Gratitude for long-term care

Dear Editor:

A shout out to staff on Peach Trail at Brandts Creek Mews (BCM), Kelowna, for the excellent care given to our loved one.

Anne Rognvaldson moved into BCM, December 2017 and passed peacefully on March 29, 2024, age 101.

During her stay, the facility faced three major emergencies: a water pipe eruption requiring half the residents to be relocated outside Kelowna for almost a year; a pandemic isolation of two years; and evacuation from the 2023 wildfires.

The water damage and wildfire events saw staff efficiently relocate residents, many with dementia and/or disabilities. Staff also moved to the new locations to ease the fears of residents.

During the pandemic, Zoom calls offset the angst of isolation by connecting residents with their loved ones.

These are just a few examples of the how staff made BCM a safe and enriched home-away-from-home.

Daily recreation activities kept residents stimulated and involved. Decision-makers should acknowledge homes like BCM and emulate best practices. In all facilities, ensure performance standards are met and apply penalties when they are not.

Horrific examples of poorly-managed facilities have preoccupied the news. We thought we could keep her at home but discovered we would be unable to provide the wide range of activities and stimulation that happens in a well-managed care home. We need to give praise and publicity for homes of excellence.

The staff who care for our aged, disproportionately immigrant and female, should be paid generously for the difficult work they do. Our mother’s experience ended with a beautiful ritual and parade of staff who honoured her final journey.

Thank you to Gurlaine, Tracy and all nursing and recreation staff on Peach Trail for enabling her to spend her last days in love and dignity.

Judy and Jim Berg

Kelowna