By Brian Lawrence
Current and former staff joined residents for an afternoon celebration on Nov. 22 as Swan Valley Lodge marked a half-century of service.
“I would not say we’re fifty years old — we’re 50 years young,” said manager Walter Felitsyn as he greeted the assembled guests.
The residential care facility opened in November 1968, following planning spearheaded by the local Senior Citizens’ Housing Society. A 1995 expansion saw the construction of the Mountain View Terrace and Rosalie Harris units, and the Interior Health Authority updated the care environment of the Purcell Way and Pioneer wings in 2005.
The building itself, though, is just the beginning of what makes Swan Valley Lodge (SVL) special: The people, staff and residents alike, make it a home.
“It is great to hear that the most commonly used words to describe Swan Valley Lodge by the individuals in our care, their families, visitors, and staff are ‘home’ and ‘family,’ ” Felitsyn said in a press release.
And it’s a big family. Ninety individuals, through 84 permanent beds and six convalescent/respite beds, live there, with daily care and support provided by more than 75 health-care assistants, eight registered nurses, 26 licensed practical nurses, 10 recreation workers, 35 support services workers, three maintenance employees, and five rehabilitation services staff.
“I believe the staff do a really good job of making people feel like they’re at home,” Felitsyn told the crowd.
His remarks were followed by briefs comments by Jeff Betker, East Kootenay health service administrator for long-term care, who credited the SVL department heads for helping create the home’s atmosphere.
“Recently, as I was sitting in the front entrance area at Swan Valley Lodge, it quickly became apparent how happy and friendly the home is,” he said in a press release. “I was warmly greeted by anyone who passed by, people in our care, family and staff alike. I don’t think anyone knew who I was, but all made me feel at home.”
Recreation and community-building services include daily entertainment, such as live music, and a variety of activities for both residents and adult day program clients from the community.
“We try to introduce something new every day,” said Felitsyn.
Simon Lazarchuk, who was SVL’s activity coordinator for 22 years starting in 1989, reminisced about taking residents on outings and camping trips — and the challenge of helping residents in whatever way they needed.
“I remember barging into women’s washrooms and going, ‘It’s OK, it’s OK. I’m here to help,’ ” he told the audience.
With a background in recreation therapy, Lazarchuk pushed for rehabilitation services to be offered as SVL.
“I’m really glad to see things are going really strong and really well today,” he said.
Adding to the homey feel, SVL has an on-site hair salon, and kitchenettes and entertainment spaces in each unit, as well as gardens with gazebos. And there are furry friends: two live-in cats (Purcella and Cali), volunteer visitor dogs (Raven, Ebony, Max, and Timber), as well as other animal friends who visit residents.
The feelings are well summed up by a poem, “Angels”, a resident wrote for staff in July 2016:
Some say there are no angels on earth.
That’s not true, I say.
They are here in Swan Valley Lodge,
Serving in every way.
I’m greeted with the warmest smiles
And the touch of a gentle hand,
I may be called by other names,
Still, all know who I am.
Meals are served with loving care,
They ask if I’m okay,
Having those angels always near,
Brightens another day.
Carol Cox, whose mother, Stephanie Ruczak, lived at SVL until her death in 2017, also appreciated the care the staff provided.
“They create an atmosphere of family and a safe and welcoming environment,” she said in a press release. “We loved our mom so very much and could not have asked for better care.”