Weekly update AB:Stampede Shananigans, AgeCare Welcomes Foreign Nurses, Let's all get Boosted!, Recreation Calendars, Great Opportunities for Caring People
We remain committed to providing updates to our residents, families, and staff at AgeCare. As such, we are providing weekly updates to keep you all informed on what is happening in our communities and organization-wide.
There’s something about living in the West when Stampede rolls around that makes us all a bit giddy … as in ‘giddy up!’
Love it or hate it, Stampede is iconic; a western tradition with deep and gritty roots.
This year, many of our communities proved you are never too old to enjoy Stampede shenanigans!
SkyPointe care workers escorted seven brave residents to the Calgary Stampeded parade, leaving their community at 5:30 am to join over 300,000 other early risers who ventured downtown to take in the spectacular display of floats and marching bands, led by Kevin Costner. Residents enjoyed a McDonald’s breakfast while flashing their ‘Yahoo’ signs and chanting with the crowd.
Midnapore held an all-day carnival for residents featuring games like balloon pop and ring toss. Residents could try their luck at Stampede trivia, watch a slide show, or just sit back and enjoy mini donuts, lemonade and popsicles while tapping along to the country music. Some residents stayed for the whole day, and everyone delighted in the performance by a country westerner entertainer.
Midnapore also hosted a staff event with wonderful food, games, entertainment, and a very popular ‘bucket dump’ booth.
AgeCare Cariboo celebrated the Williams Lake Stampede, dubbed, “The wildest show west of the rocks,” a few weeks back on the July long weekend. Cariboo staff and residents had a front row seat to the Stampede parade as it went right by the community! Festivities they enjoyed to mark both Canada Day and Stampede, included a ‘WANTED’ photo booth, a carnival-style fishing hole, and delicious cake served up with iced coffee and tea.
Medicine Hat is gearing up for its Exhibition and Stampede that runs the last week of July. AgeCare Valleyview will kick-off off the celebrations with a stampede breakfast on July 20, followed by several events including a seniors’ drive-by parade, western themed days, a pepsi/coke stampede challenge, western entertainment, a stampede style birthday party, and more!
It's likely that everyone will need a little rest when the dust settles.
But for now, YAHOO!!
AgeCare Welcomes Foreign Nurses
On July 6, AgeCare proudly welcomed seven foreign trained registered nurses to interior BC, offering them a two-year employment contract, assistance with finding reasonable accommodations, and throwing them a great big AgeCare ‘welcome to the family’ reception by Mount Ida Mews.
“This is the first of several cohorts of foreign trained workers we hope to attract and retain as valued members of our AgeCare team,” said Todd Bassett, VP of Human Resources. “We are happy to hire from both within Canada and outside of Canada, and when it comes to positions that are more difficult to fill, we are pleased to work with an agency to expand our pool and draw from qualified people all over the map.”
Six of the recent newcomer’s country of origin is the Philippines, and one is from India. Most endured a gruelling day of 25 hours or more of travel, beginning in Saudi Arabia where they were previously working. It then took another three hours for them to file through customs at Vancouver airport and have their working permits stamped.
“They will begin at AgeCare as Health Care Aides and as soon as possible we will help them qualify to meet Canadian standards as LPNs or Registered Nurses,” said Todd. “They are very much invested in being here, and our hope is that our relationship will be an excellent fit and we will have many committed foreign employees with us, well beyond the initial two-year term.”
AgeCare welcomed the nurses at the Vancouver Airport, and then transported them in our Harmony Court bus to Salmon Arm, where they will begin their new life.
“Our wonderful Mount Ida Mews community honoured them with a welcome reception and a Filipino feast – a great beginning for what we hope is a lasting and fulfilling experience for all,” said Todd.
Get Boosted
Vaccine effectiveness against infection may decline over time, but they remain the best way to prevent severe illness and death. Additional doses can boost immunity to improve protection and limit spread.
For maximum protection from COVID-19, residents have been offered a fourth dose of the vaccine.
For staff or anyone looking to book a COVID-19 vaccine, you can book bookvaccine.alberta.ca, visit a walk-in clinic, or call 811.
Recreation Calendars
Our recreation team works hard to create engaging activities that enrich the mind, body and spirit. We are continuously looking for ways to reduce the risk of transmission while having the least impact on our residents’ well-being.
Please note that communities with an exposure or on outbreak may have different recreation restrictions in effect. Contact your community or sign up for email updates to stay informed on the latest information.
For our AgeCare communities from Revera, your Family Portal is still available to you to access your loved one’s activitypro page. You can log in with your usual username and password at online.activitypro.net/users/login/agecare.
View the Recreation Calendars for your AgeCare Community:
Did you know AgeCare is hiring? Great opportunities for caring people. From health care aides to food services to recreation to administration and more, we are looking for dedicated and caring individuals.
If you or someone you know is looking for an exciting new opportunity, check out our careers page at www.agecare.ca/careers
AgeCare, 19655 Walden Blvd SE, Calgary, Alberta T2X 0N7, Canada, 403-873-3200