For some, the decision to move into a retirement residence comes from the desire to feel safer. Whether it be maintenance or mobility, aging in a large house with multiple floors can become difficult. At Seasons, our residents’ physical safety becomes the primary concern of the Environmental Service Manager. While all Service Team Members are trained to deal with emergencies effectively, this team member plays an essential role. The Environmental Service Managers act as committed safety agents; they are typically the residence’s Health and Safety Committee leaders, liaise with the local fire authorities, and ensure that the retirement home is in good working order and clear of any hazards. A significant priority is keeping the home clean, sanitary, and comfortable for our residents. This includes the enhanced cleaning of high touch point areas and ensuring hand sanitizer is readily available in key amenity areas. “Our residents know that I’m only ever a phone call away. I want to know that we are providing a safe environment for our residents, team members, and anyone who enters our home,” says Melody Olson, Environmental Services Manager. Regarding residents’ security, Seasons has key access systems to enter the suites and main residence buildings. In newer buildings, upgraded technology allows Seasons to determine how and when someone has entered a resident’s suite, adding an extra layer of protection for residents and team members. We have staff at our front desks to ensure visitors sign in and out of a guest log. The doors to the building lock after a certain hour, though residents’ guests are always welcome. Retirement home regulators require monthly plans considering all eventualities, including emergency spills, power outages, floods, hurricanes, gas leaks, fires, etc. Our
Our residents know that I’m only ever a phone call away. I want to know that we are providing a safe environment for our residents, team members, and anyone who enters our home.
residences must regularly test these responses to ensure evacuations are actionable. While we hope never to use these skills, all team members must be prepared. It gives residents and family members peace of mind knowing that the people they love are in capable hands should any of these situations arise. Even for smaller tasks, our team members go above and beyond. “We have a lovely resident who is always incredibly pleasant and would do anything for anyone. One day, she asked me to help her with her wardrobe as a drawer was not opening. I noticed a piece of the wood holding the slides was broken. So I secured it with a metal bracket and some screws, put it back together and had her try it out. This resident was so pleased she cried happy tears! She told me it was her mother’s and was now working better than ever,” shares Environmental Services Manager Matt Fraser. “Getting to know the residents and hearing all their stories reminds me of my grandparents. It makes coming to work more like going to a family reunion with the joy of being able to help them. I like making a difference in their daily lives,” concludes Matt.
At Seasons, our residents’ physical safety is our primary concern.
Safe? Is Retirement Living
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