AgeCare Valleyview - Medicine Hat Seniors Communities

Our own resident Cora Hansen, is 113 years old and lives at Valleyview Care Centre, Medicine Hat, Alberta. Cora is the confirmed oldest person in Canada now. She was at one time the oldest person in Alberta, but now she is the oldest living Canadian.

Born in Minnesota to parents from Norway, she arrived before there was motorized cars, manned air flight and so much more. She has lived a good life "I didn't drink, or anything like that. I lived a plain life" said Hansen when interviewed by the Medicine Hat News recently. We are so blessed to know you Cora!

In honour of October 1st the International Day of the Older Person, Valleyview Retirement Community, Medicine Hat News, M&M Meats and CHAT TV held the 2nd Seniors of Distinction Awards. It was a special day to celebrate Medicine Hat seniors and all the contributions they have made to the community.

Together we are so proud to recognize and celebrate those contributions, achievements and diversity of our local seniors through our award and nomination process.

Medicine Hat News Leadership Award:

CHAT TV Community Service Award:

AgeCare Arts Award:

Our own AgeCare Chief Operating Officer, Ali Shivji was recently married at our Valleyview community. Featured in the photo is the new Mr. and Mrs. Shivji, and their Best Man, Mr. Edwin Albrecht, a Valleyview Resident.

Ali and his wife were married several months before in Kenya, Africa at a mosque. All their relatives had the opportunity to attend there, but one aspect wasn't perfect. The mosque was unable to provide the proper documentation the Government of Canada requires to make their union a "recognized" one.

So without hesitation, Ali felt what better place to be married, than at one the AgeCare communities. The staff and residents embraced this beautiful couple as their own family and created a day that would be remembered by the couple and the entire community.

The wedding party was made up of Valleyview residents with their combined total age of over 600 years! The ceremony was performed by a Valleyview staff member, Mike L. who is a retired Alliance Minister and still had the legal status to do so. This really was a Valleyview family effort!

As described in the newspaper "It came down to the inspiration, planning, and participation of a caring, dedicated and creative staff". Reporter, Barbara Watson went on to say how nice it is was for the residents to live in a place where people and staff want to share their lives with each other. It was sincerely the staff, who with their "genuine interest in their jobs who brought that excitement into the lives of these precious individuals".

Residents arrived in their Sunday best and the ceremony was followed with a wedding dinner of roast beef and champagne. Entertainment was also provided by the staff, with Marvin on guitar and Jennifer/Judy singing "Could I Have This Dance".

Not a dry eye in the house! Thank you Valleyview for being such a very, very special place to live and work.

In honour of October 1st the International Day of the Older Person, Valleyview Retirement Community, Medicine Hat News, M&M Meats and CHAT TV held the First Seniors of Distinction Awards. It was a special day to celebrate Medicine Hat seniors and all the contributions they have made to the community.

Together we are so proud to recognize and celebrate those contributions, achievements and diversity of our local seniors through our award and nomination process.

Our Awards Celebration took place at Valleyview Retirement Community on October 1st, 2010 with our special guests the Honourable Len Mitzel, MLA, Honourable Mayor Norm Boucher.

Leadership: Mr. Earl Morris

Community Service: Mr. Hector Schneider

Arts: Ms. Tillie Ganden

Healthy Living: Mr. John John

Accreditation Canada is an independent group responsible for the national review and accreditation of senior care facilities across Canada. Organizations and communities will only be awarded their Accreditation Seal if they have successfully implemented all the required organizational practices and have a clear commitment to safety.

Surveyors from Accreditation Canada reviewed all AgeCare communities in Alberta and British Columbia in the fall of 2010. They reviewed documents, observed staff and care practices, interviewed key stakeholders and community partners. From this process, results are then shared with AgeCare.

We are proud to announce, Accreditation Canada recognized AgeCare for our industry-leading practices, a rare citation. AgeCare and our staff have been recognized for their exemplary and innovative implementation of the new Alberta Health Services - Supportive Living Program at Sunrise Gardens, Brooks, Alberta.

Additionally, we were cited for our ability to work in partnership with our community and regional healthcare partners to provide the seamless delivery of care and services.

AgeCare continues to look for further opportunities and ways to promote excellence within our organization.

October 9th, 1999-2009

AgeCare proudly announces that our original community, our first property, has arrived at 10 years! We would like to thank our entire community - the residents, the staff and the Medicine Hat community for their incredible support over the years.

Valleyview has been a success since the moment it opened and has experienced such a wonderful and vibrant history over the last 10 years. Well done to everyone and drop by to give then congratulations they sincerely deserve it.