News

New Continuing Care Village Project Work Well Underway

Announcements, News, Publications

November 20

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2024 issue of the Journey. Read this and other issues of the Journey here, or sign up to be the first to receive the Journey online or by mail.

Work on Good Samaritan’s newest continuing care village is progressing. The new village will be on Lewis Greens Drive in the Stewart Greens community in Edmonton’s west end. We have not decided on a name yet, and we hope that will come after discussion with community partners and stakeholders.

This new continuing care village is currently being designed with seven floors and will house 280 residents in 20 houses, each with 14 residents. There are four houses per floor (Floors 2 to 6). The main floor will house site administration, a rehabilitation gym, kitchen, cafeteria, gift shop, and hair salon. The 7th floor is being designed for Good Samaritan’s head office.

Timeframe

A groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the project’s official launch was held on October 8, 2024.

Schematic Design—This phase allows the project team to work with the architects and various engineers to flesh out the vision of the building design. It provides a multitude of design proposals to assist with creating the vision and ensures that flow and synergies of spaces are considered when selecting the placement of each space. The schematic design began in January 2024 and is nearing completion.

Design Development—During this phase, an advanced schematic design was selected. This will remain the basis of the design as it progresses to include the specifics of each space…from hand sanitizer locations to the number of chairs. We are progressing with the design phase and are also applying for a development permit with the City of Edmonton.

A Capital Fundraising Campaign will begin in 2025. Watch for opportunities to support!

Innovation and technology options are being explored to provide efficient and supportive care for our residents.

Construction—Once the final design has been solidified, the architects will create blueprints and send these specifications through the Good Samaritan’s project bidding process to allow qualified contractors to bid on the work. Once a contractor has been selected, construction of the Village will begin. Construction is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2025.

Updates are being made to Good Samaritan’s ‘Being and Belonging’ Model of Care to best support our residents. At the same time, we are also working on reimagining the Small Home Model— philosophy, which is based upon Good Samaritan’s experience with current Small Homes and a review of global models.

Building completion is scheduled for fall 2027, with further developments to the property in the coming years.

News

Breaking Ground on the Village

News, Publications

November 19

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2024 issue of the Journey. Read this and other issues of the Journey here, or sign up to be the first to receive the Journey online or by mail.

On October 8, Good Samaritan officially broke ground on the Good Samaritan Continuing Care Village, a future care home in Edmonton’s west end. The ceremony was attended by key figures, including Alberta Minister of Health the Honourable Adriana LaGrange and Edmonton City Councillor (for Tastawiyiniwak) Karen Principe. Both officials praised the initiative for addressing the growing demand for continuing care in the province.

The Government of Alberta committed $126 million in capital funding to the project, which will add 280 beds for residents who require specialized medical care and cannot remain safely at home or in alternate care settings. The Continuing Care Village (to be formally named in the future) is designed to reflect modern, personcentered care principles. It will consist of 20 independent households, each with 14 residents living in private rooms. It will offer a personalized and home-like living environment that prioritizes dignity, choice, and individual preferences.

Expected to be completed by fall 2027, the Village will be purposely designed to create a culturally appropriate space for Indigenous residents, families, and employees. From the physical design of the building and property to the programming and care within it, Indigenous peoples will feel safe in the Village.

At the groundbreaking President and CEO Dr. Katherine Chubbs described the project as Good Samaritan’s largest capital project to date and Edmonton’s largest new continuing care project.

“Our Village will be an integral part of the Stewart Greens community,” she said. “We will open our doors to local schools and community groups to promote intergenerational understanding and experiences. In the coming months, you will see and hear more about our Village project as we seek broad community support for our capital campaign to furnish and enhance services at the new site.”

Good Samaritan is thrilled to embark on this exciting project. As construction progresses, Good Samaritan looks forward to working closely with the community and Indigenous partners to ensure this innovative facility meets the needs of future residents and sets a new standard for compassionate, inclusive care.

News

Hitting the Right Notes with Music Therapy

Publications

March 15

By Crystal De Jong, Site and Clinical Services Manager, Good Samaritan Dr. Gerald Zetter Care Centre

Dr. Gerald Zetter Care Centre Nadine Veroba-Dagg, MTA is a Certified Music Therapist

Nadine Veroba-Dagg, MTA is a Certified Music Therapist who comes into work at Dr. Gerald Zetter Centre. Music Therapy is the clinical use of music by a certified music therapist to promote the health and wellbeing of an individual. The music therapy program at the Zetter Centre has been running for over two years. Nadine works closely with the Recreation Team to identify residents who will benefit most from the extra support that music therapy provides. Residents who are considered higher priority for music therapy include those who are isolated, who are experiencing higher depression or anxiety, who are having difficulty transitioning to the long-term care environment, have higher amounts of pain, or those who have a strong history of music in their lives. After assessing each resident referred, either individual sessions or small group sessions are provided depending on the goals and needs of each person.

During a music therapy session, Nadine works to develop a therapeutic relationship with each person by offering a connection through music. Interventions may include; singing, playing a small handheld instrument, discussion around music and memories, song-writing, music for relaxation, or receptive engagement with the music. Every music therapy session is unique as it is guided by the responses and needs of the individual. The space is held for whatever the person needs from the music that day.

Feedback from the program has been very positive from staff, families and residents. One of the participants in the music therapy program has said many times, “This is the best thing of my week.”

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2023 issue of the Journey. Read this and other issues of the Journey here, or sign up to be the first to receive the Journey online or by mail.

News

Penguins Come to CHOICE

Publications

March 15

By Charlotte Collieau and Heidi Mouris, Recreation Therapists, Good Samaritan CHOICE Program

pengiun

October 15th was African Penguin Awareness Day, and Good Samaritan CHOICE clients received a special visit from Millie. Millie is one of the Edmonton Marine Life Centre’s African penguins who visits groups across Edmonton to bring awareness and education to those who are interested in learning about penguins.

man holding penguin near seated participants

Stacey, Millie’s handler at the Marine Life Centre in West Edmonton Mall, was a fantastic educator. She taught us so much about penguins; for example, did you know that of 18 species of penguins, only 5 live in colder climates while the rest are all warm weather penguins? We also learned about they use their strong beaks protect themselves, how their eyes have 3 eyelids and how Millie would not close her two major eyelids while she was here in order to learn as much as she could about her new environment.

Stacey also told us about how penguins’ life spans are shortening due to food shortages, and how the Marine Life Centre is one of many organizations developing strategies to ensure penguins’ survival. She also taught us that we can make an impact on the health of all wildlife by keeping garbage and pollution to a minimum and buying fish that are Ocean Wise approved in order to maintain adequate fish levels for marine life.

man holding penguin next to woman in wheelchair

Overall, clients and residents alike had a wonderful afternoon with Millie. Clients, volunteer and staff dressed in black and white, and we had tasty vanilla and chocolate cupcakes with Penguin toppers (designed by our very own occupational therapist, Ellie). Needless to say, clients and staff learned tons and were enthralled to see a live penguin up close. Millie was an adorable and entertaining guest as she strolled across the table and CHOICE clients learned about her. A huge thank-you to Marine Life Centre for visiting and teaching us about African Penguins.

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2023 issue of the Journey. Read this and other issues of the Journey here, or sign up to be the first to receive the Journey online or by mail.

News

Real-Life Paw Patrol at West Highland Centre

Publications

March 14

By Pamela Roy, Recreation Therapy Aide, Good Samaritan West Highland Centre

Constable Braylon Hyggen from the Lethbridge Police Service

Good Samaritan West Highland Centre residents and staff welcomed Constable Braylon Hyggen from the Lethbridge Police Service to their care home, along with police service dogs Myke and Bridge. Residents got a hands-on demonstration of how the dogs are trained, as well as how police service dogs work alongside human officers to keep our communities safe.

Both PSD Myke and PSD Bridge are Belgian Malinois, a breed commonly found in police services around the world. While Myke is an 8-year veteran of the force, Bridge is only nine months old and still completing his training. Because police dogs typically retire after 9 years of service, Bridge is effectively training to take Myke’s place in the K9 unit.

dog at the centre of people sitting in a circle

West Highland Centre residents were delighted to watch as Constable Hyggen demonstrated how the dogs detect contraband substances. PSD Myke showed resident his uncanny ability to follow a scent around the room, and was rewarded with a spirited game of tug-of-war with his toy afterward. Meanwhile, PSD expertly sought out washers hidden by Constable Hyggen, and was rewarded with treats for his efforts. Constable Hyggen also highlighted the tools officers use to communicate with the animals, as well as the tools given to the dogs themselves (such as collar flashlights) to help them perform their duties. Both police dogs demonstrated their calm, friendly demeanours as they interacted with residents and staff alike throughout the afternoon.

The afternoon was a wonderful opportunity for residents to meet members of the Lethbridge Police Service. Thanks to Constable Hyggen, Myke and Bridge, our residents got a great opportunity for the to meet valued members of the community they normally wouldn’t get to see.

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2023 issue of the Journey. Read this and other issues of the Journey here, or sign up to be the first to receive the Journey online or by mail.

News

Good Samaritan Canada Receives EquipCare Funding

Publications

March 14

By Kevin Heaman, Grant Coordinator, Good Samaritan Head Office

Residents and staff at Good Samaritan Canada’s care homes in British Columbia have been experiencing upgrades to equipment and furnishings in their residences! Returning for the fourth time, the BC Care Providers Association awarded a combined total of $346,460 of EquipCare Funding to bring vital infection control, safety, and quality-of-life items to all of our BC care homes. This was a significant increase from previous rounds of funding, and Good Samaritan Canada was able to fully utilize this opportunity to support our residents’ lives in a positive way.

Thanks to these awarded fund, we were able to purchase an assortment of equipment, furniture, and other essential items for GSC’s eight residences in BC. Some of these purchases included cottage blinds at both Good Samaritan Heron Grove and Good Samaritan Hillside Village, a bathing tub at Good Samaritan Village by the Station, a pergola for the patio at Good Samaritan Victoria Heights, Floor Lifts at Good Samaritan Delta View.

EquipCare BC funding is provided by the British Columbia Care Providers Association (BCCPA), funded in-turn by the B.C. Ministry of Health. Since April 2020, they have helped care home operators purchase over 3 million new items including medical screening and respiratory devices, beds and mattresses, over-bed tables, shower chairs and tubs, mobility equipment, lighting and visual aids, sensory rooms, music therapy, ergonomic furniture, and more. These tools also improved conditions for the physical and mental health of our hard-working staff.

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2023 issue of the Journey. Read this and other issues of the Journey here, or sign up to be the first to receive the Journey online or by mail.

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ROOTED in What’s Right: Courage

Publications

March 14

By Matt Joy, Director Mission, Ethics, Research, and Reconciliation

Long before Tommy Douglas served as Premier of Saskatchewan or became known as the ‘father of Medicare,’ formative experiences shaped his dreams for a better world. We know that adversity is inevitable in this life and that growth can be experienced through it. Like Douglas, we are shaped through the crucible of challenge and need to draw from the well of courage to hold out hope for the possibilities in the world we get to be a part of building.

Born in Falkirk, Scotland, in 1904, Tommy spent his formative years there before immigrating to Canada with his family when he was six years old. Prior to that momentous move, Tommy had a bad fall and cut his knee on a rock – not an uncommon reality among kids of that age. But as time went on, the wound wasn’t healing, and a rare but severe infection of the bone called osteomyelitis set in. Now, relocated to Winnipeg, young Tommy spent countless days in the hospital undergoing multiple operations to no avail. Finally, it seemed that the only option left was amputation. That was until renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. R.J. Smith, stepped up to offer to fix Tommy’s leg for free if the family permitted him to use the surgery as a teaching case for medical students. Financially, the family couldn’t afford the alternative, so they proceeded with the doctor’s offer. The operation was a success, but this memory was pivotal in the formation of a dream that healthcare could be available to all Canadians, regardless of their wealth or status.

At the intersection of his love for people and his deep faith, Tommy Douglas pursued theological studies and became an ordained Baptist minister. Ever a voice for those needing an advocate, he saw this avenue as a way to make a significant impact in people’s lives. Newly married and ready to pastor a local church, he and his wife launched into Weyburn, Saskatchewan, in 1930. What he found there was heart-wrenching. Saskatchewan was hit hard by the recession and was experiencing a horrible drought. Farmers could no longer give their families the basic necessities, and ninety percent of them were receiving financial aid from the government. There was a complete lack of medical care for these families due to their economic realities, and Douglas knew this was not just. Reflecting on that time, he said,

“I remember burying a girl 14 years of age who had died with a ruptured appendix and peritonitis. There isn’t any doubt in my mind that it was an inability to get her to a hospital.” – Tommy Douglas

Not knowing the end result of a future national Medicare program for all, Douglas merely did his best with where he was and what he had. The church he was leading became the site of food and clothes drives, and he began to come alongside local union leaders to advocate to the government for better support for workers. Networking with ministers, teachers, and labour leaders, he broadened conversations on how to work together to better the whole of society. Courageously, on the foundation of his experience and education, Tommy Douglas went on to become the Premier of Saskatchewan and remained in that role for 17 years. By 1961, the Saskatchewan Medical Care Insurance Act was launched, and a full system of health insurance was now available to all within the province, regardless of their status or income. But it didn’t stop there. By 1966, the Canadian government had followed Saskatchewan’s lead. The national Medical Care Act came to fruition, a dream born out of adversity and compassion. It moved to action through the vehicle of courage that had come to life!

About to take over from his mentor, Joshua receives this message from God: ‘be strong and courageous.’ With your fears and doubts, knowing your strengths and growth areas, and in the face of the unknown, move forward with courage. But don’t go it alone. Right in the encouragement to be courageous is the powerful reminder that he isn’t meant to go solo. The strongest of people need outside help.

What a great call for all of us who are connected through the work and care of Good Samaritan. For some, this does take on the form of help from a faith perspective. But, for all, it looks like leaning on another. The food services staff in Gibsons, the volunteer in Medicine Hat, the health care aide in Wetaskiwin, the maintenance worker in Penticton, the spouse of a resident in Edmonton, the board member living in Edmonton, to the individual settling into their new PPDD home, and so many others along the points between, all form this incredible Good Samaritan team. Yes, there is a need for courage to face tomorrow and all the unknowns that come with it. But there is also a reality that we are not meant to face it alone. We need each other and we get to move forward, together! The Hebrew words for ‘be strong’ in the scripture above mean to fasten yourself to something. Fastened to our mission, vision, and values of healthy relationships, hospitable environments, and servant leadership, we move in courage.

What if our next five years could be our best five years?

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2023 issue of the Journey. Read this and other issues of the Journey here, or sign up to be the first to receive the Journey online or by mail.

News

Good Samaritan Awarded for Building Better Together

Publications

March 14

By Michael Hennig, Communications Coordinator, Good Samaritan Head Office

This past October, Good Samaritan proudly received the 2022 Minister’s Seniors Service Award for Building Better Together from the Government of Alberta. The awards were presented by former Minister of Seniors and Housing Josephine Pon.

The Minister’s Seniors Service Awards are awarded to individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations who support seniors, lead the way for improved services, and contribute to strong communities. In 2022, the Building Better Together Award recognized a group “that strive[s] to bring together organizations and service providers to build collaborative networks to improve services to seniors.”

“Thank you to the entire Good Samaritan team for all they do to achieve this recognition,” said President and CEO Dr. Katherine Chubbs. “It is so well deserved.”

The Good Samaritan Society is truly honoured to be recognized by the Government of Alberta for our team’s hard work across Alberta. With your help, we look forward to continually elevating seniors’ care through collaboration and community.

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2023 issue of the Journey. Read this and other issues of the Journey here, or sign up to be the first to receive the Journey online or by mail.

News

Ensuring Quality Care Through Accreditation

Publications

March 14

When it comes to care, quality matters. As a care provider for aging individuals and persons with developmental disabilities, it’s important that residents and their families can trust in our ability to provide safe, quality accommodations and services. That’s why, starting in October, the Good Samaritan Society and Good Samaritan Canada will undergo our next accreditation journey. Over the coming months, GSS and GSC will be working to meet and exceed standards set out by Accreditation Canada and improve quality, safety, care, and service for our residents.

What is Accreditation?

Overall, accreditation is an ongoing process of assessing health care and social services organizations against standards of excellence to identify what is being done well and what needs to be improved. For Good Samaritan, accreditation helps create better health care and services for our residents and their families, allowing us to understand how to make better use of our resources, increase our efficiency, enhance care quality and safety, and reduce risk in our care homes and programs.

This year, Good Samaritan will be assessed using Accreditation Canada’s Qmentum program. Our care homes, offices, and programs in Alberta and British Columbia be assessed for six Standard Sets: Governance, Leadership, Infection Prevention and Control, Long Term Care, Medication Management, Residential Homes for Seniors, and Service Excellence.

Who Conducts Accreditation?

Accreditation is conducted by Accreditation Canada, an independent, nongovernmental organization that works with healthcare authorities, hospitals, and community-based programs and organizations to advance quality and safety in healthcare. For over 55 years, Accreditation Canada has worked to improve quality, safety, and efficiency to provide residents and their families with the best possible care and service.

To learn more about Accreditation Canada, visit accreditation.ca.

Raising the Bar

The Good Samaritan Society and Good Samaritan Canada have a proven record of success exceeding accreditation standards for quality, safety and accountability. In October 2019, The Good Samaritan Society and Good Samaritan Canada went beyond the requirements of the Qmentum accreditation program and were commended by Accreditation Canada for promoting a culture that lives its mission, vision and values. We achieved 99% (594/600) of total criteria met within the standard sets. Additionally, Good Samaritan met 100% of the Standard Sets for Medication Management, Infection Prevention and Control, and Governance.

As our accreditation journey begins once again, we hope to continue leading by example for our industry and demonstrating our commitment to achieving and maintaining excellent quality and safety standards for our residents.

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2023 issue of the Journey. Read this and other issues of the Journey here, or sign up to be the first to receive the Journey online or by mail.

News

Creating Hospitable Environments

Publications

March 13

By Sherry Busslinger, Manager Site and Clinical Services, Good Samaritan Stony Plain Care Centre

This past November, Good Samaritan celebrated Joanne Pretorius as the winner of the Hospitable Environments Award. A Rehabilitation Aide and a Health Care Aide at Good Samaritan Stony Plain Care Centre, Joanne has been an incredible asset to our Rehabilitation and Nursing departments.

Through effort, dedication, and hard work, Joanne was able to and was able to secure a grant this year that allowed us to modernize our rehabilitation gym and make the surroundings more hospitable and inviting to our residents. The grant enabled the purchase of equipment, storage, and a big screen television for our residents. The improvements also made the gym easier to clean, helping with infection control as we continue to battle the pandemic.

In addition to the grant, Joanne also coordinated a plant sale to raise more funds for more rehab gym equipment. She reached out to the communities of Stony Plain and Spruce Grove to secure funds and donations for the plant sale, working alongside the Fund Development team and the site. Joanne spent countless hours above and beyond her duties coordinating and arranging donations, in addition to  transplanting plants with our residents as part of a rehab treatment plan.

On top of that, Joanne is a wonderful and thoughtful therapy aide working with our residents.  Joanne consistently picks up health care shifts when staffing is low, is always willing to assists with rapid testing, and completes the N95 testing in our care home. She works effortlessly to keep everyone safe.

Joanne truly embodies the caring and compassion makes us Good Samaritans. She is an asset to our care home and organization, and we are grateful to have her working beside us.  Congratulations on your award, Joanne. It is well deserved.

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2023 issue of the Journey. Read this and other issues of the Journey here, or sign up to be the first to receive the Journey online or by mail.