Silverado Creek Seniors Community was acknowledged for its exemplary achievement in meeting the quality improvement target of 15% over a two-year period for reducing the use of antipsychotic medications.

The Silverado team received the recognition from the Appropriate Use Coalition and has proudly framed and posted its certificate in the front lobby area of the home. The Appropriate Use Coalition is committed to improving patient outcomes and reducing risks through appropriate prescribing.

The post Silverado Creek Recognized for Reducing Use of Antipsychotic Medications appeared first on Park Place Seniors Living by Carly Overs.

On June 6, Newport Harbour Seniors Community welcomed Pierre Poilievre, Leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, along with Calgary Confederation candidate Elan Harper, for a visit with residents and team members.

The visitors helped celebrate Alberta Seniors Week. They also marked the anniversary of D-Day, honoring and remembering the courage and sacrifice of those who served at this important time in history.

The visit provided an opportunity to meet with the residents while highlighting the important role senior living communities play in supporting older adults and their families. It also included conversations about the experiences of seniors and the importance of quality care and services. We value engagement with community leaders to help bring greater awareness to the experiences of residents and those who support them.

We extend our thanks to Mr. Poilievre and Ms. Harper for visiting Newport Harbour and spending time with our residents and team.

The post Newport Harbour Residents welcome visit from Federal Opposition Leader Hon. Pierre Poilievre appeared first on Park Place Seniors Living by Carly Overs.

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At a Glance

Who it’s for: Seniors and their families who want to understand how independent living condos in BC and Alberta support their residents’ health and quality of life. 

What it covers: Stories of how we use communication and technology to improve how we work with our residents and their families. 

Why it matters: These streamlined workflows and our shared STRIVE values support our happy, thriving residents.

Solving Challenges in Seniors’ Living

For many, retirement is supposed to be the best time of their lives. But some seniors and their families face challenges, especially when moving to an independent living community. We’re seeking to change that through better communication and technology. 

Whether it’s addressing communication gaps in care or the stress of moving, our staff works closely with seniors and their families to solve these challenges together. 

Beating the Winter Blues with Laughter

As the colder winter sets in, many seniors in our communities spend more time indoors. To add some brightness to their daily lives, the staff at Sun Village in Penticton, BC, created the “Ha Ha” Window of Joy in the lobby. Staff regularly hang jokes and comics in this space, and residents look forward to walking by to see what’s new and have a little laugh.

It may seem like a simple initiative, but it brings year-round joy and laughter to the community, creating a more cheerful atmosphere and strengthening connections between residents and staff. 

Solving Clinical Communication Challenges

With shift change, frontline staff rotate throughout the day. In some care homes, this could pose a challenge to continuity of patient care, but not at Park Place communities. 

At Silverado Creek in Calgary, the staff implemented rotating rounds between day and evening shifts to ensure frontline staff are always up to date on resident status, care plan changes, and relevant clinical updates. 

Not only has this approach to communication improved care planning and shared decision-making among staff, but families also benefit from greater confidence in care delivery through consistent, informed communication.

Eliminating “Paper”-Work to Improve Patient Care

In the past, the need to record patient notes and information on paper caused delays due to limited computer availability or the need for manual paperwork. Care providers were spending more time on paperwork than being present for the residents. 

To solve this challenge, the team at Maeford Place in Quesnel, BC, introduced tablets into their care plans. This now allows the team to update care needs immediately after the care was provided, elevating the accuracy and currency of care for every resident. 

Easing the Transition

The team at Laurel Place in Surrey, BC, noticed that many new residents felt rushed and stressed during their transition into their suites. To make them feel more welcomed, the team hosted a Quarterly Welcome Tea where new residents could meet with management and resident ambassadors in a relaxed setting. 

Since hosting these events, the team has received overwhelmingly positive feedback. New residents enjoy how it makes the transition smoother and fosters a welcoming, supportive community.

Communication Makes All The Difference

Transitioning into an independent living community or extended care home can be a big change. Our caring, holistic approach to this transition helps us do everything we can to ensure you live an enriching life by continually improving our services and care. 

These stories are only the beginning. Across our Park Place Seniors Living communities, we STRIVE to create a welcoming environment through:

• Safety & Quality
• Teamwork & Partnerships
• Responsibility & Stewardship
• Innovation & Creativity
• Voices that are respected
• Empathy & Trust 

Ready to see our dedication to communication in action? Drop by your local independent living community for coffee and a tour to learn more about how your loved ones can live a thriving life with our community.

The post Elevating Seniors’ Quality of Life With Communication & Innovation appeared first on Park Place Seniors Living by Carly Overs.

We are proud to share and celebrate the recent professional achievements of Traci Skaalrud, Site Leader and Director of Care at Cascade Gardens.

Traci has been selected for two significant national and international nursing initiatives that recognize her expertise, leadership, and ongoing contributions to the nursing profession, particularly in the area of gerontological care.

Representing Canada at the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

At the end of April, Traci will travel to Chicago to participate as an Exam Item Reviewer for the PNRex, the licensure examination for Practical Nurses. This opportunity comes through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and reflects a high level of trust in Traci’s clinical knowledge and professional judgment.

As an Exam Item Reviewer, Traci will help ensure that exam questions accurately reflect current practice standards and competencies required for safe, effective nursing care.

Contributing to the National Gerontological Nursing Exam

In addition, Traci has once again been selected by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) to contribute to the development of exam questions for the Certified Registered/Licensed Practical

Gerontological Nurses Exam

This work will take place over three remote sessions and brings together Certified Gerontological Nurses from across Canada. Traci’s involvement supports the ongoing advancement of excellence in gerontological nursing and helps shape the standards for future practitioners across the country.

A Commitment to Quality Care and Professional Leadership

Traci’s selections for these roles are a reflection not only of her professional credibility, but also of her continued commitment to quality care, education, and leadership in long‑term care. Her contributions extend beyond Cascade Gardens, supporting the nursing profession at both national and international levels.

On behalf of everyone at Park Place Seniors Living, we extend our sincere congratulations to Traci. We are grateful for her leadership and proud to see her expertise recognized on such important platforms.

The post Celebrating Leadership and Excellence in Nursing: Congratulations Traci Skaalrud appeared first on Park Place Seniors Living by Carly Overs.

At a glance

Who it’s for: Seniors and families exploring seniors living options at one of our independent living communities 

What it covers: How Park Place builds relationships between staff, residents, and teams across Canada

Why it matters: Strong relationships create a more supportive, connected, and comfortable place to live

Strong relationships are built through everyday interactions, shared spaces, open communication, and a culture that values connection between residents and staff.

When seniors and families explore senior living options, they often look at services, amenities, and location. Just as important, though, is how a community feels, and that often comes down to relationships and staff career satisfaction.

At Park Place Seniors Living, a Canadian-owned seniors living organization, relationship-building is part of daily life. Across independent living communities, the focus is on creating environments where residents and staff feel connected, supported, and comfortable with one another.

Why do relationships matter in seniors’ living?

Relationships in seniors living communities are shaped not only by interactions, but by how supported staff feel in their roles.

When staff have the space to rest, connect, and feel valued in their work, it allows them to show up more fully for residents. Initiatives like comfortable staff spaces, team-led events, and open communication all contribute to a stronger, more connected workplace.

This carries into daily life in the community. Residents experience more consistent care, clearer communication, and a more positive environment when teams are supported behind the scenes.

When staff feel supported, they are better able to support others.

How does The Wellington create space for connection?

At The Wellington in Alberta, relationship-building starts with giving staff the space to rest and connect.

Through the Alberta Care for Staff Grant, the staff room was redesigned into a more comfortable and welcoming environment. With calming music, better communication tools, and a relaxed atmosphere, the space allows staff to recharge and spend time together.

These moments of connection between staff members help strengthen teamwork, which carries into their interactions with residents. When staff feel supported and connected, it often shows in how they engage with the people around them.

How does River Ridge strengthen team and community relationships?

At River Ridge, relationships are built through shared experiences.

The Work/Life Committee organizes staff appreciation days, social events, and wellness activities throughout the year. These gatherings give team members a chance to connect outside of their daily responsibilities and build stronger relationships over time.

That sense of connection extends into the broader community. Residents and families often notice when staff work well together, as it creates a more positive and consistent environment.

How does Greystone Manor Retirement Residence support connections for both staff and residents?

At Greystone Manor, relationship-building is supported through both environment and communication.

The updated staff room provides a more comfortable place for team members to take breaks and connect. At the same time, resident committees and guest speakers create opportunities for residents to share their perspectives and stay involved in community life.

These efforts help create open lines of communication, where both staff and residents feel heard and supported.

How do these efforts reflect our “STRIVE values”?

These approaches to relationship-building reflect our STRIVE values in practical ways. At Park Place, we strive for excellence and to create environments where residents feel safe, heard, and supported. These aren’t just ideals. Each value shapes how we show up for the residents and families in our community every day.

• Safety & Quality supports a stable and comfortable environment by providing safe spaces where care is effective and person-centred, with a focus on quality.
• Teamwork & Partnerships strengthen connections across teams and communities by supporting each other to create a connected culture that brings out our best.
• Responsibility & Stewardship guides thoughtful improvements by doing our best work and ensuring we are good stewards to ensure a sustainable future.
• Innovation & Creativity encourages new ways to bring people together by creating open conversations that encourage innovation around enriching lives.
• Voices that are Respected ensures residents and staff are heard, respected, and having their needs, values, and preferences responded to.
• Empathy & Trust builds meaningful, everyday connections by fostering trusting relationships, welcoming diversity, and seeking understanding.

These values are not separate from daily life; they are part of how relationships are built and maintained at Park Place Seniors Living.

What does this mean for residents and families?

When staff feel supported in their work, it has a direct impact on the experience of residents.

A team that has time to rest, connect, and feel valued is often more present, consistent, and engaged in their roles. For residents, this can show up in small but meaningful ways: familiar routines, thoughtful interactions, and a sense of stability day to day.

For families, it offers reassurance. Seeing a team that works well together and feels supported can help build confidence that their loved one is in a steady and well-run environment.

See how these connections take shape

Choosing a seniors community is often about more than services; it’s about how the environment is supported behind the scenes.

At Park Place Seniors Living, initiatives like those at The Wellington, River Ridge, and Greystone Manor show how supporting staff well-being and connection can shape the overall experience of a community. When teams are given the tools and space to do their work well, it carries through to residents in a practical, everyday way.

If you’re researching different senior living options, paying attention to how staff interact and how supported they seem can offer a clearer picture of what daily life may feel like.

The post How Do We Keep Seniors Living Staff Engaged Across Western Canada? appeared first on Park Place Seniors Living by Carly Overs.

On February 26, 2026, Park Place Seniors Living founders Al and Jenny Jina were formally recognized in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, marking a meaningful moment of public acknowledgment for their long standing contributions to seniors living.

During the morning sitting of the 2nd Session, 43rd Parliament, Sunita Dhir, MLA for Vancouver Langara, addressed the House to recognize Al and Jenny following their recent receipt of the Ed Helfrich Long Service Award from the B.C. Care Providers Association.

In her remarks, MLA Dhir reflected on the values that have guided Park Place Seniors Living from its earliest days.

“More than three decades ago, Al and Jenny co founded Park Place Seniors Living with a simple but powerful mission, to create homes where seniors feel valued, respected and truly at home. Together, Al and Jenny have built more than seniors’ residences. They have built communities.”

A Mission Recognized at the Provincial Level

For more than 30 years, Al and Jenny Jina have helped shape Park Place with a consistent focus on dignity, respect, and creating places that genuinely feel like home. The recognition in the B.C. Legislature reflects how this mission has resonated well beyond our organization, contributing to the broader conversation about quality, leadership, and community in seniors living across the province.

While the Ed Helfrich Long Service Award acknowledges decades of sustained leadership in the sector, the Legislative recognition offers a distinct and public affirmation of the impact that values driven leadership can have on residents, families, care teams, and communities.

A Shared Moment of Pride

MLA Dhir concluded by inviting the House to join her in congratulating Al and Jenny Jina and welcoming Al Jina to the Legislature. It was a moment that recognized not only personal achievement, but also the collective efforts of the many people who have contributed to Park Place Seniors Living over the years.

We are proud to see this work acknowledged in the B.C. Legislature and grateful for the trust and support of the residents, families, and teams who continue to bring our shared mission to life every day.

The post Recognized in the B.C. Legislature: Al and Jenny Jina appeared first on Park Place Seniors Living by Carly Overs.

At a glance

Who it’s for: Seniors and families learning more about Park Place Seniors Living

What it covers: A breakdown of the STRIVE values and how they show up in daily life

Why it matters: Understanding these values helps explain how communities are run and what residents can expect

STRIVE is the set of guiding values at Park Place Seniors Living, shaping how care, connection, and daily life are approached across every community.

When exploring seniors living options, it’s natural to look at services, amenities, and location. But just as important and often less visible are the values that guide how a community operates day to day.

At Park Place Seniors Living, a Canadian-owned seniors living organization, those values are captured in one word: STRIVE.

STRIVE reflects how teams approach senior care across Canada. It’s not a slogan or a one-time initiative it’s a framework that guides decisions, interactions, and the overall experience for residents, families, and staff.

What does STRIVE stand for?

STRIVE is an acronym that represents six key commitments:

• Safety & Quality
• Teamwork & Partnerships
• Responsibility & Stewardship
• Innovation & Creativity
• Voices that are Respected
• Empathy & Trust

Each one plays a role in shaping how Park Place senior communities operate and how residents experience daily life.

S — Safety & Quality

Safety and quality are the foundation of everything.

This includes maintaining clean, well-run environments, following consistent care practices, and ensuring that residents feel secure in their surroundings. It also means paying attention to the details that support day-to-day comfort and well-being.

Safety is not just about procedures; it’s about creating an environment where seniors in our communities feel at ease.

T — Teamwork & Partnerships

Strong communities are built through collaboration.

At Park Place, teamwork extends across staff, residents, families, and community partners. Whether it’s working with local organizations or supporting one another within the team, this approach helps create a more connected and responsive environment.

Partnerships also bring additional knowledge and resources into the community, supporting residents in practical ways.

R — Responsibility & Stewardship

Responsibility means being accountable for both people and resources.

As a Canadian-owned organization, Park Place focuses on long-term sustainability and thoughtful decision-making. Stewardship reflects a commitment to using resources carefully while maintaining a high standard of living for residents.

It’s about doing what’s right: consistently and responsibly.

I — Innovation & Creativity

Innovation doesn’t always mean big changes. Often, it shows up in small, thoughtful improvements.

This can include new programming, updated approaches to daily routines, or creative ways to support resident engagement. The goal is to stay responsive to changing needs while continuing to improve the experience of living in a seniors community.

V — Voices that are Respected

Listening is a key part of building trust.

At Park Place communities, residents are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and be part of conversations that affect their daily lives. Feedback is taken seriously and helps shape how communities evolve over time.

When people feel heard, they feel more comfortable and more connected.

Being listened to is one of the simplest ways to feel at home.

E — Empathy & Trust

Empathy is about understanding each person’s experience.

Trust is built through consistency, communication, and care. Together, these values help create an environment where residents feel supported not just physically, but emotionally as well.

It’s often these quieter, day-to-day interactions that have the biggest impact.

How do these values show up in everyday life?

STRIVE is not something separate from daily operations; it’s part of how communities function.

It can be seen in how staff interact with residents, how concerns are addressed, and how programs are designed. It shapes both the visible and less visible parts of community life.

For seniors and families exploring senior living, understanding these values can provide insight into what living in a Park Place community may feel like over time.

See How STRIVE Comes to Life in Our Communities

Choosing a seniors community is about more than services; it’s about how people are treated and supported each day.

At Park Place Seniors Living, STRIVE reflects a commitment to doing that well. Across communities in Canada, these values guide how care is delivered, how relationships are built, and how residents experience daily life.

If you’re learning more about seniors living, taking the time to understand a community’s values can be just as important as seeing the space itself. 

The post What Does “STRIVE” Mean at Park Place Seniors Living? appeared first on Park Place Seniors Living by Carly Overs.

Park Place Seniors Living is pleased to welcome Mill Lake Seniors Community as the newest addition to its growing network of seniors residences across Western Canada. The residence was recently acquired by Park Place and was previously known as Bevan Village.

Located in the heart of Abbotsford, Mill Lake Seniors Community offers assisted living, long-term care, and respite care in a comfortable, community-focused environment designed to support seniors with a range of needs. The residence sits just steps from Mill Lake Park, providing residents and visiting families with easy access to walking paths, gardens, and scenic lake views.

With the addition of Mill Lake Seniors Community, Park Place continues its mission of providing compassionate, resident-centred care across British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.

A Supportive Environment for Seniors

Mill Lake Seniors Community offers assisted living and long-term care, along with short-term respite stays for families who need temporary support. This range of care services allows residents and families to access the level of care that best suits their needs.

Residents benefit from:

• 24-hour professional nursing support
• Personalized assistance with daily living
• Secure, landscaped grounds and outdoor spaces
• Comfortable studio and one-bedroom suites
• Engaging recreation and social programming
• Chef-prepared meals served in accessible dining rooms

Additional services such as dementia care and respite stays are also available, helping families access flexible care options when needs change.

A Welcoming Community in a Familiar Neighbourhood

Situated on Bevan Avenue in an established Abbotsford neighbourhood, the residence is close to everyday amenities, including shopping, pharmacies, and local services at nearby Bevan Village. Its proximity to Mill Lake Park also offers residents and visitors a peaceful place to spend time outdoors.

Inside the community, residents can enjoy shared spaces such as lounges, activity rooms, a library, and an on-site hair salon, all designed to encourage connection and comfort.

Continuing Park Place’s Commitment to Quality Care

As part of the Park Place Seniors Living family, Mill Lake Seniors Community operates under established standards of safety, quality, and compassionate care upheld across all Park Place residences. Park Place has been serving seniors and their families for more than 30 years, with a focus on creating supportive communities where residents feel respected, safe, and at home.

The addition of Mill Lake Seniors Community strengthens Park Place’s presence in the Fraser Valley and expands care options for families exploring assisted living and long-term care in Abbotsford.

If you are interested in learning more about Mill Lake Seniors Community, we invite you to book a tour to see the residence firsthand.

The post Introducing Mill Lake Seniors Community: Park Place’s Newest Residence in Abbotsford, BC appeared first on Park Place Seniors Living by Carly Overs.

We are proud to share that Clayton Heights Care Community has once again been recognized by Healthcare Excellence Canada, receiving the $1,000 Evaluation Survey Award (Impact Award) as part of the Sparking Change in the Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics (AUA) Awards Program.

This recognition, awarded on March 11, 2026, highlights Clayton Heights’ continued commitment to quality improvement and meaningful resident‑centered care.

The Evaluation Survey Award acknowledges teams that actively engage in evaluating and strengthening care practices that support the appropriate use of antipsychotic medications. Receiving this award again is a testament to the consistency, dedication, and professionalism demonstrated by the Clayton Heights team in their day‑to‑day work.

This achievement comes during an especially demanding period for the community, with the team navigating increased clinical pressures while maintaining a strong focus on care quality and resident well‑being. Their ability to stay engaged, responsive, and committed during challenging times speaks volumes about the culture of care at Clayton Heights.

We extend our sincere congratulations and appreciation to the entire Clayton Heights Care Community team for this well‑deserved recognition. Your ongoing efforts continue to make a positive impact on the lives of residents and families you serve.

The post Clayton Heights Care Community Recognized by Healthcare Excellence Canada appeared first on Park Place Seniors Living by Carly Overs.