Christenson Commiunities Provides Innovative, Exceptional Care

CHRISTENSON COMMUNITIES PROVIDES INNOVATIVE, EXCEPTIONAL CARE // SENIOR SUPPORTIVE LIVING

Christenson Communities Provides Innovative, Exceptional Care

BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON

F

or more than 50 years Christenson Communities Ltd. has worked tirelessly across Alberta from its headquarters in Edmonton to provide innovative, long-term, active living solutions for the province’s adult and senior population. Now, as long-term care grows as a discussion point in the media and in politics, Christenson Communities is happy to share how and why its progressive and inclusive private model is succeeding – and how it is giving families and seniors a choice.

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“It is a mistake to lump all models of care into one category,” says CEO Izabella Roth who joined Christenson Communities earlier this year. “While the public model is based on ward-style facilities, Christensen Communities is based on more of a condo-style living. It resembles a much more home-like setting where privacy is assured and residents have options for their own kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. This not only greatly increases the quality of life for our active adult and senior residents, it dramatically

CHRISTENSON COMMUNITIES PROVIDES INNOVATIVE, EXCEPTIONAL CARE // SENIOR SUPPORTIVE LIVING

Izabella Roth, RN, BSc, BScN, MBA CEO, Chief Executive Officer

lowers the chance of transmission during times of outbreaks, be it the common cold, the seasonal flu, or a pandemic like COVID-19.”

When most people think of long-term care, they picture the government ward model. What Christenson Communities offers is an alternative that allows couples to stay together, more accessible due to reducing wait times/lists for accommodations, provides a range of living and care options, and where pets – which are very important to patients’ wellbeing – are allowed.

“Our communities distinguish ourselves as a provider with a difference. It’s not long-term care; with Christenson Communities it’s about living life to the fullest, even if you need a little assistance.”

Founder Greg Christenson has been adamant since he developed the first concept for his communities that residents would live full, active, enriched lives with all the dignity and respect each member deserves. Now, with three

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CHRISTENSON COMMUNITIES PROVIDES INNOVATIVE, EXCEPTIONAL CARE // SENIOR SUPPORTIVE LIVING

styles of residency (active adult, active senior, quality rental) available and a variety of payment options that includes life leasing, Greg and his team are proud to have options that

support seniors, adults, couples, singletons, and families.

Even the care workers have the option to live within some of the communities and walk to work.

If you or someone you love is in need of assisted living, look into the choices that Christenson Communities provides: • Independent living facilities have options for seniors’ rentals and life lease ownership. The entrances and exits are security enhanced, and a customer service concierge is on site. Vehicles can be scheduled for appointments. Social, cultural and leisure events are the norm. Light housekeeping is available upon request.

Spacious living rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms are accessible and pet friendly.

FIRE ALARM ▪▪▪

CCTV ▪▪▪

SECURITY ▪▪▪

CARD ACCESS ▪▪▪

NURSE CALL 780·448·1025 | mark@mmcisafety.com

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Excellence in Medication Management for Seniors Clinical Expertise for Better Health Outcomes

Pharmacare Pharmacy was founded in Edmonton over 40 years ago. Today, Pharmacare Pharmacy, a division of Centric Health is one of the largest providers of independent, supportive living and long-term care medication management for seniors in Alberta.

With over four decades of experience, we have constantly been innovative leaders in the early adoption of technology for resident safety, including eMAR, electronic medication administration records software that replaces paper-based medication records; PACMED, an automated medication pouch packaging system to enhance accuracy and ensure patient safety; and the PACVision medication pouch packaging inspection system that photographs each pouch, checking the contents with advanced pill shape and colour recognition software. PACVision also provides a traceable record of all the medication packages that have been checked.

Our highly respected clinical team members are passionate about geriatric care and work as integrated members with the on-site nursing care teams. Additionally, they are required to have specialized education to become prescribing pharmacists.

Many have additional training in disease state management such as diabetes, and medication management in dementia care.

Our teams pool their individual knowledge for best practices in geriatric pharmacy programs. Clinical pharmacists provide vital recommendations to prescribers and caregivers on medication regimens, best practice training and medication distribution services in a community setting. Pharmacare Pharmacy is an integrated partner in care with residents, families and senior care providers such as Christenson Communities.

Inspired Leadership in Pharmacy Practice • Extensive, industry leading reporting, medication assessment, monitoring and prevention of adverse effects • On-site employee medication management education tools and online web-based programs • Automated reporting metrics/analytics for quality benchmarking drive performance excellence • Collaborative policy and procedures for infection prevention and control, equipment requirements and risk assessment to manage COVID-19 for vulnerable older adults

• Our mobile clinical pharmacists embrace a philosophy of person-centered care, providing expertise and guidance around the individual residents’ medication needs • Continuous quality improvement meetings with community operators results in successfully meeting the ever-changing needs and expectations of all stakeholders • In-house accreditation team to support regulatory excellence • Innovation leaders in quality and safety, utilizing leading edge technology in medication management

www.mypharmacare.ca

CHRISTENSON COMMUNITIES PROVIDES INNOVATIVE, EXCEPTIONAL CARE // SENIOR SUPPORTIVE LIVING

someone recovering from an injury or a woman in need of postpartum support. As Izabella noted in an earlier Business in Edmonton interview, “We do something unique and different in homecare. We do personality matching. We find out what our clients like, and we go out and find a caregiver to match their needs. We can match clients to providers that speak their language and understand their culture. We can match vegan clients with someone that understands their food preferences. We can match outdoor enthusiasts with a care provider that loves the great outdoors. Our homecare program is designed around each patient’s physical and emotional needs and can be anything from meal support to pregnancy and postpartum support to full palliative care.”

Christenson developments are located across Northern Alberta and each one is focused on being a walkable, accessible, welcoming community where mental, physical, spiritual and social needs are met. There is no compromise when it comes to safety and dignity, and a variety of options including quick possession, couples’ facilities, and a range of rental/ownership options to ensure inclusive access.

The health of the care models across Canada are being called into question, but Christenson Communities is proud to show a record of outstanding success and resident wellness that stretches back 50 years. Christenson is different, has always advocated for more progressive care models, and every day exemplifies the ways residents in care can thrive.

• Supportive living facilities put the residents’ health and comfort first. From reminders to take medications to assistance drawing a bath, help is always close at hand without any compromise to the patient’s dignity. The Designated Supportive Living program is operated by Alberta Health Services. The care is performed in the resident’s studio home.

The affordable accommodation charge includes rent, meals, housekeeping, laundry, and some recreational services.

• A unique style of homecare provides support for anyone in need, be it a senior aging in place, a disabled adult,

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