Seasons Alberta Magazine

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IS RETIREMENT LIVING Safe? F or some, the decision to move into a retirement residence comes from the desire to feel safer. Whether because of 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 and Housekeeping Managers. While all Service Team Members are trained to deal with emergencies effectively, these teams play essential roles. 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. The Housekeeping Managers also play a significant role in 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 comes into 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, and others. Our 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 one resident who loves music; it’s a part of her daily routine. One day she couldn’t get her stereo working, so after talking to her, I returned to her suite and managed to fix it. She was so delighted that she turned it on and started dancing on the spot! It's moments like those that remind me why I love to come to work every day,” says Jennette Patterson, former Environmental Services Manager, now General Manager. “When you walk into the building, you are greeted with warmth as you feel at home. It's more than clocking in and out at the end of the day. I enjoy helping residents and making a difference in their day-to-day lives,” concludes Jennette.

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