AHS provides overnight personal care at Wild Rose Manor
April 18, 2011
GRANDE PRAIRIE — A recently established overnight shift of health care aides at Wild Rose Manor, a local seniors’ lodge, is helping support seniors’ personal care needs as well as their independence and wellness.
To meet changing care needs where individuals reside, the shift was established in late December by the Alberta Health Services (AHS) Home Care program. On the overnight shift, health care aides attend to needs identified by residents, from administering eye drops or changing an oxygen tank to assisting residents to bed.
With the extra service provided by overnight aides, many residents will be able to stay longer in Wild Rose Manor while enjoying greater independence. “It makes you feel even more comfortable at night knowing they’re there,” says Manor resident Mary Wild, 86. “I’ve lived at Wild Rose for five years now and I thoroughly enjoy being here. They take good care of me.”
Aides have covered day and evening shifts for many years, says Brian Hillaby, general manager of the Grande Spirit Foundation, which owns and operates the lodge.
“We’re pleased to see that coverage is now in place for our overnight shift,” adds Hillaby. “Our residents, who sometimes need assistance with personal care during the night, are much more comfortable knowing that a health care aide is in the building and readily available to call.”
Providing overnight personal care to Wild Rose Manor fits with Alberta Health and Wellness and Alberta Health Services’ joint 5-Year Health Action Plan — to provide more choices for seniors who wish to receive care while continuing to live in their own homes and communities. As part of that plan, Home Care services will be strengthened over the next five years, with more investment in living options that combine housing with supports for daily living.
“It allows us to bring the service to residents to support their wellness and independence, rather than having to move to a new place to receive the care they need,” says Betty McNaught, AHS’ Grande Prairie area manager for Home Care.
The Grande Spirit Foundation provides affordable housing and support services to nearly 600 seniors in the Grande Prairie to the Spirit River region. It also operates several affordable housing programs for families and individuals in the region.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.7 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
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