AgeCare Columbia - Lethbridge

Is there a dietician on staff to assist with special diets?

All AgeCare Communities have a dietitian consultant available to regularly review our menus and their nutritional values. For a special dietary need, the dietitian assesses the resident’s requirements and recommends a prescribed diet, following-up regularly to ensure the special diet program is meeting the resident’s needs.

How qualified is your staff?

All AgeCare Communities meet or exceed the industry-regulated requirements. Our community will have a Director of Care, and we maintain access to a host of health specialists and therapists. Our resident aides have all completed a course in residential care through a recognized college as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Health Care Aide (HCA). Most locations also have a Recreation Therapist on staff and appropriate staffing to assist with that role.

How do you welcome new residents?

AgeCare Communities operate on the principle of providing our seniors with quality personal care in a “home-like” surrounding. Our friendly staff readily recognizes new residents and they make a point of introducing themselves and their service responsibilities. We all strive to make new residents feel that they are truly welcomed to their new home!

What should my family member bring?

We encourage families to make their choices wisely. Bring those items that will make the room as welcoming as possible. Also, find that balance between “favourite things” and clutter. In some locations, residents bring their own furniture, so be sure to check the room dimensions for an idea of what will fit.

Residents are responsible for providing their own clothing and personal toiletries. Personal items like TVs, stereos and computers are also popular among residents. We also recommend artwork, which add welcoming personal touches to the rooms.
How does someone get in to an AgeCare community?

It varies from province to province. In Alberta, for example, it starts with an assessment of an individual’s needs in regards to the level of support they require. Once this is complete, Alberta Health Services – Transition Services, sends the information to the community. The Director of Care (who is a Registered Nurse) reviews the information and makes an offer for a room, if one is available and if that community is able to safely and securely care for the resident.

How do you welcome new residents?

AgeCare Communities operate on the principle of providing our seniors with quality personal care in a “home-like” surrounding. Our best references are our residents, and each facility has a Resident Welcoming Committee to make our new residents feel completely at home with their new friends. Our friendly staff readily recognizes new residents and they make a point of introducing themselves and their service responsibilities. We all strive to make new residents feel that they are truly welcomed to their new home!

What type of outings do you offer your residents?

Aside from regularly scheduled trips to the malls, bowling alleys, or just to go out for tea, occasionally arranged excursions to the museum or other municipal attractions and special events (parades, fairs, concerts) are featured. The recreational coordinators for each facility talk to the residents about their interests and organize activities around their response. The result could be a simple ride into the country or a picnic in a park.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are allowed in many locations, subject to approval. Residents with pets are required to sign a “pet care contract” undertaking to provide all the care and responsibility for their pet. We always encourage families and friends with pets to bring them for visits, but we also maintain pet-free zones.

What type of furniture can residents bring?

Please strive to make your new home as comfortable as possible. Typically residents bring a dresser, chair, TV and/or Stereo, small plants and their own pictures. Personal bedding and other nice touches make it really feel like home.

What should be brought for clothing?

This might be a good time to evaluate your current wardrobe. Really look at each piece and make sure you still wear it, otherwise, it will just take up valuable space in your closet. We suggest bringing one week’s worth of clothing as we do laundry on a daily basis. It is also important to bring good seasonal wear, as we do offer outings and outdoor programming within our courtyards. Remember to pack your hats, for both winter and summer.

What is moving day like?

This is a big day. You may be able to set up your room in advance, which you can coordinate with the staff prior to moving day. Please expect to arrive mid-morning, and give yourself plenty of time to complete paperwork and other things that require attention on the first day. We recommend that you have family stay with you, if possible, during those first few hours in your new home.