Alberta Continuing Care Association Awards of Excellence 2020

November 19, 2020

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Pictured: BSF Senior Management and IDQI representatives pictured with Research and Innovative Practice Manager Navjot Virk (front middle), and Care Provider of the Year “COVID Heroes" recipient Sarah Allen (left), and finalist Stacy Liu (right).

On behalf of The Brenda Strafford Foundation, it is with great pride that I share The Foundation’s success at the ACCA ‘Awards of Excellence’ announced yesterday at their virtual Annual General Meeting.

Innovator of the Year Award

The Brenda Strafford Foundation was named ‘Innovator of the Year’ for a second time, as we previously received this prestigious industry recognition in 2018. This is a testament to The Foundation’s ongoing commitment to research and innovation in seniors’ care, as we strive to constantly improve and innovate our approaches to care and services not only within our sites, but also within the communities where we operate, and beyond.

The Foundation’s commitment to research and innovation that drives continuous quality improvement is evidenced by our several industry-leading clinical practices such as our COVID-19 response including establishing Isolation Units, as well as our ongoing clinical programs for Palliative Care, Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics, Falls Prevention and Wound Care. This recognition also celebrates programs such as our BSF ‘Rhythms of Life’ Drum Circles, ‘The BSF Way,’ and ‘Pursuit of a Lifetime’ initiatives that all help to improve residents quality of life.

Thank you to everyone throughout The Foundation for your commitment to innovation and continuous quality improvement, making this recognition possible.

Care Provider of the Year – “COVID HEROES”

Recipient: Sarah Allen

Sarah is a Recreation Therapist Aide from the Bow View Adult Day Program (ADP). Due to COVID-19, all ADP were mandated to close. Sarah returned to Bow View Manor in July, and quickly put a plan in place to engage all 120+ clients from a distance. Sarah developed our “Staying Connected” program which includes daily virtual activities such as seated exercise, virtual tours, musical entertainment, interactive word games, reminiscing, and soon she will be doing art programs! She also completes countless phone calls and sends out activity packages to make sure our clients without computers can stay connected as well. There was a noticeable improvement in the well-being of clients once “Staying Connected” began, stating their world is “a little more normal” and “a little less lonely.”

Congratulations Sarah for being selected as a deserving recipient of this award!

Finalist: Stacy Liu

Stacy is a Registered Nurse at Bow View Manor. Her compassion working with the senior population is evident. Stacy always ensures that residents, families and staff feel comfortable, respected and needed. She advocates for residents and ensures that care plans are resident-centred. Her positive attitude, combined with her exceptional nursing knowledge and skills make Stacy an outstanding RN. Stacy has been a wonderful resource for staff and an excellent leader through the pandemic helping to implement changes according to the CMOH Orders, answer families’ questions, and continuing to find ways to meet residents’ needs through these challenging times.

Stacy is a deserving nominee for this award!


The ACCA Awards of Excellence highlight individuals and organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life of the people in their care. The Foundation is honoured to be recognized in the industry for our contributions to optimizing the well-being and enriching the lives of those we serve, especially during these challenging times.

We are BSF Strong!

Sincerely,         

Mike Conroy
President and CEO

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