A Winter Message from CEO Grace Sweatman

In October 2006, Christie Gardens had the privilege of being accredited through CARF-CCAC. It was a singular honour, made the more so by the fact that we were the first in Canada accredited as a Continuing Care Retirement Community. CARF-CCAC had also developed new standards for Person Centered Long Term Care. Once again we led the way as the first seniors’ community in the world to be accredited under these new standards. Our accreditation was for five years.

And so, fast forward to September 2011. After countless hours of preparation, and much learning on the part of many staff, service providers, residents and family members, we were surveyed once again. We had reviewed the new standards, over 4000 of them, and were very eager to share our results with the team of surveyors. They in turn were interested in the decision we had made in the intervening years, that is “to make the transition to a fully self funded care home”. They did indeed survey every aspect of Christie Gardens. The most rewarding part of the whole exercise however was the “Exemplary Conformance” we were awarded.

The organization has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to its mission by implementing a significant change in how long-term care is financed. Current regulatory processes interfered with the organization’s stated purpose of providing a full continuum of care. The only way residents could be guaranteed admission to the long-term care unit of the organization was to opt out of the government funding program. The board of the organization, with staff leadership, performed an exhaustive review of the implications of this change and determined that it was necessary to meet the stated mission of the organization. This change has been fully embraced by all levels of leadership and other stakeholders and demonstrated strength of commitment.

We are very proud of this recognition. I would like to express my appreciation to the Board of Directors who provided the leadership necessary to make this vital decision. This team, a seven member group of dedicated volunteers each bring particular expertise to the table. They are led by Mr. David Alexander the Founding President and Chairman, and for us the “Senior Statesman”, who established the vision and paved the way to make Christie Gardens what it is today.

Grace Sweatman, Chief Executive Officer