother of nine, who has been married to her husband, David, for 58 years. She’s also one of a nine-sibling household, so family has always been at Arlene’s core. 

Arlene has been playing piano since she was a young girl, taught by nuns in her hometown of Sheenboro, Quebec. She loves to play the piano and likes to stay active, exploring the neighbourhood around her when she feels up to it.     In 2021, Arlene moved into the Garry J. Armstrong long-term care home when her dementia progressed, and she began to require 24-hour care. She’s now living in one of the neighbourhoods where person-centred care is being implemented.     While Arlene has lost her ability to speak, she has developed her own language which the staff understands. This has significantly helped in the delivery of her care. Person-centred care has allowed staff to focus on her strengths, not limiting her because of her condition, and giving her and her family options for her care.    Her husband, David, is incredibly supportive and involved in her care, and has visited almost every day since she moved in. David works closely with staff to ensure Arlene’s needs are met and to adapt her care where required so she can continue to live her best life while in the home.  

“She’s very happy, plays the piano almost every day, and always has a smile on her face,” David shared. Garry J. Armstrong now has three pianos across the home that Arlene can play anytime she likes. “She gets excited and tries to sing along when she plays the piano in the nursing station. She just loves the attention.” 

David often brings Arlene home on the weekend, to spend time with her family. “I bring her home; we have a little lunch. I have a piano there and she plays and gets lots of hugs and affection from the grandkids, and she just loves it. When the time comes to leave, she has no problem coming back. She’s right at home here.”     Knowing that Arlene is receiving care that is customized to her specific needs and leaves room for what is important to her, has been a true relief for David. “We’re glad to be here. I just love the people that work here, and I can go home and feel good, knowing that she’s in a secure place and she’s being taken care of.”     For more information on Ottawa’s long-term care homes and details on person-centred care, visit the City’s long-term care webpage.