Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Long-term care facilities provide an essential and critical service to our elders population, along with society as a whole. Long-term care facilities, very much like the elders' home in Fort Simpson, provide our elders with 24-hour professional care in terms of their physical, mental, emotional, social, and often psychological needs. Many of our elders require 24-hour care, much of which the family is unable to provide. Consequently, making the decision to place loved ones in long-term facility is never an easy one.
When an elder moves from their place of residence to a facility, there is always a very stressful and emotional time of transition. More often than not, the elder is not able to express their personal autonomy in this decision. In these times, the professional staff offering the elder a great measure of compassion, kindness, and consideration in terms of this life-changing transition is critical.
Long-term care facilities not only meet the essential needs of the elderly population; they also assist with activities of daily living, medical help, monitoring and administration of medication, nutritious food, and the access to traditionally prepared food on a daily basis, with the health, safety, and wellness of our elders a continuous focus and priority. They often offer essential services which stimulate the fundamental need for socialization, independence, and interdependence.
Showcasing the Fort Simpson elders' home is exactly that; a home, not an institution, nor does it look or operate as such. The management and staff at the elders' home deliver exemplary, high-quality service to our elders, providing not only professional care, but compassionate, person-centred care with an optimal team approach to each resident's need. The staff is critically sensitive and aware of the culture of the residents who they serve and go out of their way to provide traditional food on an ongoing businesses. Family and community members are encouraged to participate in any and all activities and are warmly welcomed by all staff members.
A critical piece of this incredible service offered to our elders is the representation and delivery of the meals that they receive. The meals are prepared and placed on Bunsen burners to keep them warm, put on a trolley, and served to each resident in their individual seats. Residents can then choose what they would like to eat and the proportion size, hence encouraging independence and autonomy.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the management and staff of the Fort Simpson elders' home for the generous love and care that they express to our elders each and every day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.