Creating Community Spaces 

One of the highlights of our tour was the vibrant café, managed by Jonas, the recreation assistant. This welcoming space is more than just a place to grab coffee; it has become the beating heart of the Manor’s community. 

As we passed by the café, we were greeted by a lively scene. A group of seniors sat at one table, savoring freshly baked cookies and sipping coffee, their laughter filling the air. At another table, two women were deeply engrossed in a game of Scrabble, debating the legitimacy of a word with playful banter. In the corner, a small group was huddled around a deck of cards, their faces lighting up with excitement as the game unfolded. Jonas moved effortlessly between the groups, sharing a quick joke here, a refill of tea there, and ensuring everyone felt welcome and engaged. 

This café isn’t just a room — it’s a hub of connection and joy. During the pandemic, the team adapted the space with creativity and care, introducing safe ways for residents to gather while preserving the sense of belonging so vital to their well-being.

Personalized Living for Comfort and Confidence

St. Marguerite Manor’s private suites are thoughtfully designed with ensuite bathrooms, promoting both comfort and independence. For residents who enjoy a calming soak, the option of a soaker tub in addition to a shower is a small but meaningful detail that reflects the team’s attention to personal preferences.

That same dedication to individualized care is evident in the Manor’s proactive approach to reducing falls. Instead of relying solely on traditional methods such as fall mats or alarms, the team prioritizes customized orientation support for every new resident. For instance, new residents are guided through a process to help them feel confident in their environment — including mapping out furniture layouts that resemble their previous homes.

One touching example involved a resident who felt unsettled because her bed had been positioned differently than at home. Recognizing this discomfort, the team collaborated with her to recreate her bedroom setup as closely as possible. That single change brought her peace of mind and demonstrated how small adjustments can have a big emotional impact.

By honoring the routines and preferences residents bring with them, the Manor creates spaces that feel familiar and empowering, not institutional.

Sharing Knowledge, Building Community

The team at St. Marguerite Manor is not only committed to exceptional care within their walls but also to sharing their learning beyond them. Jonas, the recreation assistant, was preparing to present at both Alberta Health Services and the Alberta Therapy Conference. These presentations will highlight the Manor’s creative approaches to building community, promoting safety, and improving quality of life for residents.

This commitment to innovation and knowledge sharing reflects Covenant Health’s leadership in supportive living and long term care. As senior care continues to evolve, facilities like St. Marguerite Manor remind us of the power of purpose-driven design and compassion in transforming the way we age.

At CHAA, we are proud to count Covenant Health among our member organizations and look forward to the continued impact of their thoughtful, resident-centered work.