AHS retains AgeCare to assist with operating Millrise Seniors Village

CALGARY – Alberta Health Services (AHS) has retained AgeCare Health Services (AgeCare) to oversee the management and operation of Millrise Seniors Village in southwest Calgary, effective immediately.

To date, 25 residents have tested positive for COVID-19, and there have been four COVID-related resident deaths. There are also 12 staff who have tested positive for COVID-19.

AHS will support the site’s day-to-day operations in collaboration with AgeCare, ensuring continued support with staffing as this transition occurs over the coming days.

“This decision was made in interest of the health and safety of Millrise Seniors Village residents and staff and to manage the COVID-19 outbreak on site,” says Dr. Verna Yiu, President and CEO of AHS.

“Our first and most important priority is to ensure safe and uninterrupted care for all residents at this facility. AgeCare is a well-respected continuing care provider and AHS is pleased they have committed to providing care delivery and management for Millrise Seniors Village”.

“AgeCare is willing to assist AHS during this time to ensure that resident and staff safety remain a priority during this COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. AgeCare will offer management expertise consistent with our values of Trust, Respect, Quality and Team Work,” says Dr. Hasmukh Patel, President and CEO, AgeCare.

When a COVID-19 outbreak was declared on April 14th, AHS took immediate actions to improve staffing levels, establish outbreak management protocols, and institute infection prevention and control measures at the site.

AHS managers have since been onsite full time overseeing care and conducting daily meetings with site and AHS care teams, AHS Infection Prevention and Control teams and Zone Medical Officers of Health. In addition, AHS has enhanced staffing with nursing staff including AHS registered nurses, AHS also deployed a pharmacist, respiratory therapist and other allied health professionals to further support residents. AHS will continue to monitor and evaluate the site staffing levels on an ongoing basis as AgeCare assumes responsibility for day to day operations of the site.

To protect the safety of all residents, those living at Millrise Seniors Village are screened for COVID-19 regularly and will receive testing on outbreak units, regardless of symptoms. If a resident shows new respiratory symptoms, they are isolated in their room and provided with necessary care. Additionally, all continuing care workers are required to wear personal protective equipment including procedure masks at all times when providing direct patient care or working in resident care areas.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used when engaging with every patient, in every interaction. This measure protects residents and other workers from inadvertent exposure from a healthcare worker who could be without symptoms, but still be infectious.

We are also working on increasing the ability to connect residents and their families virtually. To connect with residents, we are asking people to please call their family members directly.

Moving forward, AHS and AgeCare will work collaboratively to determine what appropriate measures are necessary to take to ensure quality care is provided to all residents, and to address any concerns.

Millrise Seniors Village is currently home to 155 residents, and employs approximately 70 staff.

All Millrise Seniors Village care and support staff are valued and will continue to be employed at the facility.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

AgeCare is a trusted provider of aging in place communities to seniors across Canada and is dedicated to creating vibrant communities that celebrate and support aging with dignity, independence and community interaction for seniors. AgeCare offers residents a safe and secure home-like atmosphere where they and their families can be assured peace of mind.