Jeff Renaud’s career path was set early in life.
“My grandparents came to live with us as a kid and I was expected to help,” said the Bennett Village’s new chief executive officer. “So I guess I was naturally disposed to work with seniors.”
Renaud, who started at Bennett Village on Oct. 1, joins at a pivotal time as the non-profit organization works toward building a new, expanded Bennett Centre that would house 160 residents, up from the current 66. Throughout his 30-year career in health care, Renaud has managed and overseen the building of long-term care facilities.
It was that challenge that interested Renaud in joining Bennett Village.
"Jeff is exceptionally qualified to lead Bennett Village into its next phase of growth and enhance our service to the community,” said Brian Clark, chair of the Bennett Village board of directors. “His academic background, combined with his practical experience, positions him as a forward-thinking leader who is well-equipped to navigate the evolving needs of senior care. Jeff is deeply committed to improving the quality of life for seniors.”
A major priority for Renaud is completing the severing of a piece of land, which Bennett Village would sell to help fund the expansion project. With more than 200 people on a waiting list for the Bennett Centre, Renaud said it's important to get construction underway.
“The community is in dire need of additional beds,” Renaud said.
It's not only a matter of providing beds, but also meeting the changing needs of seniors, Renaud said.
“We’re starting to see people age in place at home longer,” Renaud said. “What that means is when they do come into long-term care, they are usually coming in with multiple health complications. They require a higher degree of care.”
Renaud said he has a vision for the new facility.
“We want to make it a welcoming place,” he said. “If you look at Bennett Village, it’s like a UN of care facilities. You have people of all different backgrounds and we want to be able to cater to their individual wants and needs.”
