INNISFAIL - Alberta Health Services (AHS) has asked the seniors lodges managed by Parkland Foundation to provide updated contact information in preparation for future COVID vaccinations.
Connie Huelsman, the chair of Parkland Foundation that manages 102 seniors’ suites in Bowden, Innisfail and Penhold, said AHS is coordinating all the vaccinations for each of the region’s five lodge facilities, as well as health-care sites and homecare providers. Parkland Foundation oversees the operations of Innisfail’s new $22 million Autumn Grove facility and Dodd’s Lake Manor, Westview Manor and Bow-Glen Court in Bowden, and Penhold Royal Manor.
Huelsman said while Parkland Foundation was also told last week that all of its lodges were notified of the AHS request, none of the lodges from the three communities have yet been given a timeline for vaccinations.
“They have not been notified yet of any kind of date for vaccinations,” she said noting that vaccinations are being scheduled on a priority basis as established by AHS. First priority will be given to long-term care and designated supportive living residents and staff.
Huelsman added Parkland Foundation has not yet heard when voluntary vaccinations will be scheduled for Autumn Grove residents and staff. She added each site will be contacted directly by AHS when next in line for the vaccine.
“We are ready and set to go. Alberta Health Services will do the scheduling of everything,” said Huelsman.
In the meantime, Huelsman said there have been no reported positive COVID cases in any of the foundation’s lodges.
“We have been so vigilant and staff has worked so hard to keep the COVID away and they should be commended for this,” said Huelsman. “And families have gone above and beyond as well."
