20140806 Vegreville Heratige House

BRAD:

Ok, Vegreville, Wednesday morning. Heritage house. This is

42-70 Maple Street and once again, in Vegreville. I hope to
get the right date today. Wednesday, August, 6 th. So,
Heritage House is asorry, its an assisted living built in
2009. 80 people designated, so its public. So thats been
assessed for assisted living. And I can see a large [inaudible
01:04] this propriety. Just across the street. I would imagine
its going to be the home stead (?). Anyway, so well go there
next, but for this one, the Heritage House in Vegreville, I do
have a shirt pocket today, so, Im going in, [with glasses?]

BRAD:

Good morning! How are you?

SPEAKER 2:

Good, how are you?

BRAD:

Fine, thanks! I have a father living in the area, hes been

assessed for assisted living.

SPEAKER 2:

Okay.

BRAD:

And so, Transition Services told me to go around see how I

like the facilities and then Im supposed to give them three

SPEAKER 2:

Ok

BRAD:

thatfor our choices, thatand they will select one based

on availability.

SPEAKER 2:

Great!

BRAD:

I think

SPEAKER 2:

Thats fair! I can give you this

BRAD:

Oh, great! Im from Calgary.

SPEAKER 2:

Ok.

BRAD:

And he didnt want to move down there, he wants to be here.

SPEAKER 2:

Well, thats

BRAD:

And heres where hes got his friends.

SPEAKER 2:

Right.

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BRAD:

And heshe needs care, but hes still fairly social. So, its his
choice he gets to sit here.

SPEAKER 2:

Im just trying to think, Im doing payroll right now, the

manager is in India, soI just think what room we could

BRAD:

I dont even know what question to ask. This is the first time
Ive been to something like this, soDo people usually just,
do they ask for a tour?

SPEAKER 2:

Well, yes, I mean, I can give you, like, a quick tour, I just, I
prefer if you do with the LPN if she has time, or the manager
just because they do it all the time and they know what to tell
you

BRAD:

Okay..

SPEAKER 2:

And probably what you need.

BRAD:

And an LPN is a?

SPEAKER 2:

Its a Licensed Nurse Practitioner, we have one on staff 24

hours.

BRAD:

So, a Health Person.

SPEAKER 2:

Yes.

BRAD:

I got you.

SPEAKER 2:

Yes, so if you just want to wait for one minute, Ill be right
back.

BRAD:

Sure thing, Ill wait here.

BRAD:

I see some birds, a fish, [inaudible] open here again.

BRAD:

Hey, buddy. You are a fairly demanding little guy. Ill sit with
you. (addressing to the bird)

SPEAKER 2:

Hi! One second, Ill be right here for you!

BRAD:

Hi, thanks!

SPEAKER 2:

Hi, Im Fiona.

BRAD:

Hi, Fiona, Im Brad.

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20140806 Vegreville Heratige House

FIONA:

Brad, so, I hear this is a new experience for you.

BRAD:

Very much so. This is Day One on it.

FIONA:

Its pretty intimidating.

BRAD:

Yes.

FIONA:

I can totally support that. So, I heard youre not sure what
questions to ask.

BRAD:

Yes, I justhes got some concern that we are going to put

him in a home sowhen I asked Transition Services about
this / a base (?) I just caught out (?) and said Maybe assess
him a room. But as far as me determining which is good
place and which is not, Ive got no idea what the ranking
factors are.

FIONA:

Its intimidating, thats for sure. Im going to grab my keys so

that I can show you around.

BRAD:

Ok.

FIONA:

So, that would be a good place to start. Ok, so, what sets
[inaudible] apart from some other rooms. Is that are
[inaudible]. We want people to feel as independent as
possible. That theyre contributing even to the community.

BRAD:

Ok.

FIONA:

So, we have residents who help in the kitchen, we have

residents who set the tables, we have residents to do the
gardening, growing corns, peppers, tomatoes, fantastic (?)
gardening. And we really embrace the idea of letting people
take charge.

BRAD:

Ok.

FIONA:

You know, you are here for your needs, yes, whether is
medical, or needing help getting dressed in the morning,
manage your new medications. We take care of that,
whatever you can take care of, we encourage this. They can
take part in our monthly [inaudible] meetings so we can try
to make obviously [ ] those things that you cant make
everyone happy.

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BRAD:

Yes, yes.

FIONA:

We try to make as many people as happy is possible most of

the time.

BRAD:
FIONA:

We are also working with low Sodium and low fat.

BRAD:

He has diverticulitis, so he doesnt have-- he doesnt need

stuff like that.

FIONA:

Yes, thats our call as many people are concerned. So, we

work [ ] to make everyone happy. So, the main dinning
room. Whenever we do-- we do brunches once a month to
encourage families to come and visit for, so we open these up
to do like a caf style, getting more involved, so far the
favorite is either the fried chicken or the pork ribs.

BRAD:

That sounds like it would be.

FIONA:

Yes, its fancy. If you want to do, say, his birthday or

something or want to get the family together, we can let you
to our private [ ] room.

BRAD:

Ok.

FIONA:

So, all you do is book that for an evening or an afternoon,

whatever the case may be, bring everyone in.

BRAD:

And people just order the food or get it made?

FIONA:

It depends on your preference. For guests, breakfast is four

dollars, lunch is six dollars and dinner is ten dollars.

BRAD:

Ok, I see.

FIONA:

But if you want to bring in something special, you want to

bring in a special meal for him or whatever, you can do that
too.

BRAD:

I guess Im just considering that bringing in Chinese food

wouldnt really work for him in a place like this and probably
for his diet.

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FIONA:

Well, its one of those things that we encourage residents to

make healthier choices, but theyre adults, right? Thats what
sets us apart from some other places. We go [ ], talk to them,
for [ ] something [ ], probably well say Did you want to try
something else?.

BRAD:

Ok, it is right to provide a little guidance.

FIONA:

Yes, exactly. We have a common shared showering area for

people who cant come into tubs.

BRAD:

Ok.

FIONA:

So, if hes --

BRAD:

Ok, thats what they call assisted baths?

FIONA:

Yes.

BRAD:

You love shuffle board.

FIONA:

And we do the [ ] on it.

BRAD:

Ok, cool!

FIONA:

Laura (?) is one of our longest staying [ ] and shes been here
since I was in grad school.

BRAD:

Really home-like environment.

FIONA:

Pardon?

BRAD:

That just really looks home-like, even seeing that door

opener, I can see the kitchen table and stuff like that.

FIONA:

Yes, we like the idea that your room isnt just yours. The
entire building is your home. Cover the walls as you please.

BRAD:

Got you. So, you dont have people staying in their rooms all
the time.

FIONA:

No. No, we really encourage people to go out and visit and

get involved.

BRAD:

Wow, thats an-- Now youve got me lost. Its a sprawling --

FIONA:

It is. Its my weight-loss plan.

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BRAD:

Ok

FIONA:

Two couple [ ] the building, [inaudible 00:13:02] especially

in the heels.

BRAD:

Yes, I look like I know whats that like, but I cant imagine [ ]
all the steps around here.

FIONA:

This side of--, our residents that have a little or memory

issues, people who are less dependent, because our one
bedrooms on the other side actually have a little kitchen and
everything. Theyre like a one bedroom apartments with ensuite laundry and everything.

BRAD:

This ones small?

FIONA:

These ones are the studios. And this side, personally is my

favorite time, the time runs at its own pace, the HCAs are
actually making breakfast for the residents and then they get
lunch and supper, brought down to th--

BRAD:

Ok. HCAs are...? Health Care Aid?

FIONA:

Health Care Aid, yes.

BRAD:

I could have guessed so.

FIONA:

Ok, Leah (?) is one of the HCAs on this side. She can run this
side better than I did, so just, she comes to me when she
needs frying pans and I smile and nod. But this side is
fantastic.

BRAD:

Yes, this, all looks very new.

FIONA:

Yes, this side is only two years old.

BRAD:

Two years

BRAD:

It looks very nice with what looks like a kitchen at home.

FIONA:

Exactly.

BRAD:

Its--, just looks like a big [ ] room.

FIONA:

Yes, looks like my dream kitchen, is what it looks like.

BRAD:

Ok.

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FIONA:

And they have their small room area, gardening area, the
residents can decide to go out when they please, they get to
decide what they want to plant there.

BRAD:

So they just get to go out there and wander around an do

what they like.

FIONA:

Exactly. If anyone has the tendency to wander off, we kind of

try to keep an eye on them. 68 is open, I believe, right?

SPEAKER 3:

You bet--

FIONA:

Awesome! Now whether is anything in there, I dont know.

Im pretty sure I cleared it this morning.

BRAD:

Sounds exciting!

FIONA:

Pretty sure I cleared it this morning, butSo, yes, this is the

smaller rooms.

BRAD:

These look really big.

FIONA:

Yes, its kind of funny to say this is our smallest suit.

BRAD:

Yes, and all he talks about is keeping his chair.

FIONA:

Yes? That one can go back to the living room, if he has a

favorite chair.

BRAD:

Yes? This morning I feel like thats where I can sit. Ok.

FIONA:

And this side has the working showers.

BRAD:

I see.

FIONA:

So they, each stays [inaudible 00:16:09] in this room for this

ones /once.

BRAD:

Ok, so he gets his shower and his room, assisted, no bath

they could sat before. I got you.

FIONA:

If hes on this side.

BRAD:

Wow, this bathroom is really big.

FIONA:

Yes.

BRAD:

Storageok.
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FIONA:

I said, I really love this side its so, just, calm.

BRAD:

Its really new too.

FIONA:

It is. And I really, really wish I knew just who decorated this
side [inaudible 00:16:41]

BRAD:

The carpet makes it feel home-like.

FIONA:

Yes, I, Im really proud of this place, like, I worked in

Assisting Living Long Term Caring Facility and itd go
[inaudible 00:16:57] for seven years and this ones my
favorite.

BRAD:

Ok

FIONA:

Like, hands down, the approach, the staff, the residents, the
dcor, the size of the room, hand down.

BRAD:

So, what makes Vegreville different?

FIONA:

Its, well, its actually the approach of the company.

BRAD:

Ok.

FIONA:

Point was to follow what they call the [Evenly/Evening]

Philosophy, and the entire idea behind the [inaudible
00:17:29] is to make it as home-like as possible, to put on as
much as independence as possible. You take away a little bit
of the structure, like, in Long Term care its meds are 8-9-84-8.

BRAD:

Yes, ok.

FIONA:

And heres is like, you know, Mary doesnt like to get up at

08:00 in the morning, we dont wake her up at 08:00 in the
morning for force meds down her throat. You say you do like
to get up at 10:00? Ok, we can call the pharmacy say Can
you change her med times?

BRAD:

So its way less institutional.

FIONA:

Exactly. Exactly, and its like up 20 points stepping home.

So, here in Vegreville that would be us and the Century park.
Our both run on the [inaudible 00:18:14] Philosophy.

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BRAD:

So you have another one here in town.

FIONA:

Yes, Century Park is a little more structured because they

have a dimensionate, a locked-down unit.

BRAD:

Ok.

FIONA:

Just for residents who tend to wander off.

BRAD:

I see, I see. To leave the building and such.

FIONA:

Exactly, Im going to have to interrupt these two one second.

Cathy, this is Brad. Cathy is our recreation--

BRAD:

Hi, Cathy, Im Brad.

CATHY:

Nice to meet you.

FIONA:

She runs recreation pretty well.

BRAD:

RecreationSo, physiotherapy and stuff like that?

FIONA:

No, we have a AT, we have a PT team, like the table top

bowling, exercising

BRAD:

You are trying to keep everybody busy.

FIONA:

They are having fun.

BRAD:

I got you. That sounds like a tough job.

FIONA:

Yes, Bingo, [inaudible 00:19:03], gardening, anything..

CATHY:

Services we do. I do up a calendar.

BRAD:

Ok.

FIONA:

And all residents get a calendar plus their contact card, their
family member you would know, this day were having a
brunch, I want to come and spend it, so, you know, with my
family member, some trip services. They--, you know, youre
always wanted to entertainment, you have entertainment
that comes, some in the afternoons, some in the evening.

FIONA:

We had a band once, so there was a week--

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CATHY:

We do, Fiona, we had the first week as our little [inaudible

00:19:40], but we get the regular dates, so we have probably
eight bands that come, and some come in the summer time
so they take it off which is ok. So its, there we keep them
busy.

FIONA:

At the events they dont show up she throws a guitar riff.

CATHY:

Yes! We need to, which we enjoy and we want to do it again.

FIONA:

Ok, and hows the song were calling?

CATHY:

I had song-books, I put them together.

FIONA:

I dont think they want to listen to Metal, I dont know what

it [inaudible 00:20:11] like.

CATHY:

They are asking for all these old songs which I dont even
know. And shes looking it up and did a fantastic job, but we
are a better comedy act than musical.

RANDY:

Well, as long as they came--

BRAD:

Thats what

CATHY:

It cant be that bad.

FIONA:

I can laugh at people myself, so I dont mind people laughing

at me

FIONA:

Randy is in our maintenance group.

BRAD:

Nice to meet you, Randy.

FIONA:

He takes care of the grounds, makes sure we get painters if

we need them, hes helping me with flooring--

RANDY:

Changing light-bulbs, we program the telephone, training

staff, telling management what they shouldnt have -- Okay,
something else.

FIONA:

Keeping me in line.

BRAD:

So, with the new renovation, I bet youre a pretty busy guy.

RANDY:

Yes, I was [inaudible 00:20:57] at the Century Park which is

also by the Library (?)

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BRAD:

Ok

RANDY:

On 43 Street, building

BRAD:

Yes, Im sure Ill be over there later today.

RANDY:

And what you may be--

BRAD:

Im Brad.

RANDY:

From?

BRAD:

From Calgary. My dad lives in the outskirts of the town here.

RANDY:

Okay.

BRAD:

And he didnt want to move to Calgary, so Im up here

checking everything up for him.

RANDY:

You know, this is a fine [inaudible 00:21:16]. Weve got some

really good people at.

BRAD:

You know, I think I shouldnt have picked this one to see, I

think I should have seen something a little bit more--, you
know, when he says like Dont put me in, all I can imagine is
what hes talking about.

RANDY:

No, this is a unique little culture onto itself, its like Im a

long brother of these places as well. Its much different, here
is as it is --

FIONA:

Well, maybe not once for this instance, this is what happens
when I get bored.

CATHY:

You can flip it.

BRAD:

Okay. Very nice you got your little artistic favorite [?]

FIONA:

Well, a little bit, a little bit. And yet, the residents will come
and bug me while Im painting and tell me Im doing it
wrong, and tease me

BRAD:

Im sure its just something fen--

FIONA:

Oh, no, theres very much, very much teasing. This one
gentleman would come by every time Child, youre going to

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wreck it! And then he would walk out and hed give me a
smile and will [inaudible 00:22:12].
CATHY:

So, well finally [inaudible 00:22:16] Fiona because I asked

her where you live, she said she doesnt know. But we just,
what did I tell you? We jus--, I just saw the sign, so this is
Garden View Lane. And Ill be painting that sign, possibly on
this floor. What do you think about taking, where do you
think the sign should go?

[inaudible 00:22:36 00:22:40]

FIONA:

I know, I think thats a good idea, that wall is probably a

good idea? Yes, if we moved here, if we moved that painting,
wed put it on that wall?

CATHY:

Yes, because if you walked down from there, you can see that
sign.

FIONA:

Plus, if youre coming from here, you could look at it, but if
you come around, at the corner, rose garden, each pod has its
own

BRAD:

Its a way-finding thing, I see.

FIONA:

Yeah, and right now --

RANDY:

Nice to meet you guys.

FIONA:

Whats driving people nuts is that the signs were just

printage.

BRAD:

Okay.

FIONA:

Like, I wonder, she and I just dont talk, so -- A lot of the staff
didnt even realize that the pods [inaudible 00:23:25]

BRAD:

Well, Im seeing pink and green, so theres a bit of a color

separation too, there.

FIONA:

Yeah, I know. Some people use that. I live in a green area

with [inaudible 00:23:34].

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BRAD:

Okay.

FIONA:

Uhm, so

BRAD:

Jeez, lots going on here.

FIONA:

Well, its memory curing, right? Because even before

dementia gets to any sort of advanced stage, and even just
with natural memory loss with age, you start to need more
visual cues. The numbers dont always make sense to people,
because theyre not exactly in order so you can say Im half
done this one or Ive finished that one so --

BRAD:

Yeah, it looks good to this guy but

FIONA:

Im outlining them and highlighting them and doing all sorts

of things.

BRAD:

So, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven people per pod?

FIONA:

Yeah, seven rooms.

BRAD:

Eight. I guess I missed one.

Woman 2:

Oh no, that one doesnt have a --

FIONA:

No, thats just a storage room.

BRAD:

Oh, okay. Yeah, I guess you need it around here, eh?

Woman 2:

Yes.

FIONA:

Yes. Im thinking about which bedroom to show you.

BRAD:

So, do you have two bedrooms here?

FIONA:

We do have two bedrooms, the wait list for those is insane.

BRAD:

So, is there a way -- I suppose you guys shouldve asked Is

there any [inaudible 00:24:25] for this?

FIONA:

Well, with placement, if hes coming through placement, its

much faster than coming through independently.

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BRAD:

Yeah, they said theyd know more about it than you guys
would.

FIONA:

Yeah, I kind of tell them when I have an open room and

about a week later I get --

BRAD:

Thats, I mean, thats really nice.

FIONA:

Mary, Marys --

BRAD:

She keeps it better decorated than my place.

FIONA:

The family brought her in with the chandelier. Mary? Mary,

how are you? Were running some issues with the older
[00:25:16] here. Oh, dear, how are you?

Mary:

My bum is still sore.

FIONA:

Your bum is sore. Thats no good.

[Unintelligible chatter]
BRAD: Hello. Hi, Mary.
FIONA: Okay, maybe we should get the [00:25:38]. Okay, so, the [00:25:40] will come
take a look at that and let us know whats going on, okay?
Mary: What time? So I would be -FIONA: Shell be on her way shortly. Okay?
Mary: Ok. Are you [inaudible 00:25:53]?
FIONA: Well, I am but right now Im doing a tour. Im the General Manager.
Mary: Oh, okay.
FIONA: So, Jenn will come and get you, okay?
Mary: Oh, thank you.
FIONA: Youre welcome. So, this is Sweet 10, here. Now, I need to redo the carpets, so,
the carpets in here are a bit of a mess and were just about to get them redone. But, as
the carpets in here are ripped out, were gonna put the hardwood in -BRAD: Yeah, I think you probably have to do that most times --

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FIONA: Thats mainly what were doing now as residents move out. This one really
needs a paintjob.
BRAD: Are we facing south here?
FIONA: Oh, so you arent from [unclear 00:26:37]. I actually have to think about that.
BRAD: And Im from [unclear 00:26:39]. You can probably say whatever and Ill believe
you.
FIONA: I think thats north. I think so. So, there are our one bedroom sweets. They are
significantly larger.
BRAD: So, they actually have a tub to step inside.
FIONA: Yeah, and -BRAD: Oh, I want to watch the dryer. So you have people doing their own -FIONA: Yeah.
BRAD: -- Laundry here?
FIONA: Yeah, so, again, it depends on what level of needs for your dad, so if hes going
to need someone to do his laundry, if hes going to need a walk in shower, if hes going to
need all of that, then we will put him in one of the studios.
BRAD: Ive got you.
FIONA: But if all he needs is med management and hes fine physically, then we will
look at a sweet like this.
BRAD: No, I like this better because hes functioning in this environment now. In two
years, I couldnt tell you if hell be the same.
FIONA: Well, thats the thing, if in two years hes assessed and its not working, then I
call you up and say Hey, I have a studio open and I think it might be more comfortable
to move. Were not going to be like -BRAD: Yeah, I like that. So whats the price difference between --?
FIONA: Well, because we are doing all of the laundry, like, in here, we would help with
personal laundry if he wanted and we would do his linens for him, like stripping the bed
and stuff, because lots of elderly people have problems with that. We would linens for
him, help him with personal laundry if he wants all that and we are doing all of his
laundry and care. So, it [unclear 00:28:11] 18, 38, 55 out of the way.

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20140806 Vegreville Heratige House

BRAD: Okay, so you just -- The laundry is the only difference?
FIONA: Yeah, Laundry and, like, in here, if he wanted to make his own breakfast and
lunch.
BRAD: I see its got a stove top.
FIONA: Yeah. You could do -BRAD: Bring the microwave in? Wow, okay. So, this is really independent.
FIONA: Yes. Yeah.
BRAD: Thats great.
FIONA: We like independence. We love being able to let people do as much as they are
able to do.
BRAD: So, do you have the same type of thing in the other location?
FIONA: Uhm, I actually dont know what their sweets look like.
BRAD: Okay, well, maybe Ill find out. Wow, that just seems like -FIONA: People here at the ward [unclear 00:28:56] like long term care over assisted
living. And its a scary thought because in movies all we see is old people looking bored
in wheelchairs and drooling and the staff rushing around -BRAD: Thats kind of what I expected to see
FIONA: Exactly. Thats the Hollywood return. Ive worked six months in the States, Ill
tell you. Unless youre paying five, six, seven thousand dollars a month, that is the cost
of healthcare in the States.
BRAD: Ouch!
FIONA: Theres a reason Ive only worked there for six months. Oh, if he wants to get his
hair trimmed -BRAD: Oh, okay. So he doesnt have to go out for that stuff.
FIONA: No, I think mens trimmings are 10 to 20 depending on the case. [Unclear
00:29:54] So, we -BRAD: I see now, were back at the start.
FIONA: Yeah. And this is where bands typically play.

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20140806 Vegreville Heratige House

BRAD: Okay. Multi-purpose space.
FIONA: Yeah. Bingo is typically here and when theyre doing a big [00:30:21] a lot of
these little ladies like making their own [00:30:24] so well start some of that, every
once in a while. That ones a big undertaking. That ones a full-day tackle project.
BRAD: Yeah, Ive seen it happen.
FIONA: Everyone think everyone else wraps the [00:30:39].
BRAD: Okay. So you have a very Ukrainian culture.
FIONA: Very, very. Have you seen the [unclear 00:30:51] downtown?
BRAD: Yes.
FIONA: Yeah, very Ukrainian culture. Did you grow up here?
BRAD: No, no. May father moved here after my mother died, probably 15 years ago and
Ive probably been up here for five or six times, maybe.
Woman 2: So what brought him here?
BRAD: You know, I just think he grew up here, so, just moving back to -Woman 2: Yeah.
BRAD: -- to the rural environment he likes.
FIONA: You will find that the Hollywood image of the system is much different than
what youre going to see. The difference between us and other facilities here is we take
that level -- Every place tries to get a level of independence, thats part of HS and
protecting elderly right is acknowledging you are caring for the elderly; they still have
their own minds, they still make their own decisions, theyre adults.
BRAD: I think hed appreciate that.
FIONA: Exactly. But we just take it a step further and we encourage our staff to speak up
and say Okay, do you know what? Giving this person his medication at 7 in the morning
isnt working. She doesnt want to be up that early. Okay, call, pharmacy, were
changing the med times. We push it next step to really let people take their own
routines, take charge of their own lives; as long as happy, healthy and safe, they can
make their own decisions.
BRAD: Yeah, so, you dont take much of their own independence.
FIONA: We take as little as possible.

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Woman 2: We push them a little bit.
FIONA: Yeah, well every once in a while youll have people who you know they can
walk around and dont want you to push them in the wheelchair. Its like, come on now,
you know better than that.
BRAD: Everybody needs a challenge I suppose.
FIONA: We have one resident and the HCs have been helping her get dressed in the
morning and, funny enough, after breakfast, she gets undressed just fine on her own.
She gets back in her pajamas and goes back to bed. Wow, if you can do that, why cant
you get yourself dressed in the morning?
BRAD: Yeah, everybody needs a little attention.
FIONA: So it is. Its a game, its fun. Its kind of hilarious to be walking down the hallway
just here Hey, maybe you should put your pants back on.
BRAD: Yeah, I suppose you get to know some characters, probably both of them.
FIONA: Oh, absolutely. Its the best part of my job. Its when I actually get together in
our office and visit and have [unclear 00:33:40], yeah.
BRAD: Dad is 84, so, whats the average, around what age?
FIONA: Average is probably 80 to 90, but the oldest lady has just passed 101. But you
wouldnt have known she was 101.
Woman 2: And our youngest resident is 30.
BRAD: Okay, so, you cater to a very wide range.
FIONA: Yeah, its -- Are you okay? Debbie is one of our [unclear 00:34:13].
Man: Yeah. Thanks very much for showing me around, Fiona.
FIONA: Do you have any other questions?
BRAD: I dont, but if you have a card Id -FIONA: I havent got any cards yet, Im very new.
BRAD: Are you? I dont even know what to ask at this point.
Woman: Well, its very overloading, its a huge decision to make -BRAD: Even if you just throw it on there, I can -- No, Im the eldest son, so

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FIONA: Yeah, that doesnt always mean anything. I come from a very, very large family,
Im the youngest and I can tell you -- Well, no, my older sister or myself would be the
two that would be asked to make these sorts of decisions, because she is a nurse as well.
BRAD: Well, I guess if you have the training for it Because I certainly think I need a
Nursing degree to navigate all these acronyms and types of things.
FIONA: So, they havent given you any information about how the DSL works or
anything?
BRAD: DS --?
FIONA: Daily [unclear 00:35:23] living.
BRAD: Ive heard DAL, designated assisted living Ive got no idea what either means.
FIONA: Okay, so, why dont I print you off some info that might help --?
BRAD: Sure, or even, just -- Look, I know how Google works so I can -Woman: Well, I basically have a package that I give anyone who steps in. Anyways, you
know what, I might as well just -- Im gonna photocopy you this entire package. This
would be like, should he come here, Id be handing him this package.
BRAD: Okay.
Woman: So, I might as well print it out for you and then you can actually read it through
and if you end up [unclear 00:36:11] youll know where to come to.
BRAD: Excuse me, when people have to select for assisted living in Vegreville is this
always number one because its new?
FIONA: Id like to think that people [unclear 00:36:26].
BRAD: Okay. Maybe a nave question, this one
FIONA: No, its because there are different levels of care. We straddle independence and
DAL4, so some of our residents that are here actually get no care.
BRAD: DAL4 is?
FIONA: Daily assisted living, level 4.
BRAD: Okay
FIONA: So thats a step below long term care. So we have some residents that are just
here in case something happens, you know. Maybe theyre here because their kids live

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far away and wanted to make sure they were in an environment that, if they do start to
need help, theyre not on a waiting list.
BRAD: Sounds like
FIONA: Theyre not a placement list, because if you wait until there is an emergency,
then you just get placed in the first place within a 100-kilometer radius of your desired
community.
BRAD: Oh, wow.
FIONA: Whereas, if you take steps like youve taken, you can be more selective. One step
earlier would have been if, a couple of years ago, your dad decided that I want to get
there early and if I need help, itll be there. We have a number of residents that have
gone on that route and as the aging process kicks in, they become home care residents
and maybe some of them need a little bit of help in the shower, then they slowly
transition to DAL4, where were doing some more of their care, more of their laundry,
more of their meals.
BRAD: I see, so they get to stay here as they -FIONA: Exactly. And thats the goal. The goal is to keep someone where theyre happy,
as long as theyre safe.
BRAD: Yeah. That sounds like a nice thought for me. Peace of mind.
FIONA: It is. Its wonderful. Ive [unclear 00:38:21] several people. Like I said, Ive
worked in the system and [unclear 00:38:25], Ive seen everything from the best to the
worst and, if someone told me tomorrow it was my job to find some place for my
grandma, even if it meant quitting my job, if that meant I couldnt be working here due
to a conflict of interest, gladly, I would prefer [unclear 00:38:45] myself.
BRAD: Okay.
FIONA: So, thats my view. I wouldnt have accepted this job if [unclear 00:38:55]. Im
far too strong for that.
BRAD: Okay.
Woman 2: On the flipside, my father-in-law moved at Vegreville Manor and, you know,
its a nice, okay building, definitely not as new as this one or nice as this one. I think he
got a good care. Not as many activities and stuff, but happy. I dont think theres any
problem -Woman 2: No, no, thats right. I mean, the rooms are a little smaller and stuff like that.

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BRAD: Yeah, the rooms here a huge.
Woman 2: Yeah, I thought they were quite generous when I saw them, compared where
he lives. But he didnt live in a very big house, so room [unclear 00:39:37] wasnt that
important to him and he brought such a small amount of stuff. But, definitely, I had
never been in this facility until I started working here. So, I did realize I would of much
prefer Id see him here in the long run, but, you know, happy, he was okay there. And
that was interesting because at that time they had a big number of [unclear 00:40:14]

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FIONA:
BRAD:

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