Helen says she is thankful every day for the people at AgeCare who shower her with generosity, kindness and care. “I have more than I could wish for from this place and the people here,” she said, from her home at AgeCare’s Valleyview in Medicine Hat. “This is the first time in my life that I’ve had a quiet, peaceful place to retreat to every day.”   Helen spent much of her youth caring for her younger sibling and then went on to become a mother and take care of her own family. Later in life she looked after her aging parents while tending to the failing health of her husband. “I am grateful every day for the people who look after me because I know how hard it is and how much effort it takes,” Helen said.      Read More...

Remembrance Day Message from Dr. Hasmukh Patel, AgeCare CEO & President Remembrance Day is a day for all Canadians to pause, give thanks, and remember the men and women who served and sacrificed for our country.   The Remembrance Day Ceremony has played a major role in Remembrance since 1931. While the ceremonies may look different this year due to the pandemic, each AgeCare community is ensuring that Remembrance Day is commemorated.   I wish to encourage you all to observe a moment of silence on November 11, to mark the sacrifice of the many who have fallen and acknowledge the bravery of those who still serve.   To our residents who have served, we will be forever grateful for your courage and devotion to our country.   The Act of Remembrance   They shall grow not old, as we  Read More...

Today, October 1st, is National Seniors Day! We can all think of a senior who has made an impact on our lives. They are our mentors, our leaders, our grandparents and our loved ones. They are our volunteers, our neighbours and our role models.   If you are fortunate enough to have seniors in your life, you may have discovered the art of enriching your time together by coaxing stories out of them. Indeed they have many… and sharing can rekindle their passions while endowing you with a treasure chest of meaningful memories.   With the pandemic still in our midst, how we stay safely connected continue to look different than they have in the past. However, you might wish to consider capturing some of their legacy by recording them (virtually or in-person) as they recount their days gone by  Read More...

Mack has been an AgeCare Columbia volunteer in Lethbridge for the past 18 months. He shares that during his time as a volunteer, he has been astonished to see how recreational activities can drastically improve an individual’s well being physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. As a 4th-year Neuroscience/Psychology student, Mack has also learned a great deal about aging and expressed that his positive volunteer experiences at AgeCare have solidified his interest in pursuing Medical School. Mack’s warmth, support, and energy have also made a lasting impression with both the residents and staff at AgeCare Columbia. The staff at the community explain that residents often ask, “when is Mack coming?” As a volunteer, Mack supports residents with computer questions, recreation outings, serving at social functions, and playing cards.  Mack also jumps in as needed when staff require assistance portering residents or  Read More...

Members of the First Alliance Church have volunteered at AgeCare Seton since the community first opened. They began as a small Bible Study group in the community, and have since grown to be a 30+ member congregation. The team and residents have transitioned over time, but the Church’s connection with residents has continued to grow. At one time, the group even included one of their fathers when he himself became an AgeCare Seton Resident. The volunteers pictured include Rick, Shirley, Myrna (Pianist), Pastor Doug, and Lloyd (missing). Rick leads the group in song, Myrna and Lloyd sing-along, Shirley provides hugs and music sheets, and Pastor Doug provides a Sunday message. To spiritually support residents during this time, the First Alliance volunteers will be creating a Church newsletter that will be distributed at AgeCare Seton. The First Alliance members are keeping  Read More...

The Monday Singers have provided musical enrichment for AgeCare residents in Brooks for as long as anyone can remember.   The group of 20 or so volunteers connects every Monday morning since they were first founded 25 years ago by Mable Madelflatha at the Tilley Bethany Lutheran Church.   The group presently consists of 20 women who perform and play piano for different seniors communities in Brooks, but men are also welcome and encouraged to join.   Members of the Monday Singers include Heather, Corrie, Carole, Lavonna, Aletta, Judy, Betty, Ann, Grace, Carolyn, Nola, Mariel, Danealle, Maxine, Carol, Helen, Lois, and Martha.   The dedicated volunteers believe in the power of prayer and expressed that they hold many individuals in their thoughts due to the present pandemic.   To learn more about volunteer opportunities with AgeCare, or to become an AgeCare  Read More...

The St. Patrick’s Church volunteers have played an integral role at AgeCare Walden Heights since the community opened in 2012.  St. Patrick's Church volunteers provide mass, communion, spiritual support, emotional support, guidance, and friendship to residents every week and have built trusting relationships with many over the years.   St. Patrick's commitment to residents and the AgeCare volunteer program continues to evolve.  They welcome all denominations to participate in the services held at AgeCare Walden Heights.  The dedicated volunteers include:   Pastoral Care Visits - Lorraine, Cesar, Martin, Fernando, Olivia, and Rita. The Rosary - Marta, Vicky, Ermine, Rita, Ann, and Diane.   St. Patrick’s volunteers welcome the warm gratitude of National Volunteer Week and are happy to share in the celebrations.   To learn more about volunteer opportunities with AgeCare, or to become an AgeCare Pen Pal, visit www.agecare.ca/volunteer 

Brendan has been an AgeCare Harmony Court volunteer for 6 months and, much to his surprise, he loves spending his extra time in the community. Brendan expressed that he loves everything about it and already feels part of the AgeCare family. Brendan recently transitioned from a full-time engineering student to majoring in Molecular Biology and Chemistry as he sets his sights on Medical School. He shares that the pandemic has only reinforced his decision to change fields as the need for health care professionals has never been more important. Brendan began volunteering at AgeCare to gain experience working with seniors. As a recreation volunteer, he supports the Recreation team in running daily programs and activities to help residents stay active, intellectually stimulated, and connected. He expressed that his shifts are always so much fun, and he's amazed by the unique  Read More...

Alison has been a volunteer at AgeCare Midnapore for nearly four years. After taking a year off to settle into retirement, Alison was encouraged to connect with AgeCare by other family members. She soon found her bi-weekly volunteer shifts filled her with purpose and a routine she truly enjoyed. At AgeCare Midnapore, Alison runs the corner store and takes pride in helping find the best selection and price for residents. During her shifts, she also enjoys connecting with fellow bookworms, discussing their next read and selecting titles for the coming week. Alison has become good friends with many residents over her four years as a volunteer, and though she has had to say goodbye to a few great people along the way, she is continuously thankful for the relationships and camaraderie at AgeCare Midnapore. She says that the social element  Read More...

Alysha has been a volunteer at AgeCare Midnapore for 3.5 years. Since her very first day, she has diligently cared for Fred, Ginger, and Nikko – a trio of feathered friends that live in the community. The two Cockatiels and one tiny Parrotlet depend on her care and attention each week and love their weekly spray bottle showers. Alysha’s support extends to humans as well as an AgeCare companion volunteer.  She’s always just a phone call away when help is needed with special events  - including resident Happy Hour on Friday afternoons. Alysha was interested in new experiences when she happened upon the AgeCare Volunteer Program.  She feels she has learned a great deal from residents and their lived experiences, and credits the Recreation team with creating a community of positivity. She encourages everyone to stay busy during this time  Read More...