Thank you for taking the time to ‘chat’ with us, Councillor Yakemchuk! Here goes… Chronicle: Almost every life is affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and with most Lodge residents vulnerable, how is the Eagle Hill Foundation coping in ensuring the health and safety of its residents? Yakemchuk: With all three lodges, in this current pandemic, all residents have been tested and are now free. Myrnam Lodge, in particular, had not a single case and the situation in Willingdon has been brought under control thanks to the Management and Staff of the Eagle Hill Foundation and Alberta Health Services. Chronicle: Some lodges, more than others, have always faced challenges with regards to occupants. How is the occupancy rate currently? Which of the lodges need more residents to make all lodges in the Foundation viable? Yakemchuk: Hillside Lodge in Two Hills is holding steady, while we are somewhat down with occupancy at the Willingdon Lodge and Myrnam Lodge is still holding its own. We held a meeting yesterday (Tuesday) and discussed incentives and other means by which we can improve the occupancy rate. Chronicle: What plans do you have to attract more residents to use the facilities of the lodges where residents for the most part seem to be very happy? Yakemchuk: We have embarked on two major initiatives wherein we offer incentives for residents to attract other residents and including a two hundred dollar discount for the first month’s rent for newcomers to The Lodge. Other incentives will be announced shortly. Chronicle: Currently lodge residents face restrictions largely governed by Alberta Health Services in an attempt to contain and gradually eliminate COVID-19. How do you determine what restrictions to impose on Lodge residents and for how long? Yakemchuk: It all depends on the instructions from Alberta Health Services, whose guidelines are strictly followed. Whatever restrictions are in place, or lifted, depends on the Key Scout and the directive of Alberta Health Services which monitor Seniors’ Residences very closely. Chronicle: Costs all around are ever increasing, eg. The cost of food has risen 20%, utilities and other incidental costs have also gone up. How does the lodge manage its finances given these unforeseen circumstances and ever increasing challenges? Yakemchuk: We have received some grant funding to assist with the Covid-19 and, while we have increased the rents slightly, there is a plan to discuss the matter with the Provincial Government and Municipalities with the view to providing the best possible health care, at a cost effective rate. Chronicle: Given the pandemic, staff challenges are always prevalent. The Eagle Hill Foundation is well known for its good management and relevant staff, but due to circumstances brought about by the pandemic. How is the foundation coping? Yakemchuk: In Willingdon, we have hired some consultants to assist in this matter, but generally, our Management has done a good job in ensuring that the residents’ needs are met without compromising their health and safety. Chronicle: The Home Care staff of Alberta Health Services works very well with the staff of Eagle Hill Foundation and, for the most part, there is a seamless service, thereby ensuring that residents receive the best care possible. Is there any room for improvement in this area, thereby guaranteeing residents comfort and safety? Yakemchuk: We truly appreciate all the hard work done by the Health Care Aides and nurses that visit the Lodge from Alberta Health Services and during this trying time, the Staff of Alberta Health Services have truly risen to the occasion and work well with the Management and Staff of the lodges in Two Hills and Myrnam. Chronicle: After the Village of Willingdon dissolved, it has become part of the County of Two Hills. Are the residents at Eagle Hill Lodge in Willingdon adequately represented on the Foundation and are their concerns aired and dealt with? Yakemchuk: Division 4 Councilor, Soren Odegard, represents Willingdon and is a strong voice for the Lodge in Willingdon. Any matters of concern could either be addressed to Lodge Members or taken up with Councillor Odegard, if the occasion arises where there needs to be involvement of the Board. However, the Management of the Lodge in Willingdon is doing an excellent job ensuring that residents are as comfortable as possible in their current environment. Chronicle: How do you determine the transition of Lodge residents to Long Term Care, and who makes that determination? Are there residents living in the Lodge that really belong to Long Term Care or Long Term Care residents that should really be living in Lodges? Yakemchuk: The assessment is left to the Home Care Staff who work in conjunction with the Lodge Staff and the transition is largely determined by the Staff of Alberta Health Services, who are in constant contact with the residents. Chronicle: Given the cultural diversity of residents and their various needs, what is the foundation doing to accommodate all residents while respecting their cultural needs and concerns? Yakemchuk: We have held a meeting with the Mennonite Community Leaders today (Tuesday) and have discussed the possibility of designating a certain portion whereby their cultural needs including their dietary requirements and food needs are met and that they live in an amicable surrounding with a complement of staff whereby the Lodge in Willingdon is put to greater use, the occupancy level is increased and becomes more financially viable. We are happy to meet with any group that can assist us in increasing the usage of the Lodge and cater to the needs of various sectors of the community. Thank you Councillor Yakemchuk. We salute you in your service and dedication to the Two Hills and County communities.