News at the Lodge

EAGLESTONE LODGE —January 2023 Newsletter— PERSONAL CARE HOME INC.

Annual Meeting Postponed

Eaglestone’s annual general meeting (AGM) originally scheduled for January 26 has been postponed. Please reset your calendar and join us at the Kamsack Legion Hall on Thursday, February 23 at 6:30 pm. The meeting will feature the presentation of Eaglestone’s 2021-2022 audited financial statement, the election of directors, and a question and answer session. 

Christmas In Review

The spirit of giving was alive and well at Eaglestone Lodge over the holiday season. Thanks to donors who contributed to the Miracle on Miles Street, all 36 residents had gifts under the tree. Kamsack’s Air Cadets sponsored the December birthday party, and gifted chocolate sleighs and cones of nuts. The Anglican Church ladies purchased roasting turkeys and all the trimmings for Christmas Dinner. Thanks also to the Legacy Co-op for their donation of gifts to all the residents.

Pancake Breakfast and Christmas Party Huge Success

The December 17th event, open to families and friends of the residents, was golden. The day began with a pancake breakfast, followed by residents playing Christmas carols on chimes directed by Amanda Yaremko. Lunch was served. The afternoon program featured songs by Steve Ruten, a memorable performance by recording artist Troy McNaughten, and choral singing directed by Susan Bear. Thanks to Eaglestone staff and volunteers who organized the event!

Raffle Tickets on Afghan Going Fast

There is still time to buy tickets and win an Afghan knitted by 90-plus resident Mary Welyk. The draw date is January 15 and three tickets can be purchased for $5. Please contact Karen Bodnaryk at 306-542-2620 or e-transfer your funds to eaglestone@sasktel.net

Room at the Lodge

There is presently one small full-care room available at Eaglestone Lodge. Please contact Tricia Sheptak, Kathy Wishnevetski or Karen Bodnaryk for more information. Anyone wishing to try a short stay at the Lodge can register for respite care. This option costs $75/day and includes a private room, meals, and personal care. Our short-term rental suites, reserved for residents’ family members and health care workers temporarily staying in Kamsack, cost $85/night, $420/week, and $1,600/month. Please check with administration for availability. 

Partnership with Sarcan

Please consider donating your can and bottle money to Eaglestone when visiting the local recycling service. Just tell the attendant to send your funds to eaglestone@sasktel.net. Thanks! 

Current Board of Directors

President - Colleen Pennell Members-At-Large

Vice-President - Dianne Smutt Jack Koreluik

Secretary - Doug Elsasser Michelle Irvine

RM of Cote - Amanda Burback Kendra Kerr

Town of Kamsack - Nancy Brunt, Rick Aikman Colleen Broda

EAGLESTONE LODGE PERSONAL CARE HOME INC.  July 2022 Newsletter

Residents Visit Madge Lake 

Activities co-ordinator Amanda Yaremko led nine residents to Madge Lake for a wiener roast and ice cream. Traveling in the Kamsack Handi-Bus, the group made two trips in June and are planning to go again July 15th . Entertainer Sylvia Negraiff performed at Eaglestone June 22, singing and playing her guitar. The Polka Pals brightened up the June 15th monthly birthday party. Daily exercise, bingo games, cookie making, and more birthday parties are on for July. 

Special Care Aide Manager’s Report - by Kathy Wishnevetski 

We have 20 full care residents and 8 residents living in the independent rental suites. I feel everything has been going well with staff. I will be on holidays from July 18 to 21st . I have a knowledgeable worker taking my place who is almost done her schooling for a registered nurse. I will do more training with the new staff and will get them started on the free courses for now. 

Kitchen and Housekeeping Report - by Tricia Sheptak 

We have a new barbecue thanks to Nancy Brunt and the Anglican Church ladies and the residents are liking the barbecued food. The new ice machine is a hit with residents who like ice cubes in their water. Housekeeping is going good and all the exterior windows are washed. The short-term rental suites have been busy and brought in $1,615.00 in June. 

May Financial Report Positive 

Thanks mainly to the generous financial support of the Chernoff Family Foundation that donated $10,000, and the $5,000 combined donation from Fedoruk Seeds of Kamsack and Canterra Seeds, Eaglestone showed a surplus of $11,661.00 in May. Donations in memory of or from the Schindler, Hordichuk, Negraiff, Adamyk, Fesik and Moore families contributed $1,580. Adjustments in staffing levels made to match the needs of 20 full care residents continue to reduce expenses. We thank our dedicated employees for the extra effort required. 

Marketing Effort Continues 

A new brochure written and designed by Eaglestone’s board of directors has been printed and distributed to ten locations in Kamsack, Canora and Yorkton. “Eaglestone Lodge - A Place That Cares” was also sent to five rural municipalities and nine towns and villages with a letter asking community leaders to give the brochure to anyone considering assisted living. Now that the promotional video, brochure and poster are completed, Eaglestone will make sales presentations to senior citizens, drop-in centers, churches and other interest groups. Anyone willing to host a sales presentation can contact our office manager Karen Bodnaryk at 306-542-2620. To view the nine-minute promotional video, go to our website: eaglestonelodge.com. 

Kamsack Hospital Services Reduced 

A shortage of nurses and lab workers at the Kamsack Hospital will result in drastic reductions in services offered. Starting July 13th , all in-patient beds will be temporarily closed. The emergency room will be open from 8 - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday. 

After several meetings with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), members of the legislative assembly, and provincial cabinet ministers, Kamsack community leaders were told that until more staff is hired, the hospital can not provide both emergency services and in-patent care. The present hospital administrator is leaving in August and a new person is being hired. 

Ironically, this development occurs at a time when two new doctors are expected to arrive in Kamsack, raising the total number of Kamsack doctors from two to four. The two new doctors have passed their initial examinations under the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment (SIPPA) program, and are awaiting license approval by the Saskatchewan College of Physicians and Surgeons. 

Accommodations and contract arrangements for the two new doctors have been completed by the Assiniboine Valley Health and Wellness Foundation Inc., a community based non-profit corporation and registered charity that was formed in 2013. The AVH&W Foundation raised $2.4 million locally to build and maintain the Assiniboine Valley Medical Center that attracts doctors to practice family medicine in Kamsack. While the Foundation has achieved its goal of bringing doctors to Kamsack, the SHA, which staffs and operates the Kamsack Hospital, has failed to meet public health care expectations. 

All of this has created more difficulties for Eaglestone Lodge and the Kamsack Nursing Home whose elderly residents rely on hospital services. Eaglestone’s special care aide manager, Kathy Wishnevetski, reminds families of residents that the upcoming hospital service reductions are not something that she or her staff can control. “We will do our best,” she said. 

Kamsack is fortunate to have a robust Emergency Medical Service (EMS) provider whose fleet of ambulances will be busy moving people to hospitals in Canora, Yorkton and Regina. As stated, the in-patient bed closure in Kamsack is temporary. Community leaders in Kamsack are trying to keep things running and will continue to prevail upon the premier and his cabinet ministers to fix this problem. Please add your voice to restore hospital services in Kamsack. 

Eaglestone Lodge Personal Care Home Inc. Board of Directors 2022: 

President: Colleen Pennell Members at Large: Jack Koreluik 

Vice-President: Dianne Smutt Michelle Irvine 

Secretary: Doug Elsasser Kendra Kerr 

Town of Kamsack: Nancy Brunt Colleen Broda 

RM of Cote: Amanda Burback Rutu Patel 

May 2022 Newsletter  

After six months of winter, everyone is happy to get outside and see the land turn green. 

50/50 Cash Raffle Winner: 

Thanks to everyone who bought and sold 50/50 tickets. It was a sell out, so the winner on April 17, Ms. Margaret Genaille, received $2,500 in prize money. Proceeds from the raffle will be used to fund improvements at the Lodge. 

2022 Annual General Meeting:

Eaglestone’s AGM was completed April 28th . We are pleased to welcome three new board members. Kendra Kerr officially joined, as did Rutu Patel and Colleen Broda. An audited financial statement prepared by BakerTilley for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2021 was presented in draft form. A decision on hiring an independent auditor for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2022 has yet to be made. 

Fedoruk Seeds Donation: 

Special thanks to Fedoruk Seeds of Kamsack for naming Eaglestone Lodge as the recipient of a Canterra Seed Company grant of $2,500. The Fedoruks applied for the grant and matched the money received, giving Eaglestone a total of $5,000 for our capital expenditures account. 

New Life Line System Installed April 29:

Gardon Securities installed a new control panel and donated five buzzers or fobs, bringing the total number of fobs in stock to 20. Eaglestone is charging a $100 refundable damage deposit for each fob, so if you would like to connect your family member to the new emergency response system, please call and authorize payment. Once the damage deposit is arranged, full-care residents can alert staff and receive assistance at no further charge. Independent suite renters who wish to participate in the LifeLine system will be charged a damage deposit and a response fee. 

New Video Production Released: 

Eaglestone Lodge - A Place That Cares - is now available on YouTube via links from our website eaglestonelodge.com or Facebook page. The nine-minute video depicts the many services provided by Eaglestone staff and managers. Residents give their opinions on the quality of care they receive. Filmed on two occasions in February, the video was produced and directed by volunteers Cole Smith of Kamsack and Doug Elsasser of Togo. Be sure to check it out and share with anyone who is considering a move to our personal care home.

Slight Increase In Resident Numbers: 

The number of full-care residents increased from 18 in March to 21 as of May 09. All independent suites are occupied or reserved for new tenants. The two short-term rental suites, available to family members and visiting medical workers, are not completely booked. 

Garage Sale Set For May 28: 

Board members Michelle Irvine and Dianne Smutt are gearing up for a garage sale at Eaglestone Lodge Saturday May 28 starting at 11:00 am. Families are asked to donate items for sale. Several large items such as dressers, night stands and a book shelf that are not longer required at the Lodge will be sold. In case of rain, the gazebo on Miles Street will provide shelter. Lunch will be sold.

New Sidewalk Project Moves Ahead: 

Thanks to $25,000 provided by the Federal government though its New Horizons for Seniors Program, $5,000 from the Town of Kamsack, and $5,000 from the Rural Municipality of Cote, Eaglestone’s crumbling sidewalks will be removed and replaced sometime this summer and autumn. The project will feature entries to the building that are wheelchair accessible. 

Funding Requested For Tub Room Renovations: 

Working with local plumbers, electricians and carpenters, Eaglestone’s board has initiated a tub room renovation project. The plan, largely designed by occupational therapist Kendra Kerr, calls for a new walk-in tub in a larger room, and a new barrier- free shower in a smaller room. Better ventilation, lighting and accessories will be installed in both tub/shower rooms. Eaglestone has approached the Farm Credit Corporation though its Agri-Spirit grant program, and the Richardson Foundation to provide funds. Anyone wishing to contribute to this project can contact our office manager at 306-542-2620 and receive an official tax receipt. 

Visits and Outings: 

Family and friends are welcome to visit Eaglestone residents and take them out for the day or a longer period of time. Please notify staff if you are taking a resident out overnight. 

Extra Plants Anyone?

Eaglestone is looking for donations of Hosta plants and other perennial flowers. If anyone is cleaning up their perennial beds and can spare some plants, please contact the Lodge and make arrangements to transplant them here. 

Cook Books For Sale: 

The Eaglestone Cookbook, featuring favorite recipes donated by current and former residents, is now on sale for $10 each. You can pick one up at the Lodge office anytime, or put it on your list for the garage sale taking place May 28th . 

Eaglestone Board of Directors: 

President: Colleen Pennell Members At Large: Jack Koreluik     Vice-President: Dianne Smutt Michelle Irvine Secretary: Doug Elsasser Kendra Kerr     Town of Kamsack: Nancy Brunt Rutu Patel   RM of Cote: Amanda Burback Colleen Broda 

EAGLESTONE LODGE CUTS EXPENSES

March 24, 2022 

Kamsack’s Eaglestone Lodge, a personal care home funded by its residents and private donors, has reduced monthly payroll expenses by approximately $10,000. 

Eaglestone’s new staffing schedule, designed in consultation with Eaglestone’s board of directors, management, and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), came into effect March 20. The home will operate with four fewer employees. 

Payroll savings, along with recent full booking of its independent rental suites, has given Eaglestone a much better chance of regaining its financial security. 

“We thank the remaining employees for their willingness to work harder and still maintain Eaglestone’s excellent level of care,” a board spokesperson said. 

Eaglestone, established in 1958, is an assisted living facility that provides meals, private rooms, medical supervision, social activities, housekeeping, laundry and more. The home, with a licensed capacity for 30 people, is currently home to only 18 full-care residents. 

For more information, please contact: Doug Elsasser, board secretary, Eaglestone Lodge Personal Care Home Inc. 306-597-2146 email: elsad@sasktel.net

EAGLESTONE LODGE PERSONAL CARE HOME ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING POSTPONED AGAIN

Due to circumstances out of our control, our AGM on March 21, 2022 has been postponed once again.  We are working hard to rectify the situation and will reschedule and advertise for a new date as soon as possible.  Please accept our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience and delay.

EAGLESTONE LODGE – March 2022 Newsletter – PERSONAL CARE HOME INC. 

As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, let’s hope that new residents will join the spring migration and find a new home in Eaglestone Lodge. 

COVID-19 Outbreak Status Ends Starting today, two or more people at a time can visit residents of Eaglestone Lodge. Special Care Aide Manager Ms. Kathy Wishnevetski requires all visitors to enter through the Miles Street door, wear masks, and take a rapid antigen test before proceeding to the common area. Masks may be removed in the resident’s room. Visiting hours are from 9 am to 9 pm daily. 

New Date For Annual General Meeting The date and location of our annual general meeting has again been changed. Our long-awaited annual meeting will now be held TBA in the Kamsack Collegiate Institute (KCI) Library. 

If you are attending in person, please enter through the main doors, walk through the vestibule, and turn right toward the Junior High hallway. If you choose to attend virtually on the Internet, we are linking up via Skype (no account needed): https://join.skype.com/YrMHwHq9OUyB. The character that follows the number nine is a capital O. 

Business on the AGM agenda includes tabling an audited financial statement for the period September 01, 2020 to August 31, 2021. Several positions on the board of directors are open, so if you can help to operate our non-profit corporation, please get someone’s nomination and jump on board. Thank-you for your patience and we apologize for any confusion these numerous date changes have caused. 

Marketing Campaign Moves Ahead The effort to attract more residents to Eaglestone Lodge is moving ahead. Photography and video taping was completed February 23. The campaign will advertise the benefits of living at Eaglestone Lodge using brochures, print ads, posters, a promotional video and sales presentations. A letter writing campaign has already been completed. Eaglestone thanks Mr. Stephen Dutcheshen and Mr. Cole Smith for donating their photography and video production skills. 

Parkland College Students Help Out Two Parkland Community College students are working for six weeks each at Eaglestone Lodge. Under the supervision of our maintenance person and our kitchen/housekeeping staff, the students have been busy painting rooms, blowing snow, and performing other duties. The students, who arrived fully trained in food service and other occupational health and safety courses, are paid minimum wage by Eaglestone and we are reimbursed by Parkland College.

New 50/50 Cash Raffle Kicks Off Eaglestone, with permission from the Saskatchewan gaming authority, is holding another 50/50 cash raffle. One thousand $5 tickets are being sold with proceeds going to upgrades at the Lodge. Please help by selling and/or purchasing tickets, available from Fund Raising Committee chairperson Ms. Dianne Smutt, or from our Office Manager Ms. Karen Bodnaryk. Prize money of up to $2,500 will be awarded on the draw date April 17, 2022. 

Short-term Rental Suites Eaglestone offers two short-term rental suites to family members visiting residents, and to health care professionals working temporarily in Kamsack. One rental suite has been booked by a visiting doctor from March 05 to April 17th . The other suite is currently open for reservations. The suites come fully furnished with bedding, kitchen utensils, fridge, stove, tv and other amenities. Rental rates are $85/night, $420/week and $1,600/month. For bookings, please contact Ms. Karen Bodnaryk or Ms. Tricia Sheptak email: eaglestone@sasktel.net or 306-542-2620. 

Did You Know? Eaglestone Lodge was opened on April 16, 1958. The name of the Lodge was suggested by Mr. Tom Hovorka who won the naming competition. According to Kamsack’s local history book, “Spinning Tales - A Woven History,” the Eaglestone was a rock that stood near the Crowstand Mission. It was carved by Mr. Gabriel Cote in 1874. 

Activities Program Busy in March Activities co-ordinator Ms. Amanda Yaremko has a lot planned for March. Morning services by the Evangelical, Roman Catholic and Ukranian Orthodox churches will be held. The Polka Pals are back for the monthly birthday party March 16th . Residents will be making perogies and cookies, and the Mennonite singers from Sturgis and Hyas are booked to perform. Regular exercise sessions, bingo games, card games and floor curling will take place. Now that Eaglestone’s outbreak status has been lifted, more entertainment will be offered. 

Eaglestone Lodge Personal Care Home Inc. Board of Directors: 

President, Colleen Pennell RM of Cote: Amanda Burback   

Vice-President: Dianne Smutt Members At Large: Jack Koreluik 

Secretary: Doug Elsasser     Michelle Irvine 

Town of Kamsack: Nancy Brunt Kendra Kerr 

Shelley Filipchuk 

Contact Us: 306-542-2620                     Office Email: eaglestone@sasktel.net 

    Special Care Aide Manager: eaglestone.chargenurse@sasktel.net 

March 07, 2022

EAGLESTONE OFFERS REDUCED RATES FOR NEW LOW INCOME RESIDENTS

Senior citizens aged 65 and over who qualify for the Saskatchewan personal care home benefit are now welcome to move to Kamsack’s Eaglestone Lodge and live there for as little as $2,000 per month.

The reduced residency rate applies to new residents only. It pays for meals, private rooms, personal care, medical supervision, social activities, laundry, housekeeping and more.

Eaglestone’s board of directors approved the discount to fill empty rooms and generate more revenue for the beleaguered personal care home. Special rates are now available for eight new low income seniors.

For more information, please contact: Eaglestone Lodge 306-542-2620, or visit us online: Eaglestonelodge.com

Eaglestone Lodge 50/50

Draw Date April 17, 2022

$5 a ticket

Proceeds to upgrades at the Lodge!

Call the Lodge, contact a board member, or stop by the Dollar Store in Kamsack! E-transfer Available!!!

Eaglestone Lodge Personal Care Home Annual General Meeting

Our AGM is scheduled for March 21, 2022 at 6:30pm in the KCI Library or by Skype.  We originally planned it a month earlier, but due to circumstances out of our control, we have had to postpone.   If you would like to join, please email amanda.burback@gmail.com or the Lodge at eaglestone@sasktel.net for the meeting link.  Mark your calendars!

Thanks!

ESL Board of Directors

Eaglestone & Covid-19

Dear Family Members, Residents, Supporters and Staff:

On Saturday January 29, 2022 Eaglestone staff conducted routine rapid antigen tests on all lodge residents and found a few positive Covid-19 cases amongst our residents. Subsequent rapid antigen testing has resulted in one more positive test result in a lodge resident as of January 31, 2022.   

As a result, Eaglestone Lodge quickly jumped to action closing the lodge to the public and implementing the SHA’s COVID-19 Outbreak Guidance measures. The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) Public Health and the Ministry of Health are providing support and assistance to Eaglestone employees so they can ensure the ongoing safety and health of the residents. Positive COVID-19 residents are scheduled to have their infection status confirmed with a PCR test with help from the SHA team. 

Until the situation of an outbreak can be clearly determined by the Medical Health Officer, residents will be in their private residences. Lodge employees will provide meals/nourishment  and supportive care to the residents during this trying time.  Eaglestone lodge employees and board members are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of your loved ones. 

Visitation to the facility will be closed to the public until at least February 14th, 2022. Eaglestone Lodge is available and willing to facilitate alternate methods of communication as able with your loved ones in a safe manner. 

The board, management and staff of Eaglestone Lodge will continue to support the Lodge residents and families during this time and will as always keep you posted on the evolving situation with regular updates on this website and social media. 

https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca/system/files/2021-06/CV-19-G0110-Outbreak-Guidance-LTC_0.pdf

EAGLESTONE LODGE--Newsletter for January 2022 --PERSONAL CARE HOME INC. 

With the festive season behind us, and over two feet of snow on the ground, Eaglestone Lodge in wintertime stands as a bastion of shelter, home cooking and relaxation. 

Highlights of 2021: Board President Colleen Pennell compiled a list of 27 Highlights recorded since she took the position last February. Some of these are: Restructured management to help alleviate high costs, improving the courtyard by planting trees, flowers and erecting a shade structure, renovation of a short-term rental suite, staging of a summer BBQ, kitchen renovations, increased staff training, great support from volunteers and cash donors, new WI-FI Internet and phone service, and offering residents a wonderful Christmas party and Christmas dinner. 

Special Care Aide Manager Report: Addressing the monthly board of directors’ meeting January 13th , Kathy Wishnevetski reported that Eaglestone is now home to 20 full-care residents. Several staff have taken leave or retired, providing an opportunity for relief staff to move up and work more shifts. Staff training will continue. 

Kitchen/Housekeeping Report: Tricia Sheptak, who also administers the short-term rental suites, reported December 2021 revenue of $2,020. She was very pleased with the December 15th Christmas party when residents played carols on their chimes, guest Stephen Ruten sang songs and read a story, and entertainer Troy McNaughten gave an excellent performance that was talked about for days. She thanked the Anglican church for donating turkeys, vegetables and desert for Christmas dinner. Legacy Co-op’s $20/resident donation was used to purchase Chinese food for a New Year’s Eve dinner. Thanks also to all the “Secret Santas” who donated gifts for all of the residents. 

Office Manager’s Report: Karen Bodnaryk, who has been working on a voluntary basis since mid-October, reported an operating loss of $18,992 for the month of December. This deficit was partially offset by $7,500 in donations, notably $5,000 from the Broda Foundation, $1,000 from Lilian DeLance, and $500 from Angela and Glen Diduck. Unless the number of residents increases to near capacity of 30, the Lodge will continue to struggle financially. 

Maintenance Report: The board of directors regrets the departure of Mr. Lyle Romaniuk, our previous maintenance contractor, who worked very hard for several months to renovate suites, make repairs, do snow removal, and operate the heating and cooling systems. The board is seeking a new maintenance contractor. Mr. Romaniuk will assist as required until a new person is selected. 

Annual General Meeting: Eaglestone Lodge Personal Care Home Inc. will hold its 2022 AGM virtually March 21 , 6:30 pm via Skype. To obtain an Internet meeting link, please email amanda.burback@ gmail.com The board is hoping to elect several new members-at-large, so please get involved if you can. 

Farewell Debbie Cuervo: Long-time contributor Ms. Debbie Cuervo has retired from the Eaglestone Lodge board of directors. We wish Debbie well in her many hobbies and interests. 

New Sidewalks? The Eaglestone board of directors has applied to the federal government’s New Horizons of Seniors program for a $25,000 grant to remove and replace its crumbling sidewalks. The grant application entailed an estimate from local contractor KamCrete, and a letter of community support provided by the Assiniboine Valley Health and Wellness Foundation. Community support in the form of donations from the Town of Kamsack and the RM of Cote has also been requested. If funding is approved, we expect to have new sidewalks in place this summer. 

Marketing Campaign Launched: The board of directors has allocated $5,000 to a marketing campaign aimed at attracting more residents to Eaglestone Lodge. Board secretary Doug Elsasser, along with members-at-large Jack Koreluik and Amanda Burback, will produce a brochure, print ad, poster and promotional video. However, more help is needed. 

We are asking everyone who has a stake in the future of Eaglestone Lodge to get involved. Residents, supporters, staff, board members, suppliers of goods and services and tax collectors all have something to lose. 

If you know someone who is considering a move to assisted living, please encourage them to contact our management team. Office manager Karen Bodnaryk has the financial facts, our Special Care Aide Manager Kathy Wishnevetski will make an assessment, develop a care plan, and complete the admission agreement. Call 306-542-2620 or email: eaglestone@sasktel.net 

Moving from 20 to 30 full-care residents will ensure the long-term viability of our personal care home. Thanks in advance for your continued support 

Eaglestone Board of Directors: 

President, Colleen Pennell                                                                             RM of Cote, Amanda Burback 

Vice-President, Dianne Smutt                                                                     Town of Kamsack, Nancy Brunt 

Secretary, Doug Elsasser                                                                                 Members At Large: Jack Koreluik, Michelle Irvine, Kendra Kerr

December Newsletter

EAGLESTONE LODGE -- Newsletter for December 2021 – PERSONAL CARE HOME INC. 

Dear Eaglestone Residents, Families and Supporters: 

The glow of a Christmas tree reminds us that our loved ones are safe and warm indoors. May the blessings of this holiday season extend to everyone now and into the New Year. 

Special Care Aide Report - by Kathy Wishnevetski - There are presently 25 residents in the Lodge with another couple moving in at the end of December. Two more upgraded first aid training courses for staff were completed in late November and early December. Everyone is relieved and happy that the COVID-19 virus was contained to one resident in November. Thanks for your patience and co-operation during the lock down. Presently, all is going well. 

Secret Santa or Miracle on Miles Street - Eaglestone is reaching out to the community for Christmas presents. Our staff will be asking each resident what they would like from Santa, and these requests, to a maximum of $25, will be passed along to donors. If you or someone you know would like to donate a present, please call the Lodge 306-542-2620 Monday - Friday 8-5. 

Kitchen/ Housekeeping Report - by Tricia Sheptak - The residents are enjoying their meals a little more and we are in the process of revamping the menu. Our short term rental suites, reserved for health care professionals temporarily working in Kamsack, and for families of Eaglestone residents, continue to be very popular. The self-contained suites, complete with kitchenette and fully furnished, rent for $85/night, $420/week, or $1,600/month. 

Maintenance Report - along with routine maintenance of heating system, sidewalks, and kitchen appliances, upgrades continue in long-term rental suites and rooms in the main lodge. Painting, electrical work, and new counter tops are some examples. 

Christmas Party for Board of Directors and Residents - An afternoon of music, food and good cheer is planned for Wednesday, December 15th . The residents have been rehearsing their bells and chimes, and we are expecting a guest artist on piano. Let’s hope that everyone is in a festive mood for the singing of Christmas carols. 

Christmas Dinner Christmas Day - The Kamsack Anglican Church ladies are donating turkeys, vegetables, and desserts for a special dinner on December 25th . Our insurance broker, Hub International, will make sure that all residents receive a gift stocking. Thanks for these donations. 

20 Year Service Plaque -(Image above) Longtime cook Rose Schaan was recently given Eaglestone’s 20-Year Service Plaque. With residents and staff in attendance, Rose, who once vowed that she would quit if our kitchen was ever renovated, seemed quite pleased with her service award and her new work space. 

Rapid Antigen Testing - The recent lock down and quarantine of Eaglestone residents in their rooms Nov 3 -17 was accompanied by rapid antigen testing for the COVID-19 virus. As reported to you in a series of letters and updates, all residents and staff took the test every second or third day and repeatedly tested negative. 

Low cost rapid antigen test kits are available from a number of sources and are fairly easy to complete. Inside you will find a nasal swap, a vial of reagent, an empty vial, and a plastic receptacle that, when activated, either shows one or two lines. To take the test, you dribble some reagent into the empty vial, then insert the nasal swab into both of your nostrils. You then plunge the swab into the vial of reagent. After a few seconds of swirling the swab, several drops of the activated reagent are dribbled into a hole in the receptacle. You can watch the colour of the read out screen change from white to pink, then continue to watch as either one or two lines appear. One line indicates that the test is negative. Two lines means you are probably infected. Suspected cases can be confirmed with the more rigorous PCR test at a certified test site. In Kamsack and area, boxes of 10 rapid antigen test kits have been given free of charge to people who receive their third dose of COVID-19 vaccine. You and other visitors may be required to take a rapid antigen test prior to entering Eaglestone Lodge. 

Photography at Eaglestone - Occupancy rates at Eaglestone Lodge have been described as a revolving door - new residents are admitted every month, and almost the same number of people leave for long-term care or nursing homes. To generate enough revenue to pay staff, buy groceries, and cover insurance and utility bills, Eaglestone’s board of directors would like to reach full occupancy with a waiting list. This was accomplished in the past. But because the pandemic has made everything so difficult, we are struggling to again reach this goal. 

Eaglestone is preparing a new marketing and public relations campaign. We intend to show prospective clients the benefits of living in our personal care home. With your permission, we would like to photograph residents for use in promotional materials such as brochures, newspaper and magazine ads, posters, Eaglestone’s website: eaglestonelodge.com, or presentations to church groups or independent living communities such as Davies Towers in Kamsack or The Bentley in Yorkton. 

If you have any objection to having your family member’s or friend’s picture used in this way, please inform our Secretary, Doug Elsasser, by email: elsad@sasktel.net or by phone: 306-597- 2146 before December 08th.

With warm regards for Christmas and the New Year, 

The 2021 Eaglestone Lodge Personal Care Home Inc. Board of Directors: 

Colleen Pennell, president. Dianne Smutt, vice-president. Debbie Cuervo, treasurer. Doug Elsasser, secretary. Nancy Brunt, Town of Kamsack. Amanda Burback, RM of Cote. Jack Koreluik, Michelle Irvine and Kendra Kerr, members at large. 

EAGLESTONE LODGE ADOPTS NEW COVID-19 POLICY

Eaglestone Lodge, a licensed personal care home in Kamsack, Saskatchewan, has adopted new and more stringent provincial regulations designed to prevent the transmission and spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The Saskatchewan governments’s Employers’ COVID-19 Emergency Regulations Policy was adopted by Eaglestone’s board of directors at a special meeting held Nov 02, 2021.

Starting Nov 08, 2021 all visitors entering the Lodge will have to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, or show proof of a negative COVID test completed within the last 72 hours.

Visits to Lodge will be by appointment only. This will to allow time for possible Rapid Antigen tests that can be done by Eaglestone staff at the registration desk. Test results are usually available 15 minutes after the test is performed.

As mentioned, unvaccinated visitors already tested can bring recent verified negative test results to gain admission to the personal care home.

Masks, hand sanitizing and personal distancing requirements remain in effect.

All staff and managers working at Eaglestone Lodge, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to test negative once or twice a week, depending on shift scheduling, to continue working there. Rapid antigen tests will be verified and recorded prior to each shift.

Eaglestone Lodge is currently home to 25 elderly residents whose safety was a prime consideration in this decision. 

For more information please contact:

Doug Elsasser, Secretary, Eaglestone Lodge Personal Care Home Inc

New Masking Requirements

https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca/news-events/news/safe-family-presence-and-visiting-continues-new-medical-masking-requirement-long-term-care

Safe Family Presence and Visiting Continues with New Medical Masking Requirement in Long-Term Care

September 27, 2021

News Release Provincial COVID-19 Long Term Care

With increasing COVID-19 cases in Saskatchewan, and in an effort to further minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission and its variants, effective immediately, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is expanding its mandatory medical masking protocol.

Families and visitors in SHA long-term care homes and affiliates will now be required to wear a medical mask provided by the long-term care home at all times, not just when outside of residents’ rooms. This masking protocol applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals and applies to both single and multi-resident rooms. This change aligns with the latest Government of Saskatchewan Public Health Order. As the number of outbreaks in long-term care increases and the number of residents infected with COVID-19 and its variants continues to increase, additional safety precautions, including mandatory masking in resident rooms, are needed.

Long-term care residents are not required to mask in their own rooms, as this is their home, but are encouraged to mask when outside their room and in common indoor areas.

The requirement for families and visitors to mask within SHA acute facilities continues.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is urgently requesting co-operation from families and visitors to properly wear medical masks at all times within health-care facilities and long term care homes. We know that it is essential for patients and long-term care residents to be supported by their loved ones while receiving care; masking of family and visitors is one of the ways we are able to support safe family presence.

Free medical masks will be provided at screening stations when entering a long-term care home. Family members or visitors must:

• wear the mask so it fully covers their nose, mouth and chin;

• perform hand hygiene before and after you put on your mask; and

• keep your mask on at all times, and refrain from lowering it to talk.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, SHA will also continue to:

• ask everyone to complete health screening and perform hand hygiene before they enter;

• offer rapid COVID testing (results available in 15 minutes);

• encourage full vaccination and physical distancing; and

• monitor local spread of the virus.

All health-care workers must continue to put on a medical mask upon entry to any SHA building or facility and continue to wear it at all times and in all areas, unless eating and/or drinking.

Those who refuse to comply with masking requirements may be asked to leave.

The SHA continues to strongly encourage all Saskatchewan residents 12 years of age and older to be immunized with both doses. COVID-19 variants are continuing to develop and spread, and are more transmissible than the initial COVID-19 virus. Vaccines are proving to be effective in protecting individuals from serious illness against these variants, and high vaccination rates in our province will help curb the spread. Vaccination is available through participating pharmacies or at SHA COVID-19 vaccine clinics.

September News Letter from the Lodge

EAGLESTONE LODGE - Newsletter for September 2021 - PERSONAL CARE HOME INC.

Dear Eaglestone Residents, Families and Supporters:

After enduring the hot, humid days of summer, we are enjoying the colour and coolness of autumn. Like our farmer friends in their fields, Eaglestone was a busy place in September...

Special Care Aide Report - by Kathy Wishnevetski: We had two residents leave and two new people arrive in September. There are now 23 full care residents and one independent suite renter. Staff training progressed well this month and will continue in October. We are hiring new staff in the care aide and housekeeping departments. Overall, things are going pretty smoothly.

50/50 Cash Raffle Winner - Thanks to everyone who purchased 50/50 tickets, especially Janet Woodward of Kamsack who won the $2,500 prize and donated $500 back to Eaglestone. Funds raised in this raffle are dedicated to improving resident safety at the Lodge.

Kitchen and Housekeeping Administrator’s Report - by Tricia Sheptak: Eaglestone hastaken a new approach to food purchasing, preparation and menu planning. I had a resident meeting on September 1st that went very well. Several of the residents got involved to make perogies, beetniks and beet borscht, and the cooks prepared deep-fried fish and chips and home made pizza. My duties also include managing the rental suite. It is booked for a visiting doctor October 3-8, a family member Oct 11-13, and by another visiting doctor Oct 18-20.

Kitchen Renovation Moves Ahead - Long-awaited improvements to Eaglestone’s kitchen are set to begin October 04 with the removal of a food preparation island and counter tops. A new island, cabinets, counter tops and a large pantry will be installed the same week. New plates, bowls, cutlery and kitchen accessories are also being purchased. Thanks again to the Town of Kamsack, the RM of Cote, and everyone else who donated money for this project. 

Polka Pals Return Engagement - Thanks to the Polka Pals for entertaining Eaglestone residents, family members and guests again in September! 

Telephone and Internet Upgrade - Our new telephone system delivered by SaskTel is expected any day. Office manager Karen Bodnaryk is also pleased that WI-FI Internet service is being improved and will function in all parts of the building, including in the rental suite. 

Fiscal Year End - Eaglestone’s fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 and once all the year’s bills are paid in September, we will be ready for our annual audit. The firm of Baker - Tilley in Yorkton will be handling our audit again this year.

COVID 19 Precautions 4th Wave - Eaglestone residents who chose to get re-vaccinated were given a booster shot in September. With virus circulating again, especially in Saskatoon and northern Saskatchewan, we are asking everyone to be extremely careful when visiting Eaglestone Lodge. Anyone who enters the building is asked to take their temperature and leave immediately if fever is detected. Masks and signing in are mandatory. If and when public health restrictions are imposed on our personal care home, you will be notified.

Goal of Full Occupancy- Help Required -When the current Eaglestone board of directors, elected in Feburary 2021, was faced with an operating deficit of $15 - $20,000 per month, we decided to reduce expenses by eliminating some medical, administrative and maintenance positions. Combined with a residency rate increase of 10% that took effect in June, 2021, Eaglestone’s restructuring plan has come close to balancing revenue and expenses. 

Eaglestone Lodge is licensed by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health under rules set out by the Personal Care Home Act and Regulations. Our maximum occupancy is now 30 full care residents. With winter approaching, we have rooms for seven new people and would like to put names on a waiting list.  Full occupancy with a waiting list would put Eaglestone Lodge in a very solid financial position.  If you are pleased with the accommodation, meals and personal care we provide, please spread the word and help us to reach this goal. 

Questions and Comments Welcome - If you have any questions about residency rates, personal care options, or anything else about Eaglestone Lodge, please feel welcome to contact our Special Care Aide Manager, Ms. Kathy Wishnevetski, who handles health care issues, or Ms. Karen Bodnaryk, our office manager, at 306-542-2620. E-mail: eaglestone@sasktel.net.

Check Out our Website - eaglestonelodge.com

Eaglestone Lodge Board of Directors:

Colleen Pennell - President

Dianne Smutt- Vice-president

Debbie Cuervo - Treasurer

Doug Elsasser - Secretary

Amanda Burback - shareholder RM of Cote, Website manager

Nancy Brunt - shareholder Town of Kamsack

Jack Koreluik - member at large, human resources committee

Michelle Irvine - member at large

Kendra Kerr - member at large

EAGLESTONE RESTRUCTURES IN EFFORT TO CUT COSTS & REDUCE DEBT

Cost cutting measures are currently underway at the Eaglestone Lodge in Kamsack.

The non-profit corporation that provides accommodation, meals and care to elderly residents in Kamsack has been forced to reduce its operating expenses. According to Colleen Pennell, newly elected president of the Eaglestone Lodge board of directors, the facility has been losing more than $15,000 per month. Cost cutting measures include replacing the charge nurse position with a full-time personal care aide manager, replacing the director of operations position with an office manager, and reducing the hours of the maintenance position.

It was recently announced that Karen Bodnaryk will be stepping in as Eaglestone’s new office manager. Bodnaryk has over 20 years of experience in bookkeeping, payroll and other office skills. A previous employee at Nykolaishen Farm Equipment in Kamsack, Bodnaryk has also been very active in the community with the Kamsack Air Cadets. The board is grateful that Bodnaryk has come out of retirement to help Eaglestone and reports that she will be working flexible hours.

Stepping into the new role of special care aide manager is Kathy Wishnevetski, who has worked at Eaglestone for the past four years. Wishnevetski will work closely with the Assiniboine Valley Medical Center, along with four local doctors who are available to visit Eaglestone Lodge on a regular basis.

Mike Syvret works full-time as the maintenance person at Victoria School in Kamsack, but because the school requires him to work a split shift, he is available to provide maintenance services at Eaglestone at least two hours per day Monday to Friday. Syvret is a qualified contractor with boiler papers and other necessary certificates who will check boilers and provide ongoing maintenance duties. With the previous maintenance position being full-time (40 hours per week, with benefits) the restructuring of this position will result in a substantial reduction in expenses.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has promised Eaglestone that home care nurses will come to the facility as directed by doctors to provide specialized care such as injections. The home care nurses will also train special care aides to do such things as dispense medication and perform specialized care procedures. There are currently two staff members at Eaglestone who are trained to dispense medication, but at least one more person requires home care nurse training for this task.

The board of directors has reported that there are currently 20 full-care residents at Eaglestone, despite the capacity for 30 beds. Since virtually all of the revenue required in building maintenance, paying staff, and paying for groceries comes from residency fees, the board of Eaglestone Lodge is currently appealing to wealthy people to make donations to tide them over until more people can move in to the facility. As lodge residents become older and their health deteriorates, they are re-assessed by SHA. Once residents have reached level three, they are moved to “long term care” also known as the Kamsack Nursing Home.

The Eaglestone board has announced that it will soon be launching a marketing effort to reach full occupancy at the lodge and would like to have a waiting list. The organization is planning an open house and barbecue in July.

Credit to Kamsack Times for the story and accompanying pictures.

https://www.kamsacktimes.com/news/local-news/eaglestone-restructures-in-effort-to-cut-costs-and-reduce-debt-1.24327823

RESTRUCTURING AT THE LODGE

April 28, 2021

Dear Eaglestone Lodge Family Member(s)

We are anxiously waiting for a warmer spring to get here so the residents can get outside for fresh air and sunshine. Everyone is looking forward to the day we are able to visit our loved ones at the Lodge.

The Eaglestone Lodge Board of Directors has extensively reviewed its financial situation and considered the options available to sustain operations. Our mandate is to ensure that we are able to continue to operate a personal care home for the residents of Kamsack and area.

The board has had to make some very difficult restructuring decisions. With the occupancy for the past several years at less than 30 full-care residents and about five independent living suites, the Eaglestone Lodge has been seeing a deficit of as much as $15,000 a month. The recent rent increase will help to reduce this deficit but it is no where near adequate to sustain operations as they are.

To keep the Eaglestone Lodge open for its residents and for the community, some tough decisions have had to be made. Strictly for financial reasons, the board has decided that the positions of the Charge Nurse Manager and the Director of Operations will be eliminated.  In place, the lodge is presently seeking a Personal Care Aide Manager and an Office Manager.

 The board is committed to maintain a high standard of care for its residents and we are confident that these changes will have little to no effect to the care that the residents are accustom to. There will be no other staff reductions at this time and all union positions will remain as they are.

The board is dedicated to keep the Eaglestone Lodge operating for the benefit of its residents and the community. Public Health has ordered us to replace all the kitchen cupboards, countertops and cooking utensils. We are writing letters of support for donations and grant monies to fund this required project which we estimate will cost between $40,000 to $50,000.

We would also like to replace the broken old tables in the dining room and the furniture in the common area.  We want to develop the courtyard area for the residents with more trees and places to sit and enjoy the outdoors. This will all need to be funded through donations, and fundraising. If anyone is interested in helping with these improvements, we would greatly appreciate your support.

We are looking for your support and understanding of the board’s decision with this restructuring to ensure that the Eaglestone Lodge remains open for years to come.  We look forward to the end of the virus and back to some normalcy for all of us. We are excited about what’s to come. Again, the board thanks you for your continued support and understanding.

Sincerely,

Colleen Pennell, President

Eaglestone Lodge Personal Care Home Inc.

EAGLESTONE LODGE FORCED TO CUT EXPENSES

April 28, 2021

Eaglestone Lodge, a non-profit corporation that provides accommodation, meals and care to elderly residents in Kamsack, has been forced to reduce its operating expenses. 

According to Colleen Pennell, newly elected president of the Eaglestone Lodge board of directors, the facility has been losing more than $15,000 per month. Unless residency rates are increased and expenses are cut, Eaglestone is on track to lose another $80,000 by August 31, 2021.  

“Tough decisions have been made to keep Eaglestone Lodge open for residents and the community,” said Pennell. “We have increased residency rates by 10% effective June 01, and we will significantly reduce operating expenses.” 

Eaglestone Lodge is licenced by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health and is compliant with the Personal Care Home Act and Regulations. It’s current board of directors, elected February 24, 2021, are also directors of the Eaglestone Lodge non-profit corporation that employs staff, applies for licence renewals and operates the facility. Eaglestone Lodge Inc. is also a registered charity. 

“The new board of directors was elected ten weeks ago. Since then we have assessed the financial situation and are moving ahead with a restructuring plan,” said Pennell.  

Working with the Health Ministry’s personal care home consultants, Eaglestone’s board began  by reducing the capacity of the lodge from 42 to 30 full-care residents. Reduced capacity means that Eaglestone is no longer required to employ a full-time registered nurse.  

“We will be running the facility with 30 full-care beds and five independent suite renters,” said Pennell. There are currently 25 full-care residents and rooms for five more. 

“We could not increase the residency rates any further, so we have been forced to cut expenses,” said Pennell. 

Cost cutting measures include replacing the charge nurse position with a full time personal care aide manager, and replacing the director of operations position with an office manager. 

The nurse position will be eliminated effective May 28, 2021 and the Director of Operations position will end June 25, 2021. The full time personal care aide manager position and the office manager positions are now being advertised.

“I would like to assure all Eaglestone residents and their families that health care professionals and Eaglestone Lodge staff will continue to provide required care during this challenging time,” said Pennell.  

Eaglestone Lodge is a Level One and Level Two assisted living facility. It is part of a larger health and long-term care complex based in Kamsack. Health care in Eaglestone is supplemented by the Kamsack Nursing Home, offering Level Three and Level Four care, and the Kamsack District Hospital. Both of these facilities are funded and managed by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).  

The Assiniboine Valley Medical Centre also provides access to doctors and dentists in Kamsack. The medical walk-in clinic is operated by the Assiniboine Valley Health & Wellness Foundation Inc., an incorporated registered charity formed in 2013. The Emergency Medical Services (EMS 

or Ambulance) organization based in Kamsack is also an important component of local health care. 

All four health service providers are aware of the changes scheduled to take place at Eaglestone and are committed to maintain their high standards of care. 

Eaglestone Lodge Inc. provides employment to 25 full-time and part-time personal care home workers. In the 2019-2020 fiscal year it paid out $663,500 in wages. The Lodge is not government subsidized. Virtually all of its revenue comes from fees charged to residents and independent suite renters. Donations are very welcome.  

The Eaglestone Lodge volunteer board of directors appreciates the hard work and dedication of its staff and will continue to operate this facility in a fair and fiscally responsible manner. 

To learn more about Eaglestone Lodge, please visit their website: eaglestonelodge.com