At Autumn House Independent Living Facility in Gull Lake, SK, it’s all about the personal touch. From home-cooked meals and group activities to comfy features such as artwork and gardens, residents are invited to feel that Autumn House is truly theirs.
“Our mission is to create a homelike atmosphere where each individual can feel like they can make this place their home,” says Samantha Shackleton, managing administrator at Autumn House. “We strive to meet our mission statement each day, which is ‘Care, Comfort & Community’.”
For example, before moving into their suite, residents are given the opportunity to furnish and decorate their space. If they wish, they can even paint the walls. Furnished rooms are available as well and include a bed, table, dresser and wardrobe. It’s up to them. It’s their home, after all.
Once they’ve settled, residents can take advantage of the range of amenities on offer at Autumn House, such as the daily meals, Laundry, and medication assistance.
“Convenient, healthy and balanced meals reduce the need for grocery shopping, cooking and meal preparation,” Shackleton explains. “This can be helpful for those who may have difficulty with meal preparation due to mobility limitations or cognitive impairment. Reducing physical strain can also free up time for other activities.”
And there’s a lot to do at Autumn House.
Residents can maintain personal hygiene and grooming by making an appointment with the hairdresser, who visits weekly, or by using the tub and chair lifts to assist in regular baths. There are weekly church services, ice cream socials and musical performances. Outdoor spaces provide the opportunity for walking, gardening or just sitting outside and visiting. A taxi service is available for a small fee.
Assisting the Autumn House community is a compassionate staff on site 24/7. Shackleton underlines their importance not only to the facility itself, but also to the residents personally.
“Our well-trained staff value respect, compassion and consistency and tailor care plans for each resident, creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere,” she says. “We also prioritize open communication and continuous training. If our staff are happy and feel acknowledged, it means they’ll bring a positive attitude in their interactions with our residents.”
Shackleton cites one resident, specifically, who told her that she enjoys joking around with staff members and appreciates the level of care she receives. She’s confident that help is there when needed. Another resident, she recalls, valued the kindness of not only the staff but also the other residents. Although, she jokes, the best part for him was having three good meals a day and getting his laundry done.
“Our residents can keep their sense of independence,” she says. “They can come and go as they please, have visitors throughout the day, and be involved in the decision-making as to meals and activities.”
Autumn House is wheelchair accessible and governed by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health guidelines. For those weighing the cost of living at Autumn House, she points to the Personal Care Home Benefit that provides seniors with monthly financial assistance to help them with the cost of living.
“To be eligible for these benefits, you have to be 65 years old or older and a resident of Saskatchewan who lives in a licensed personal care home,” Jackson explains. “You also have to receive old age security and have a monthly income below specified levels.” (More information on the Personal Care Home Benefit can be found here.)
Shackleton concludes by retelling a recent interaction she had while speaking to residents. They told her the kindness and care shown by the staff was a highlight, and that they really valued the friendships they made with one another.
Autumn House Independent Living Facility is located on Green St. in Gull Lake, approximately half-an-hour southwest of Swift Current. They can be reached by calling (306) 672-3672, and further information is available on their website.
