Our population is changing. They're living longer, they want to live healthier,
and they want to live more engaged. They want to live out of isolation and they
want to live independently for as long as possible. To do that, there are changing
needs and colleges are a wonderful resource to help deliver particular
services and it's nice to see that Algonquin College here, it's doing a
seniors' program.
I have about 25 years of retirement home operations experience, and I've also
worked in long-term care and hospitals. I collaborated with many men and women that are currently in
the industry to develop the criteria to go forward. The course will cover all
bases of running a retirement communities operation including managing residents, the seniors, staff and
ensuring that quality programs and that the intent of the retirement home act are being met.
So I enrolled in the program, I've worked in the industry before when I was going through
university. I did five years in retirement homes and then after university
and then I kind of changed directions so I'm trying to get back into the
industry and I feel like this will just give me a heads up in a big boost in what
sort of skills I'll have to offer employers
The solution to the challenges of the aging population are very very multi-faceted
and includes education and includes training. There's a tremendous number of
retirement homes, it's a regulated business and Algonquin will be on the cutting edge
and have a certificate program that will enable people to learn about the
regulations and the laws in terms of how to manage residences for seniors.
Students will learn rights of the residents and ensure that when they
go into the industry when they go back to the retirement homes
that first and foremost safety and security of seniors is utmost in their minds
as they work through their days of management.
Creates career opportunities as well for Algonquin students to be able to access that type of program.
So we're very excited that it creates tremendous opportunities for young people
who are thinking in terms of careers as well.
It's getting that industry experience, working with people that are actually in the industry
all the teachers have experience and know what they're doing and meeting other students
This is going to be a long way in providing services improving the
life for seniors anything we can do to improve the life for our seniors, it's better.