June 20, 2025
Continuing Care residents in Radway celebrate at a welcome home party after their return from a wildfire evacuation. Surrounded by balloons, music and smiling faces, they gathered with staff and family members to mark the happy occasion. Supplied.
Olga Cherkawski shares a smile at the Radway welcome home party, where staff and families celebrated the return of residents who were relocated due to wildfires in early May. Supplied.
‘Welcome Home’ gift bags with goodies and treats were handed out to Continuing Care residents upon their return home. Supplied.
Story by Lisa Laferriere
In early May, wildfires near the Redwater and Radway communities led to the relocation of residents from local Alberta Health Services (AHS) facilities, including continuing care centres.
While everyone remained safe and the North Zone sites were well-prepared, it proved an emotional time for families, residents and staff. Continuing care residents were temporarily relocated to other sites, or with families across the province — wherever was most accessible and safe — with care plans in place to ensure their needs would be met.
On May 14, almost two weeks later, Redwater continuing care residents were joyfully welcomed back home. Radway residents arrived the next day on May 15.
To mark this moment, local staff planned special ‘Welcome Home’ celebrations for them.
Led by Recreation Therapist Kaitlyn Sheehan — and supported by therapy assistants, as well as Site and Senior Manager Karleen Gilker, and Allied Health Manager Lynard Higoy — the teams went above and beyond to throw parties for the returnees.
At both sites, they decorated the halls and doorways with balloons, welcome home party bags were handed out, in an atmosphere filled with smiles and music.
“After being away from their routines and familiar spaces, we wanted to create a moment that felt joyful and reassuring,” says Sheehan. “We wanted residents to know they were missed — and that we’re so happy to have them home.”
Gilker adds: “The strength and resilience shown by our residents and staff during the relocation was incredible. It was important to everyone to celebrate their return home.”
Family members were also invited, creating heartwarming reunions for all, including staff.
“After everything they’ve been through, they deserved more than just a quiet return,” says Higoy. “They deserved a celebration that says, ‘You were missed, you are cherished, and this is home’.
“This kind of thoughtful gesture can help soften the emotional weight many residents and families are carrying. It eases the anxiety, restores a sense of belonging, and reminds them that they’re not just returning to a facility, but to a community that cares.”
Staff also shared their gratitude for all the supporting teams who helped transport and care for the residents during the evacuation, as well as for the continuing care sites who welcomed residents and cared for them throughout their relocation.
