KAMSACK — Three persons new to the board of the Eaglestone Lodge Personal Care Home in Kamsack were welcomed during the board’s annual general meeting on March 11.
Nancy Brunt was officially named the chair of the board, succeeding Kendra Kerr, who had held that position for the past two years.
The vice-chair is yet to be named, Brunt said following the meeting which was held at the Legion Hall.
The board’s secretary is Amanda Burback, the representative of the RM of Cote, who begins her fourth year on the board.
Karen Bodnaryk, a former interim manager of the lodge who has served on the board for four years, continues as its treasurer.
New to the board is Tim Falkiner, who is a driver of the Kamsack Handi-bus and has experience in Alberta working with seniors and the community, Brunt explained. He has agreed to take on responsibilities in human resources and, along with the chair, will be involved with contract negotiations.
Also new to the board is Shelley Filipchuk, who has agreed to take on fundraising responsibilities.
Councillor Onastasia Eliuk, who was elected to town council in November, was appointed to the board to represent town council and is looking for one or two more persons to join her on the board, Brunt said. Rick Aikman, who had been appointed to the board by town council two years ago, continues as a community representative.
Jack Koreluik, who had been the HR representative, has agreed to stay on the board on a temporary basis to deal with on-going situations.
“We can have up to 12 members on the board,” Brunt said, urging persons with a commitment to seniors, willing to attend meetings once a month and participate in lodge activities, to consider joining.
The board discussed the need for a new floor covering in the lodge’s dining room, she said. A question remains whether or not the old vinyl tiles contain asbestos.
“I doubt that they do contain asbestos, but in the past such tiles did,” she said, estimating that the cost to replace the flooring would be from $10,000 to $20,000, “or higher if asbestos removal is required.”
The existing tiles are starting to crack and break and have required temporary repairs to prevent tripping, which can occur with persons using walkers.
The board received a draft report from Meyers, Norris, and Penny, the auditor, who also audits the Town of Kamsack’s books.
“We’re waiting for the final report.”
The board, which increased the rents in February, is disappointed with the support received from the provincial government, she said, explaining that most other care homes in the province are company run and their rents start at about $3,000 a month, while at Eaglestone, some rooms are as low as $2,300 a month, and some residents require provincial assistance to pay their rent.
“The staff has had to work hard to find support for those residents.”
The lodge can provide full care for 30 residents and up to 10 persons with home care support, in addition to having two respite rooms that do not provide full care.
“We currently have 27 residents and three vacancies,” she said, adding that persons on the waiting list are being contacted.
The board agreed to launch a new fundraising initiative in the spring which will be overseen by Filipchuk.
Currently, the lodge’s entrance hall is being improved with a new coat of paint and the many plaques recognizing donors to the lodge are being updated with the removal of duplicates. The plaques will be placed elsewhere.
“Because that is the area where visitors enter the Lodge and where seniors often wait for rides, we want it to be more attractive and welcoming,” she said, adding that staff and board members have indicated they would like to see an attractive mural painted on that wall.
Brunt was eager to remind everyone that a coffee party continues at thel, beginning at 10 a.m. each Wednesday to which everyone is invited.
“Residents love to come out to enjoy coffee with visitors,” she said. After enjoying coffee or tea, visitors may request a tour of the lodge and are welcome to view its activities calendar.
