Balsam Care

04/15/2026

04/15/2026

As part of our new adventure, “Who are the people in your neighborhood”, we visited Meguma Meadows Flower Farm. This beautiful shop is just down the road from us at 419 King Street. We were so awestruck with everything in there that we didn’t even think to take pictures. The owner, Laura was so lovely and fun to talk to. We suggest popping in and spoiling yourself or someone you love!

04/15/2026

As the old saying goes....April showers bring May flowers ☔️🌷

We don't let a little rain bring us down because we know better weather is just around the next corner. We live in Nova Scotia, where the weather has no rules and we come prepared for anything 🌞🌤🌧❄️

We keep our community outings schedule pretty full and support staff hustling with our busy social calendars 📅 😉 Being able to purchase items on our own is important to us because we enjoy choices and being consumers. Sometimes we look for the "old" in the "new", browsing thrift stores for records of yesteryear 🎼💿

Being social butterflies helps us build friendships, social skills, and other types of relationships in the community....and we love it🦋 :)

As a part of learning independent living, we practice cooking at the downtown hub with support staff. Learning through experience is how we gain knowledge and confidence in skill building. Making pancakes is a favorite 🥞 When living independently, there is no rule about eating pancakes for lunch 😋

Do you like breakfast food for lunch or dinner? We do too ;)

04/15/2026

No two days at Balsam look exactly the same—and that’s kind of the best part.

Some days are busy, some are slower, but they’re all built around support, routine, and showing up for one another.

04/13/2026

Do you ever find yourself feeling like the phrase "Another Manic Monday" fits your life? Well, there are Mondays when we wish Sunday wasn't so short. Today, with the rain, we wish we could turn back time to yesterday, when the sun was shining warmly on our face and the fresh air made us feel springy 🌞☀️🌧

Being in nature is healthy for our lungs, mental health, and physical well-being. We enjoy sipping coffee, reading a book, or just closing our eyes for a moment on one of our fabulous outside decks while the spring weather warms us ☕️📕

Sometimes, with encouragement and support from staff, we feel confident enough to order a pizza and have it delivered-- the same as anyone in the community. 🍕😁

Success is found in the smallest of ways. Well-being looks different for everyone 👨‍🦼🧎‍♀️🧘‍♀️🤸👍👏

04/13/2026

We proudly present:

Judy Banfield and her latest hooking “Black Bear”, a top quality wall hanging.

Judy would like to sell tickets on her project and draw a winner.

Tickets are on sale starting today for $2 each.
E-transfer lahavelites@ourriverview.com
We can accept cash as well.
Tickets are available on King Street, and through Lisa at the ARC, or through this Facebook post.

04/11/2026

While we look for the sun on this Saturday, we are having fun searching for the perfect pair of glasses, a good book, and snacks in the community we call home 🏡🏘

We love sharing our eye accessory excitement with staff who also wear glasses. Choice is important to us and we enjoy taking our time, picking the perfect eye wear that show off our beautiful peepers 👓🕶😎🤓

With spring continuing to tease us--we are preparing for those lazy warmer days with choosing an interesting book. Browsing shelves of books, word searches, and craft ideas at the local bookstore bring warm smiles while we look for the golden ball in the sky 🌞📚📕

With spring flowers peaking through new growth after a long winter, we are ready to flourish too. We make the most of outings, preparing for community living and supportive inclusion. Shopping and navigating stores with limited support and increased independence is a valuable part of our inclusion goals. 🏢🏦🍞🍉🧀🌸🌷

04/10/2026

There’s something about spring that brings a little extra energy into the day.
More light, more movement, more reasons to get outside and connect.

At Balsam, we’re leaning into it—fresh air, fresh routines, and those small moments that make the day feel good.

04/09/2026

With the spring sunshine upon us, staff and Independent Living Support Program persons served are taking full advantage of the fresh air and exercise.👟🎒🚴‍♂️🤸‍♂️

Hiking or walking helps with strengthening muscles and bones while expanding our lung capacity, keeping our heart healthy and bodies in shape🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️🥾

Biking, whether manual or electric keeps us fit physically and mentally. Bicycles are also a great way to explore communities🚵‍♀️

Being a part of a community means we can participate in hobbies that keep us moving and motivated 💪

Wear comfortable clothes, good footwear, and of course a helmet when riding a bike.

04/08/2026

Today is International Day of Pink.

It’s a day that started as a stand against bullying—and a reminder that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and included for who they are.

At Balsam, that’s something we believe in every day. Creating a space where people feel accepted, supported, and like they truly belong isn’t extra—it’s essential.

Kindness matters. Inclusion matters. The way we treat each other matters.