Revera The Edgemont - Calgary

Slightly better than a cemetery

My family friends lived here for many years and they were loved cared for everyday unconditionally. This is an exceptionally organized facility that cares deeply for its residents. Everyone is family .

We flew into Calgary to help my mother in-law stay at the care home on a trial basis. We showed up on Saturday and there was a sign by reception with a Welcome Jenny. We waited 10 minutes since the receptionist was on break and we went through the COVID protocol and had someone come to usher her to her room. The room was cold as the windows were left open. The Nurse closed the windows and I turned on the thermostat to start the heat. We tested the phone – there was no power to the outlet for the phone. While waiting for the COVID test I went back to reception to ask about the phone and the power. The panel is secured somewhere and the maintenance folks work Monday to Friday. She would have to call someone to reset the power. I went back upstairs and my mother in-law was bundled up in a comforter as the room was still cold and she was still waiting for someone to come by to do the COVID test. Without a clean COVID test she was not allowed to go down to have lunch or socialize. I checked the radiators – they were ice cold – no heat in Calgary in November! I went back down to reception to add no heat to the outstanding issues and inquire to the delay in the COVID test. We waited for two hours with no phone, no heat and no social interaction. If this was the demonstration of the care home - it would not bode well if she stayed there permanently. Some of the staff showed caring and compassion; however, they had no authority to make a call or get the right staff to make it right. Only when we wheeled my mother in-law out the front door did someone offer that there could be another room. At that point it was too late. They knew she was scheduled to arrive that day as evidenced by the welcome sign. Going forward they should implement an on boarding checklist to ensure that the room is ready and someone has the authority to administer a COVID test and make things right. We followed-up by email after the event and their response reinforced, under the current leadership, this would not be the best place for my mother in-law.

After many years of convincing my Mom to move to an assisted living facility she agreed to go to Revera for a trial stay. And it was awful to say the least. I understand that she was there on a trial basis, but she was forgotten about by staff doing multiple times. She was put into assisted living because at this point in her life she depends on others for basic needs and services. Now it is back to in-home care until I can convince her to try somewhere else. Short version: This place is understaffed and terribly managed. If you care about your family do *not* put them in this home.

The Edgemont was my mother’s home for ten years. She loved the Edgemont and was very happy there. As a family we wondered if we were making the right decision at the time. We had a tour and an interview but what was is it REALLY like? Yes it was a leap of faith but looking back we couldn't have made a better choice. As the years went by Mom became less capable mentally and physically but was no less happy. By aging in her familiar Edgemont surroundings she was able to avoid long term care earlier than she would have otherwise. As a former long term care nurse I knew that was important. I cannot say enough about the warm, respectful and loving caregivers, many of whom have worked at the Edgemont for years. They actually love their residents. The dietary staff go over and above to accommodate likes, dislikes, requests. I have seen them respond with grace and courtesy even when it was not necessarily deserved. The recreation programs are diverse, well organized and well attended.... and lots of fun! Comfort levels in group participation vary and are respected. Although now retired, therapists Paddy and Rebecca put their hearts and souls into everything they did and were much loved. At the Edgemont family involvement is encouraged and concerns/questions are addressed promptly. There is a friendly, can-do attitude throughout the building starting with reception. Thank you Edgemont for taking such good care of my mom for 10 years!