KAMSACK - According to their April newsletter, a recent influx of new residents means that the Eaglestone’s independent suites are now fully occupied. The two short-term rental suites that are open to family members, supporters, and visiting health care workers, are also filling up with reservations for the summer months. Anyone planning to stay at Eaglestone can contact the office manager, Karen Bodnaryk.
To tackle the issue of crumbling sidewalks and walking paths on the property, the New Horizons for Senior’s Program, which is administered by the Employment and Social Development Canada, has given Eaglestone a grant totaling $25,000 to remove and replace the old cement forms. In addition, the Town of Kamsack and the Rural Municipality of Cote #271 have each contributed $5,000 to the project. Kam Crete Ltd. of Kamsack has been awarded the contract to install the new pathways.
Eaglestone’s board of directors has recently voted to purchase an upgraded emergency response system known as “Life Lines.” The new system will be purchased from Gardon Securities in Yorkton, and will be able to handle emergency calls for up to 64 residents. Money for the new control panel and an initial allotment of 15 “fobs” was raised in 2020 and 2021 from the proceeds of 50/50 cash raffles.
With kitchen renovations completed last year, a dedicated kitchen team, and a more creative approach, the Eaglestone board is reporting a dramatic increase of rave food service reviews from residents and their visitors – thanks in part to the talents and ingenuity of Tricia Sheptak, Eaglestone’s kitchen administrator.
Eaglestone’s new staffing schedule, designed by its board of directors in consultation with special care aide manager Kathy Wishnevetski and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) came into effect on March 20. The home is now operating with four fewer employees.
With the reduction of wages and benefits, the lodge is expected to cut operating expenses by at least $10,000 per month, giving Eaglestone a very good chance of regaining its financial security. The employees whose permanent and part-time positions were eliminated have been asked to stay on as casual workers, and are filling in while permanent staff members take vacation or sick leave.
In a recent press release, the Eaglestone board of directors announced that senior citizens who are aged 65 and over and qualify for the Saskatchewan personal care home benefit, can now apply for residence at Eaglestone Lodge for as little as $2,000 per month. The reduced residency rate will apply to new residents only and will include all meals, private rooms, some personal care, medical supervision, social activities, laundry, housekeeping, and more.
The board has also announced openings for new directors. Anyone interested is invited to attend Eaglestone’s annual general meeting scheduled for April 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kamsack Comprehensive Institute to learn more about what the position would entail.
Eaglestone Lodge is both a non-profit corporation and a charity registered with the Canada Revenue Agency. Anyone who makes a cash donation to Eaglestone Lodge will receive an official receipt that reduces income tax.
