CHOICE Dickinsfield Celebrates 30 Years of Keeping Clients Active, Connected and Independent
Thirtieth anniversary balloons at CHOICE Dickinsfield.
It was an emotional afternoon as clients, families and staff gathered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the CHOICE Dickinsfield program on March 17, 2026.
“I think I would still be in my wheelchair,” said Warren, a CHOICE Dickinsfield client. He stood with his walker as he spoke about the spinal injury that happened in a car accident over a decade ago. Today he celebrates 11 years as a CHOICE client, and he is thankful to the staff who helped him through seizures, found him the right medication, and increased his mobility. “The staff here are like family to me.”
Dr. Ellen Golka Moxham travelled to CHOICE Dickinsfield from San Diego to mark the program’s 30th anniversary.
“At CHOICE I am simply ‘Ernie’s daughter.’”
Dr. Ellen Golka Moxham speaking at the 30th anniversary ceremony.
Ernie, Golka Moxham’s father, joined CHOICE in 2004 when he was 78 years old. Prior to joining, he had complications from a heart attack, open heart surgery, and months of rehab at the Glenrose hospital. Ernie was on oxygen, had a walker and lived with multiple medical conditions.
“There were bumps along the journey,” says Golka Moxham. “In these instances the value of having a comprehensive team who knew dad and understood his baseline, medical conditions and personality was invaluable.”
CHOICE programs were developed in the early 1990s to support adults 60 and over to allow them to continue living in their own homes and communities. The multi-disciplinary care team includes care from physicians and nurses to occupational therapists, physiotherapists and social workers. Clients who visit regularly benefit from cross-disciplinary care, which provides the necessary support for clients to become healthier. For caregivers like Golka Moxham, the program helped her navigate the many health needs of her dad Ernie and to feel the certainty he was cared for.
Carole Morris, CHOICE Dickinsfield's first LPN, speaking at the 30th anniversary ceremony.
“For 12 years CHOICE was a godsend for Dad and for us,” said Golka Moxham. “We could not have managed without CHOICE, and we doubt that Dad would have lived such a long and vibrant life. Here at CHOICE he grew stronger physically, mentally and spiritually.”
Gary, a client at CHOICE Dickinsfield for the past 4 years, knows the value of the program from the perspective of a client and as a caregiver. Gary’s wife Fran had a neurological event at home, after which CHOICE staff helped her stay at home and re-learn and discover her capacities. He cared for Fran in her new life for over five years. Gary, a stage 4 cancer survivor, became a client after numerous cancer surgeries and treatment meant he needed the support of CHOICE.
“It’s a godsend and created an ability to plan the day-to-day,” said Gary at the event.
For 30 years CHOICE Dickinsfield has operated with same values: to provide unique care that maintains clients to live in their homes and communities while reducing the need for acute and emergency care. It also supports caregivers in their choices as they navigate the complex health needs of their family members, and to provide respite.
“Even in challenging times the focus has not waivered,” said Audrey Sand, Director of Innovation and Change Management at CapitalCare and executive lead for CHOICE programs. “Programs don’t last this long without dedicated workers behind them.”
CHOICE Dickinsfield’s celebration included long-term staff like Carole Morris, the program’s first LPN, and Reinuka Singh, Lead Home Support Worker, who is an original staff member of CHOICE Dickinsfield.
Reinuka Singh received flowers as part of the ceremony.
“Programs like CHOICE Dickinsfield play a vital role in helping seniors remain active, connected, and independent,” said Trish McGrath, Manager of the CapitalCare CHOICE Programs, at the event. “They create a space where friendships are formed, laughter is shared, and every individual is valued. Whether it’s through therapeutic time with our team members, engaging in social activities, meals shared together, music, conversation, or simply a welcoming smile, this program enriches lives every single day.”
CHOICE programs are available at sites across CapitalCare. For more information visit CHOICE Programs | CapitalCare | CapitalCare Group Inc.